The Heart Channels is delighted to share with you the stories and some wonderful updates of the refugee families we are helping resettle in the USA. Together we are making a difference in the lives of these individuals and families who are at a critical crossroads in their life. |
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Success Stories & Updates |
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Helping Refugee Families Resettle in the USA |
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In 2021 the US withdrawal from Afghanistan left many families, whose members had worked for the US Army, in dire danger from the Taliban. The U.S. State Department WelcomeCorps.org helped us learn how to support these newcomer friends who were in need of housing, English classes, and medical and job support. |
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UPDATE: Through our generous donors, we are now able to help 4 families who are beginning their new life in America. NOTE: Some of the names have been changed to protect the privacy of the families. |
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"Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for that one person, and in turn, influence generations to come." |
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Our First Family: Zahra was 6 months pregnant when her family had to flee their country. She had been an executive with the Save the Children Foundation, but fell very ill upon her arrival in the U.S. With the help of many donors we were able to get them an apartment, while transportation and medical volunteers connected her with local medical care. She learned that her baby had a different blood type than hers and was in distress. Through modern medicine baby Roya (shown left) received three in-utero blood transfusions, and is now happy and healthy! Mom is now working for Contra Costa County, honing her skills for her new career. |
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UPDATE: Zahra’s oldest daughter, Soraya was traumatized by the death of her grandmother and the violence surrounding their move to the U.S. Soraya did not know English and did not want to attend school. Donors stepped in to fund tutoring for Soraya in math and English, and today she is happily attending a local elementary school. | | |
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NEED: We would love to continue to fund Soraya’s tutoring in English and Math. $150 pays for one month of lessons. |
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Amirzad Family: Mr. Amirzad worked as a nurse administrator in Kabul, right on the U.S. Army base. He and his family fled by way of the Kabul airport on one of the last planes to depart. We welcomed the Amirzad family, none of whom spoke English, just before Christmas 2021. |
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UPDATE: The Amirzad children have been attending the Meher Schools in Lafayette, CA through donations by community members who wanted to support the children through their elementary school years in a loving, supportive environment. All the children are now fluent in English and thriving at their school. Bibi Ayesha, the oldest, will be graduating from 5th grade in May! She is seen giving the “peace” sign at a Girl Scout camping trip. Abrahim is now working as a driver while he and his wife continue their English studies. Abrahim looks forward to beginning to use his English to work again at his chosen profession, nursing. | | |
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THE NEED: When the Amirzads came, baby Weesta (seen above) was just 7 months old. Now she is an energetic, engaged and loving toddler who cries to join her older siblings at a pre-school at the Meher Schools. We would love to facilitate her education if donations come to us for this purpose. |
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Our Newest Family: Did you know that every year the U.S. State Department holds an immigration lottery? Neither did we! Every year 8 million people apply from around the world, and only 50,000 are chosen for this special Diversity Visa. But in December of 2023 we received a call from a family that their brother and his wife, who were left in Afghanistan, had won the lottery! And, they were expected to arrive in just a few days. We sprang into action and were able to find temporary housing for them, and have now helped them settle into their own apartment. | | |
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THE NEED: Your donations would help them with rental assistance for 6 months. The brother already has his learner’s permit, and their green cards arrived just a week ago! This allows them to begin to work right away to build their new life. |
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We sincerely thank all our generous donors for their commitment to The Heart Channels. You fuel our growth, expand our reach, and deepen our impact. Thanks to you, we have channeled positive change into the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our communities. |
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Tune in to help! Please visit our website to find out how you can get hooked on helping. -Annie | | |
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