How YOU can help the refugees from Afghanistan
Photo Credit: Kenny Holston/New York Times. Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, VA Aug 25, 2021
The withdrawal of U.S. forces in Afghanistan is complete. The mission of Catholic Charities Atlanta (CCA) to help the evacuated families of those who have supported America’s efforts in Afghanistan over the past 20 years is now underway.
“Rebuilding your life is not easy,” Vanessa Russell, CEO of Catholic Charities Atlanta stated. “These courageous families escaped with just what they could carry. They are brave, resilient, and optimistic about their future. We will welcome these families with a grateful heart and help them integrate and thrive in their new home here in Atlanta.”
Our Mission to Welcome Refugees
Nasra Yonis, Refugee Youth Education Coord., at After School Program event.
Catholic Charities Atlanta has been welcoming refugees to the Atlanta area since the 1960’s. The extensive resettlement services we offer are designed to help refugees achieve economic and social self-sufficiency within 6 months of arriving in the United States. This includes greeting families at the airport, finding stable housing and furnishing their apartment, assisting with job placement, enrolling in English language classes, establishing household budgets, enrolling children in school and ensuring families are involved socially and integrating into the community. Evacuees from Afghanistan who are affiliated with U.S. missions and supported the U.S. efforts in Afghanistan need our help now.
We are currently accepting financial and in-kind donations in order to support these families; your support is critical to our success. See the ways that you can help below:
HERE ARE WAYS YOU CAN HELP
(1) DONATE NOW BY CLICKING HERE.
At this time, the best way to assist is through funding our Refugee Resettlement Services Program. We need more funds to pay for hotels and airbnbs for short-term housing while apartments are found and set up. The current housing crisis has added to our struggle in finding long-term, stable housing for these families and therefore we are even more reliant on temporary housing.
You have the option to make a one-time donation or a recurring gift.
Your donation will already be designated for the “Afghanistan Refugee Resettlement Services” and you can add an additional comment further explaining your request.
(2) PURCHASE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR REFUGEE FAMILIES BY CLICKING HERE.
We have created an Amazon Wish List full of items specifically for the Afghan refugees. This includes: Mattress covers, car seats, first aid kits, cleaning supplies, games for families, backpacks for children, and more.
When checking out, ship to “Ashlin Nebrig’s Gift Registry Address”. This will appear under “Other addresses” when checking out.
Here are just a few of the items refugee families need.
This list can be used as a guide for purchasing items to donate from other stores such as Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, or Macy’s, which may have similar or equivalent items. Please send these items to Ashlin Nebrig at 2305 Parklake DR NE building 9 suite 150, Atlanta, GA 30345.
Alternatively, a Welcome Home Basket can be prepared for arriving Afghan families. For questions or to schedule the drop off, please contact Ashlin Nebrig at anebrig@ccatlanta.org
(3) REFUGEE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
One of the goals of Refugee Services is to help refugee parents and youth navigate American schools and help parents become more involved in their children’s education. Services are focused on newly arrived refugee parents and school-aged youth:
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- Refugee Youth Mentoring Program: Mentors are matched one-to-one with refugee youth between the ages of 9 and 17 of all nationalities. Mentors will act as self-esteem boosters, tutors, role-models, and friends and assist and encourage refugee youth as they develop their skills and talents. We are specifically looking for male mentors. If you are interested in being a youth mentor, email Erin Maclay at emaclay@ccatlanta.org or click here to learn more.
COMMITMENT: Willing to meet with mentee weekly for two hours per week for one year, typically in or near Clarkston, GA. This opportunity is a 12 month commitment based on start date. Virtual meetings are suggested for safety concerns at this time.
- Refugee Youth Mentoring Program: Mentors are matched one-to-one with refugee youth between the ages of 9 and 17 of all nationalities. Mentors will act as self-esteem boosters, tutors, role-models, and friends and assist and encourage refugee youth as they develop their skills and talents. We are specifically looking for male mentors. If you are interested in being a youth mentor, email Erin Maclay at emaclay@ccatlanta.org or click here to learn more.
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- After School Program Tutor: The afterschool program is designed to provide academic support as well as social and emotional support to thirty refugee students identified by the school as requiring additional support to succeed in the academic environment. In addition to Refugee Services team members, community volunteers also support the program. If you are interested in becoming a tutor, email Erin Maclay at emaclay@ccatlanta.org or click here to learn more.
COMMITMENT: At least one day per week: a “day” being Monday through Thursday from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. This opportunity is broken down into two semesters: October – December and January – May. This is currently a virtual opportunity until the further notice.
- After School Program Tutor: The afterschool program is designed to provide academic support as well as social and emotional support to thirty refugee students identified by the school as requiring additional support to succeed in the academic environment. In addition to Refugee Services team members, community volunteers also support the program. If you are interested in becoming a tutor, email Erin Maclay at emaclay@ccatlanta.org or click here to learn more.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
If you are trying to contact or help someone still in Afghanistan, see the resources below.
Catholic Charities Atlanta does not process overseas applications for resettlement; our assistance begins once refugees have arrived in Atlanta. However, we have collected the following information that may be helpful to those looking for resources on family reunification.
Georgians can contact the offices of Senator Jon Ossoff or Raphael Warnock for information about family members or friends in Afghanistan. Please have as much of the following information ready to share:
- Full names of all the people
- Dates of birth
- Legal Status (US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident)
- Passport number and Country
- Local contact for the embassy in Kabul to use (phone and/or email)
- Back up contact information
- Are there any pending visa cases or petitions filed on their behalf
- Any additional important information
Email Address: afg-evac@ossoff.senate.gov
Phone Numbers:
– Jon Ossoff, (202) 224-3521
– Raphael Warnock, (202) 224-3643
Example phone message:
“I’m calling because I have family in Afghanistan and they need to leave because they are not safe. I need to talk with someone in your office who can help me. My name is _______, my phone number is ______, and my family (ex: worked as translators).
Senator Tom Cotton (Arkansas) has also released the following statement with contact information:
“If you’re an American stranded in Afghanistan, or know one who is, please contact my office immediately at: (501) 223-9081 or evac@cotton.senate.gov . The situation is dire, but we’ll do everything in our power to help keep you informed and to help get you out.”
Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans:
Also See: How To Get a Visa
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Afghanistan Evacuation Resource Page:
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