Volume 1, Issue 9
September 12, 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.

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, we 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, line up jobs, or provide transportation, Fresh Start needs you! Visit our website and sign up to become a volunteer.
Community Education
NoVA RAFT & Fresh Start ESL classes at Ferdinand Elementary School and William Ramsey Rec Center
ESL Classes continue in partnership with NoVA RAFT and the City of Alexandria into the Fall. Practice makes perfect and we are seeking volunteers to help practice English with the students! Sign up to volunteer with us.

As always thank you City of Alexandria Parks and Recreation for the space at
William Ramsey Rec Center!
For more information and to sign up for the program, click below:
Highlights from our Back to School Event
In collaboration with NoVA RAFT and the City of Alexandria, we hosted our Back to School event where 279 kids and nearly 500 people attended the event that took place Saturday, August 20th. With the help of 40 of our incredible volunteers we distributed school supplies, book bags, and fun activities for Afghan Refugees to help prepare for the new school year ahead. The success of this exceptional turnout has made an appearance on ABC 7News!
Here’s where you can watch the news clip if you missed it:
Visit our Instagram page to
watch the full reel.
Resettled Afghans continue to face challenges with their new lives in US
While government agencies help refugees with social security numbers, healthcare insurance, and temporary housing, the aid usually ends there. This is where local charities like Fresh Start RAC step in to continue to aid newly resettled Afghans with ESL classes, driving schools, finding jobs, furnish homes, home and school supplies and more.

You can watch a comprehensive coverage on our ESL teacher Yousuf Sultani's story on Channel News Asia CNA - Afghan Refugees struggle living in US

Upcoming Events
AMPAA 31st Annual Scientific Session
Session will be held on September 24, 2022 from 9am to 4pm. Consisting of lectures and discussions, this year's event's primary focus is to help newly arrived colleagues gain insight on how to re-enter the US medical field as an international graduate. Please register by September 19th as space is limited by following the link below:

Volunteers are needed to help with greeting and registration, sign up here:

Afghan Adjustment Act
We have demanded for a year that Afghans deserve an opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety – without the fear and limitations of an uncertain immigration status, and without the trauma of attempting to navigate an immigration system that is not adequately prepared for their arrival. It’s been a year. Our Afghan Allies stood by us, now we must stand by them.
Tell Congress to keep the promise to our Afghan neighbors: bit.ly/PassAAA
Calling all Interns!
Fresh Start Refugee Center is expanding.
We are looking for an intern to join our communications and social media team. Interested candidates can send us a message using the link on our website.
DONATE
Please consider donating to Fresh Start Refugee Assistance Center