Volume 1, Issue 3
February 10, 2022
Fresh Start Khabar
Khabar, "news" in farsi, is Fresh Start's monthly newsletter. Have a story or photo of Fresh Start members making an impact? Please share them with our team and it will be included in the next issue.

The community’s support has given Fresh Start the ability to help 306 individuals with direct resettlement efforts. We would like to thank you for the continued support that has made this possible and hope to continue these efforts as we strive to develop and implement more programs with our partners for the evolving resettlement needs of Afghan families. Whether you can help with linguistic needs, create resumes and line up jobs, or provide transportation, Fresh Start needs you! Visit our website and sign up to become a volunteer.
Partnership Spotlight
Afghan Refugee Crisis Committee

Afghan Refugee Crisis Committee: Is a collaboration between five Afghan American and Muslim led organizations who united their efforts to support the needs of resettling Afghans in Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland. ARCC’s goal is to assist refugees achieve economic self-sufficiency quickly. The committee’s ability to provide the cultural understanding and communication in the families’ native languages such as Dari and Pashto allows for a level of cultural awareness that will ensure a smooth transition into society. 
Community Engagement
Fresh Start had the honor of participating in a baby shower celebration for first-time Afghan mother, Mina, and her newborn baby daughter, Sophia. Together, with members of the Congregation Etz Hayim, we showered the family with gifts and enjoyed traditional Afghan tea, pastries and deserts. Mina and her husband (both not pictured for privacy) shared stories of their lives in Afghanistan, including their wedding album, with the group. Mina expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to socialize and build new friendships.
We continue to collect in-kind donations to help furnish the homes of resettling Afghans. 

As our families start enrolling into public schools, english courses, and apply for jobs they are in need of computers. We are accepting donations for new or gently used computer desktops, laptops, ipads or chrome books. Thank you for your contributions! 
Advocacy
Fresh Start participated in its very first Virginia Refugee Advocacy Day held virtually on Jan 19. Virginia’s policymakers were urged to take action to support refugees’ integration through workforce development initiatives, make critical investments in the long-term integration and economic success of new Americans, and strengthen access to affordable housing for all Virginians, including Afghan refugees recently arrived. Our very own, Zainab Nazary chair of Advocacy, pictured below during the event.


Afghan Adjustment Act (AAA)
According to USCIS, humanitarian parole is utilized to admit non-citizens into the United States in circumstances involving an urgent humanitarian reason or for whom there is a significant public health benefit. The utility of humanitarian parole is that it provides a two-year opportunity to allow for individuals to then apply to other immigration programs like asylum, refugee status, or a special immigrant visa. Majority of the Afghan individuals who have been granted humanitarian parolee will need to seek permanent residence in the US. Afghan Adjustment Act will allow parolees seek that permanent status. Please contact your congressional members and ask them to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act.

Fresh Start has been leading the Welcome.US Afghan American Working Group alongside Afghan American Foundation to help provide a collaborative space for Afghan American Organizations to receive and share updates, best practices and different approaches when it comes to the resettlement of Afghan Refugees. Visit their website below
On the Road to Independence


Class is in session! In partnership with RAFT and Love, NOVA, the community has raised twenty thousand dollars to support newly arrived Afghans obtain their driver’s license through a DMV certified driver’s education course. This is an important step in achieving independence. Our first cohort of students have started their driver’s education with AA Driving School. Please let us know if you’re interested in volunteering or wish to help raise funds to continue supporting this program.

DONATE
Pease consider donating
to our GiveButter campaign or by Venmo.