Hope Communities

Kyle Clark’s Word of Thanks

Hope Communities Welcome Newcomers from Afghanistan Seeking A New Life

We have all seen the heartwarming scenes of Afghans arriving at the airport, and we know that their first apartment, job, and school is very significant. But what then – what provides the bridge to integration into the local community, and into American society? What will help these people become our neighbors?

That’s where the navigation services that Hope Communities, Lailey and her colleagues, provide to families recently arrived in Colorado. Their focus is on the integration of new Americans, teaching and guiding refugees about life in America, and getting them on a path to success to becoming integral members of our communities.

Join us to help us smooth the path for these new Coloradans by donating to our Afghan Family Empowerment Project!

For over 41 years, Hope Communities has provided affordable housing in the metro-Denver area. We couple the need for affordable housing with wrap-around services intended to elevate families out of the cycle of poverty. Our customized programs and navigation focus on meeting individual needs, that not only pave a pathway for economic and personal success, but that also account for cultural and generational distinctions among our residents and neighbors.

As the Afghan humanitarian crisis unfolds, Colorado must prepare for the significant influx of Afghan refugees escaping the Taliban. With the unique services and holistic approach Hope Communities has established, we are committed and equipped to support their integration into our community. To that end, our goal of raising $95,000 ensures we can hire 1 full-time and bring 1 part-time Navigator to full-time to meet the complex needs that are beyond the capabilities of traditional Resettlement Agencies. We also would like to continue expanding hours for our current part-time male Afghan Navigators, Latif & Muhammad. Our linguistic and culturally appropriate services will help address individuals’ significant trauma in addition to the comprehensive process of building a new life in Colorado. For years following their initial arrival, refugees will frequently encounter new, unfamiliar situations. Our navigators will help them learn how to handle those situations and integrate into American life, ultimately becoming citizens that give back to their community.

 

Because of her background, Hope’s part-time female Afghan Navigator, Lailey Hashem — who was an Afghan refugee herself in the early 1980’s — can effectively support families in a variety of ways. She can assist refugees in enrolling their kids in school, understanding our healthcare system, learning to drive, explaining our election protocols, helping to establish credit, all while respectfully addressing strict gender norms that some families hold.

Invest in our new neighbors and help build a future for them by supporting Hope’s Afghan Family Empowerment Program. Your donation will get us closer to our goal of $95,000! Any funds raised in excess of that will be directed to extending our capacity to employ these vitally needed professionals for years to come. This would ensure that while dependence on Resettlement Agencies might lessen, refugees’ ability to continue to integrate to American culture and life can continue, and their pathway to Citizenship ever more certain.

To learn more about the Afghan refugee experience and how Hope Communities Navigators have responded, please click here: A Challenging Time for Afghan Arrivals