Fresh Start Newsletter

Volume 2, Issue 2

February 8, 2023

Fresh Start Khabar

Khabar, "news" in Farsi, is Fresh Start's monthly newsletter.

Your generosity has given Fresh Start the ability to help families with direct resettlement efforts, employment search, and skill-building initiatives. Thank you for the support that has made this possible! Keep an eye out for all the exciting things coming up in 2023 including more workshops, training, and community events. More than ever, we need volunteers. Please consider donating your time to the community.

Whether you can help with linguistic needs, create resumes, line up jobs, or provide transportation, Fresh Start needs you! Visit our website and sign up to become a volunteer.

One Family's Journey to Safety

Fresh Start is dedicated to helping improve the lives of the most vulnerable families who have given up everything familiar to them for the safety and security of a new home in an unfamiliar country. The journey to safety, resettlement, and rebuilding in the US is one of challenges and roadblocks. This was no exception for a family of five whom we have had the pleasure of helping this past month. The family, including parents and their three young daughters, whose journey to the states was dangerous and difficult, arrived without access to resources. With the support of the generous interfaith community, Fresh Start and our partners raised funds to help cover one year of basic shelter and living expenses for the family. Volunteers assisted the family with doctor appointments for medical exams and necessary vaccinations. The children were enrolled in school and for the first time in over a year, they had some normalcy restored. Mom has started ESL classes through our program where she has built connections and made friends to help her acclimate to her new neighborhood. Fresh Start will continue to work closely with our community patterns to support the family through the next steps of resettlement. We wish the family peace and prosperity as they rebuild their new lives.

Shab-E-Yalda

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In partnership with NoVA RAFT, we were able to support the outstanding youth leaders from Alexandria City High School as they planned and held a celebration for Shab-e-Yalda, celebrating the winter solstice. These incredible youth leaders are creating a space of comfort and safety for their peers who are adjusting to life here while sharing Afghan culture with the community.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

We are seeking volunteers who can help with our ESL classes. Volunteers attend our Thursday classes in Alexandria, VA and help by leading group conversations with students to allow them to practice speaking English. This is a great opportunity to make connections and provide support for the community. Please consider signing up using the link below.

ESL Volunteer Sign up

DONATE

Please consider donating to Fresh Start Refugee Assistance Center

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