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Refugee Response
Afghan Refugee Response
(updated 1/27/22)
Agudas Achim – You Rock!
Thanks to the generosity and support of the Agudas Achim community, "our" two Afghan Refugee Ally families have settled into their new homes not far from Agudas. Those efforts are a good start but there is more to do to support them. The post-arrival period continues to be particularly intense as they become integrated into life in Northern Virginia. They are effectively starting over from scratch. For this next stage, we plan to support them by providing guidance on obtaining drivers' licenses, submitting job applications, setting up bank accounts, finding medical assistance and registering for English classes.
It takes a community to rebuild lives.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Please consider volunteering in some of the following ways:
- JOBS: Provide help with job applications, networking, and maintaining a job once employed. Specifically, assist with the use of job search portals (Indeed, Snag, LinkedIn) as well as how and when to follow up with employers and widening horizons when looking for jobs.
- GENERAL FINANCIAL LIFE SKILLS: Assist with setting up a bank account, paying required bills, establishing good credit, and planning for future goals.
- TRANSPORTATION: Help them access and navigate public transportation. Provide behind the wheel experience so they can get their driver's license. Provide rides to appointments.
- HEALTHCARE: Assist them in finding primary health providers, arrange for specialized medical care, follow-up medical and dental appointments.
- EDUCATION: Help enroll the young children in preschool. Support adults access to English language and job training.
- DAILY TASKS: Assist with learning how to accomplish daily tasks and to take full advantage of services in the community as well as elements of American culture and life that they may need help with, such as access local resources, the library, local parks, appliances, technology, etc.
- FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Donate to the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund and earmark your contributions for refugee families. This will help cover expenses such as utility bills, transportation costs, and other necessities. Gift cards for Target and Aldi are also welcome and needed.
Thank you all for participating in this community-wide effort of Hachnasat Orachim (welcoming the stranger).
Sun, January 29 2023
7 Shevat 5783
Support Refugee Families - Additional Opportunities
Please consider volunteering with NOVA RAFT, a grassroots organization dedicated to resettling Afghan refugees.
Move-In Day Notice, November 3, 2021
Refugee Response Update, October 18, 2021
A letter to the Agudas Achim Community, September 1, 2021
Launching Agudas Achim's Refugee Assistance Effort, September 1, 2021
Read This Letter from the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.
An Update and Thank You to the Agudas Achim Community, January 27, 2022
Gift Card Collection
Lutheran Social Services has an immediate need for gift cards from Visa, Target, Walmart, Giant, Uber, and Lyft. To assist refugees new to the area, gift cards in any amount may be dropped off in the synagogue office or at the homes of Barbara Elkin (south of Old Town Alexandria), Mindi Maline (Fairfax), and Samara Weinstein (Arlington). The cards will be delivered to Lutheran Social Services and put to use immediately to help refugees purchase food, necessities, and transportation. Questions? Contact Barbara Elkin.