International Neighbors

STEPS program bridges the gap for refugee women in Charlottesville

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:35:17 GMT

VPM NPR: The STEPS program in Charlottesville, developed by International Neighbors, helps refugee women—many on Special Immigrant Visas—build community, access resources and skills, and ease isolation as they adjust to life in their new home. Read the full article.

Meet Bahati

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 04:18:29 GMT

At 23 years old, Bahati Majuto fled the Democratc Republic of the Congo after the 1996 war left many of his family members slaughtered, and his town annihilated. Bahati was separated from his wife and son in the process.

A refugee camp in Burundi was Bahati's "home" for five years, until he reunited with his family in South Africa. Bahati, a renowned tailor for many of Africa's elite, attempted to continue his career by working out of a shipping-container-turned-tailor-shop that he created. His business was attacked and the makeshift building was destroyed twice in three years. Finally, in 2013—16 years after first applying for refugee status with the UNHCR—the Majuto family was resettled in Charlottesville, Virginia.

His first years in the United States were not without challenges. When International Neighbors connected with the Majuto family, they were struggling with meaningful employment, isolation, and healthcare access. We were able to coordinate a vehicle donation, help them understand bills and medical care in the U.S., and assist with home improvements including having a dangerous dead tree removed in their backyard where a now-thriving garden grows.

Bahati is now a homeowner and a naturalized citizen. He continues to work multiple jobs to provide for his family of seven, and sends money to his surviving relatives in Africa. His oldest son graduated from William & Mary in 2021 and is studying for his Master's at Yale University.

Bahati has moved from client to volunteer and donor at International Neighbors. He has connected 23 families with our services, given countless rides to refugees in his IN-donated vehicle, and made a gift to our Annual Fund in 2025.

“I know firsthand what International Neighbors does for newcomers, and it is God's work,” says Bahati. "When I give to this organization, I feel like I am donating to the church, directly to the mission of Jesus."

Ten Years, Ten Voices

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:48:01 GMT

A Decade of Helping Newcomer Families Build Stability, Connection, and Belonging

“To me, when I think of our stories, International Neighbors is an incubator for connection and joy. The circumstances [of refugees] are ones of hardship—I don’t know if you’ve ever read The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu—they talk about joy being adjacent to suffering; if we approach suffering with compassion and a sense of our kinship. For us, it’s been a beautiful partnership. We’re being invited to be in proximity with people [refugee neighbors]. From a distance, it’s hard to cultivate healing.”

~Chris Little, Great Neighbor Guide

“Each client along with their family faced its own challenges, and together with IN, we have helped them overcome obstacles in housing, childcare, education, transportation and employment. Our partnership continues to grow and now there is more blending with IN. One of our team members now leads IN’s monthly yoga class, creating a welcoming space for connection and wellbeing.”

~ Step Forward, Community Partner

“Being involved with International Neighbors, I have witnessed first hand the needs of the families. This is even more powerful than reading about all of the vital services IN provides. I have seen the hope in a woman’s eyes as she anticipates the empowerment that a driver’s license will afford her. To learn that IN will provide the financial backing for this inspires me to contribute monthly. I have witnessed the STEPS program and the beautiful bonds women are making while also being affirmed and uplifted. This, too, inspired me to contribute monthly. I am so impressed with the wise compassion of everyone at IN, AND how effectively you use your resources to fulfill your mission.”

~ Joanne, volunteer & monthly donor

“You lifted our spirits and did not make us feel embarrassed. We were so happy with your visit since we rarely see anyone while back home, we used to have visitors everyday. I hope you will visit us again in the coming days.”

- Syrian newcomer family of 8

“There is always light. I love this country. And I love International Neighbors.”

- Salah, refugee from the Islamic Republic of Iran

“My friendship with Nafisa brings a new layer to my life. The gift of knowing her has given me the confidence to reach out to other Afghan women in the community.”

- Ali Young, English tutor

“Driving training absolutely changed my life after I got my driving license. Now everything is achievable for me. I can help my family beside my husband, I am able to go to my work, college, get my children to school, hospital, parks and do shoppings by myself. I really appreciate the effort you and your team have contributed, I sincerely appreciate your flexibility and willingness to help. Thank you for your help and support.

- Laila Habibi, newcomer from Afghanistan

“Having those friends, those neighbors who care and have the heart of loving and welcoming helped us to feel familiar and then, they became our family. That’s one of the things that made us feel safe in the United States and more welcomed.”

-Olga, newcomer from the Democratic Republic of the Congo & Emily Couric scholarship recipient

“I love being a Great Neighbor Guide. I feel like it’s a privilege to be able to be let in on somebody’s journey enough to help them navigate it.”

~ Judy Bloom, Great Neighbor Guide

Charlottesville Family: Interview with Kari Miller, CEO and Founder of International Neighbors

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:23:00 GMT

Nadirah Muhammad, from Charlottesville Family magazine, interviews Kari Miller, CEO and Founder of International Neighbors. Learn more about how through the organization’s key program, Great Neighbor Guide, IN is making Charlottesville a welcoming place for refugee and immigrant families. Read the full article .

Matching Gift to Aspiring Americans Campaign

Mon, 12 May 2025 17:28:00 GMT

International Neighbors proudly launched the Aspiring Americans Campaign on April 30th to support our neighbors on their journey to U.S. citizenship. For a decade now, we’ve helped hundreds of refugee and SIV families build new lives through mentorship, skills training, and essential support. While lawful permanent residents can apply for a Green Card after one year, the path to citizenship takes at least five—and we’re here for every step. Your gift helps bridge that journey, providing the resources, confidence, and community needed to thrive.

We are THRILLED to announce that our friends at The Good People Fund have offered a matching gift to the Aspiring Americans campaign! Every donation, dollar for dollar, will be matched up to $10,000! Made your gift today and DOUBLE your impact for the newcomers in Charlottesville.

One way we support Aspiring Americans is through the Great Neighbor Guide program. This cornerstone of International Neighbors matches one refugee or SIV family with an American family to offer guidance and friendship. The result is a mutually beneficial relationship that enriches everyone involved. When you give to the Aspiring Americans campaign, you are helping amazing newcomers like Olga and Ferial—featured in the video below—reach their goals. Thank you!

International Neighbors hosts forum at the 2025 Tom Tom Festival

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 16:47:00 GMT

Please make plans to join us this Friday, April 18th, at 10 a.m. for our partner event with Tom Tom Festival! We will be hosting a forum called Welcoming Newcomers: Building Community Through Cultural Connections.

Our program will feature a community conversation and panel discussion highlighting our Great Neighbor Guide program. We will provide coffee and pastries.

The event will take place at our office, 224-A 9th Street SW, Charlottesville. Please register at our link below and support the Tom Tom Festival’s many free and ticketed events April 16-20.

We’ll also have a booth at the Downtown Mall Block Party on Friday evening beginning at 5pm with henna artists, baklava and swag! Hope to see you there. Registration is free .

Kari Anderson Miller named one of “Albemarle’s 10”

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 13:29:00 GMT

Kari Anderson Miller is turning empathy into action, ensuring local refugee families are welcomed with kindness and resources. Read more about the good work she is doing in our community through International Neighbors ….

Read more at Abelmarle Magazine or Instagram

The Way Forward for International Neighbors

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 19:10:00 GMT

Dear Great Neighbor ,

International Neighbors was founded on the following premise: that the United States of America has the capacity— as well as the obligation— to offer a preset number of human beings, forced violently from their country, the opportunity to reestablish their lives without fear and persecution, safely within our borders. Congress passed the Refugee Act of 1980, establishing the U.S. refugee resettlement program. This federal initiative has enriched communities throughout all 50 states over the decades, and is currently at risk of dissolution. This week’s Executive Order (EO) to pause or remove the Refugee Admissions Program (RAP) is disheartening, though not unexpected. Anxiety is high among the newcomers we serve. Grief too, since many newcomers are waiting to be reunited with family members—children, siblings, and parents—many of whom were already far along in the admissions program.

What, then, is the way forward for International Neighbors?
Our mission remains the same: equipping newcomers with the skills and networks needed to thrive in Charlottesville. All refugees in our community are green card holders and here legally after spending years in the vetting and admissions process. International Neighbors will continue to serve newcomers by connecting them to people and resources to help them become self-sufficient. As a grassroots organization with no government funding and not a resettlement agency, our daily operations will not change. Just this week, a dozen women met for the first women’s support group cohort of 2025 at our IN office. Most of them have newly arrived in the United States. The women heard from a mental health counselor from The Women’s Initiative, took an art lesson led by an artist with the McGuffey Art Center, and were provided with tools to navigate their new country from our Outreach Manager, Khatool Masoudi.

The work continues. We are and will always be More than a Moment .
If you are feeling helpless and want to make a difference right here in Charlottesville, consider a financial donation to International Neighbors. Every dollar counts and we could not improve lives without you! Please also plan to attend a volunteer training (our next one is January 30th from 9-10:30 am on Zoom) and be connected directly to a neighbor in need. We need English tutors, volunteer drivers, and especially Great Neighbor Guides. A relationship with a newcomer family will enrich your life. All of us at International Neighbors take heart in the words of Presidents Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama who each understood the singular importance of refugees and other immigrant groups to this country:

With Hope,

Kari Anderson Miller, Founder and CEO
Graham Crouch, Chair, Board of Directors

This, I believe, is one of the most important sources of America’s greatness. We lead the world because, unique among nations, we draw our people—our strength—from every country and every corner of the world. And by doing so we continuously renew and enrich our nation.” – Ronald Reagan

“This country was built by people who fled oppression and war, leapt at opportunity, and worked day and night to remake themselves in this new land.” -Barack Obama

After 7 Years Apart, Afghan Translator Reunites with Parents Thanks to Volunteers

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:29:00 GMT

Abdul Parwez hadn’t seen his parents in seven years. The only son of Abdul and Bibi, he served with the US Army as a translator before moving to the United States in 2015. After the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, Parwez was desperate to reunite with his parents.

Thanks to a Great Neighbor Guide who helped him navigate the immigration forms, a volunteer who served as a sponsor and IN donors who made it possible for the filing fee to be paid, Parwez petitioned for his parents to join him in the states and began the long wait for reunification.

Almost three years later, Parwez learned his parents’ applications had been approved! On September 5th, Parwez drove to Dulles International Airport and met his parents outside the terminal.

“I felt like I was in a dream,” said his mother. “We were so happy. I couldn’t stop crying.”

Parwez says he is overjoyed to have his parents live with him in his home. His father does work around the yard, plants flowers and helps with home projects. His mother can spend time with her three grandchildren anytime she likes.

“International Neighbors hasn’t left our side the last three years,” says Parwez. “I am so thankful for that.”

NBC29: International Neighbors hosts coat drive to support refugees

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 23:57:00 GMT

International Neighbor’s and Peace Frog team up for the 10th Annual Coat Drive to keep Charlottesville neighbors in need warm this winter. If you would like to donate a coat – you can drop it off at Peace Frogs or St. Annes Belfield School October 28th – November 8th.

Watch Channel 29 News: https://www.29news.com/2024/10/22/international-neighbors-hosts-coat-drive-support-refugees

One Woman’s Journey to Healing

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 21:50:00 GMT

Among the many ways newcomers arrive in the United States, B2 Visas aren’t common among them. Yet, this special medical permission is exactly what led Marwa and her family to come to the US in 2017. Her son Awab, then 7, was diagnosed with leukemia while she and her husband were living in Saudi Arabia.

“The medication they gave him was not helpful and he got very sick,” Marwa says. Marwa tried unsuccessfully to travel to Egypt for care before going to the US Embassy to apply for special medical visas to the United States.

Moving to a new country isn’t a first for Marwa. Originally from Sudan, Marwa entered into an arranged marriage in 2006. “My mom had diabetes and eventually had both legs amputated, but said she wanted to see a grandchild before she died.” After Marwa married, she moved to Saudi Arabia and, sadly, never saw her mother again.

“In Saudi Arabia, I had no one to help me and very few rights,” Marwa recalls. So when their visas were approved to take Awab to the United States for leukemia treatment in 2017, Marwa gladly went. At first, they sought help in Northern Virginia but were denied treatment. Then they heard of a program at the University of Virginia that accepted critical care cases with no medical insurance or citizenship requirements.

“When we came to Charlottesville, the doctor looked at Awab and began to cry. He said, ‘This boy is very, very sick and we need to start treatment right away.’” Over the next two years, Awab received regular chemotherapy.

As Marwa’s family began their new lives in Charlottesville, she remembers a specific moment that changed her life. One day Marwa was at a bus stop and a man named Ahmed (a recent IN board member) approached her. The Iraqi man asked Marwa if she was new here and needed any help. She answered yes, she could use some help. “He said, ‘I will call my friend Kari Miller,’” Marwa remembers. Later that week, Kari—the founder and CEO of International Neighbors—came to the family’s apartment. “We had no furniture or mattresses, and Kari said ‘I will get whatever you need.’ She got beds, furniture, dishes, a TV,” Marwa recalls tearfully. “Kari helped us so much.”

Marwa and her family of five have now lived in the United States for more than six years. Awab’s cancer is in remission. He is 13 now and plays soccer. Recently, Awab was invited by the UVA oncology department to attend a men’s basketball game and met several college players. Her oldest son Eyad is 15, attends Albemarle High School, and was a paid camp counselor this summer at Camp Corwith. Her youngest daughter, Suad “Susu” is eight years old, has a wide smile and takes ballet. Marwa works as a CNA at UVA in the oncology department but dreams of becoming a lab technician, something for which she earned a university degree in Sudan.

“I want my children to have a complete future,” Marwa says. “I want my daughter to be a free woman, an independent woman. I didn’t have that as a little girl. I’m grateful for the doctors at UVA, Chandler, Kari, Frank, Rabia, Carol, Ahmed, Rosemary and David.

So many people have helped us. I feel like my story is just beginning.”

Still, a dark cloud remains. This year, Marwa has been closely watching the civil war unfold in her home country of Sudan. A few months ago, she received photos of her sister’s home, destroyed by bullet holes. Though the contact is irregular, the last update she heard was that her sister had received gunshot wounds and has been in the hospital with no electricity for several months. “I watch the news every night with my children. I feel like they need to know what’s happening,” she says. “I am so sad for my brothers and sisters but so grateful to be in the United States .”

There is Always Light

Wed, 10 May 2023 18:06:00 GMT

written by Molly Crouch

Salah and I sit down in the club house of his apartment complex (he asked that his name be changed for his protection). An Ahwazi Arab refugee, Salah fled Iran and lived in Syria and Lebanon before coming to the United States. Though his home is rife with problems, he has fond memories of growing up in Iran where his father was a prominent sheik in the region. Salah remembers walking the family’s wheat farm and watching his father graft figs as they went. His love of nature remains even now.

“I learn a lot from nature—bird and trees,” says Salah who enjoys gardening and feels fulfilled by his employment at a local garden center.

Salah recounts how he went to jail at 17 for arguing with a teacher about Iranian history in his geography class. “We have a history problem in my country,” he says. After his brother was killed, many of Salah’s family fled the country. One brother immigrated to Sweden and Salah hoped to join him there. So when he was told that he had received humanitarian parole to come to the United States, Salah initially refused.

“I called my brother and told him I would wait and join his family in Sweden. He said, ‘ You’re going to find a good life in the United States, a better life. Go.’”

Salah arrived in Virginia with no family or network. “I just wanted to face life by myself,” he remembers. When he was referred by a friend to International Neighbors in 2022, he was deeply depressed and wasn’t leaving his apartment. International Neighbors helped him secure employment, apply for rental assistance with United Way and avoid eviction. After a setback last winter, Salah is again on his feet. He has been matched with a Great Neighbor Guide and is actively saving money for a moped to transport him to and from work (an 8-mile journey he sometimes takes by foot at the end of a shift if public transportation is no longer running).

“I believe that life isn’t bad, it’s just a bad day,” he says.

“There is always light. I love this country. It is magic. And I love International Neighbors. One day, I want to help International Neighbors because they deserve it.”

Ways International Neighbors has assisted Salah in 2023:

Helped him avoid imminent eviction and homelessness
Facilitated Salah’s new hire process at a local garden center
Applied for SNAP benefits from Social Security and got him approved for expedited processing
Connected him with food deliveries from Loaves and Fishes
Connected him with a Great Neighbor Guide couple who are now checking in with him on a weekly basis
Provided information about the Charlottesville Free Clinic so that he could address an urgent dental issue that was causing him tremendous pain and disrupting his sleep
With help from instructional videos provided by our partner, UVA CCU, provided him with counseling about money management and the value of creating a budget
Guided Salah through the process of setting up automatic payments for his rent and utilities, reducing his risk of missing a payment, accruing late fees, and falling into bad standing w/ the property management office
Help Salah prioritize rest and time for meals

They Make Me Feel Like Family

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 22:52:00 GMT

Fariha brings cakes and tea to the table of her two-bedroom apartment. Her children gather close to their mother. Mariam is going on a class field trip to the Jamestown settlement tomorrow with her fourth grade class. Ajmeer, a 6th grader, loves sports cars. We connect on this point because I also have a sixth grade son who loves the world of Corvettes and Ferraris. Ajmeer and I agree that he and my son would be fast friends. Across the table from Fariha is Chandler McQuoid, a champion and advocate for this Afghan family, and an International Neighbors outreach employee.

“I’m so grateful to International Neighbors for donating a car, helping me with a job, providing me with gift cards for groceries, clothes for the kids, pediatric visits,” Fariha says.

Fariha arrived in the United States in September, 2021. Her family spent their first seven months in Wisconsin where she served as a Cultural Orientation Training Specialist for the US Army. When her family moved to Charlottesville a year ago, Fariha was grateful to live closer to her mother and siblings who have been in the central Virginia area for nearly a decade. Ajmeer loves his grandma and says that when she comes over, they stay up late and play games.

Still Fariha needed more support than her family alone could provide. “I need to work to survive here,” she says. Like so many facing the affordable housing crisis in Charlottesville, Fariha’s first job as a nail technician didn’t cover the rent. Thanks to her education and skill set—a teaching assistant in Afghanistan with five languages under her belt—Fariha was just hired by Greer Elementary School as a substitute teacher. Becoming a full time teacher is not only an enormous step forward toward financial stability, it also solves the challenge of lack of access to quality after-school care for the children.

“I see my mom in the hallways,” Mariam beams. “My friends ask, ‘is that your mom?’ I tell them ‘yes.’”

Fariha is hopeful for her future and loves her work with children. “When I’m at work, I forget about all the things that worry me at home,” she says. “I have something else to think about.”

She says that her wish for Mariam and Ajmeer is to see their faces smiling. “Only I know when their smile is fake, but I want a real smile.” Fariha hopes to get her green card this year and be able to move to subsidized housing which will be much more affordable than their current apartment. The children are wary to move again after living in three countries and two states in the last four years, but the decrease in rent is needed for sustainable living in Charlottesville.

“I want to thank the people who are helping International Neighbors with their time and donations,” says Fariha. “They never make me feel like I’m new here. They make me feel like family.”

Army Veteran Sponsors Afghan Family’s Petition to come to the United States

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 13:49:00 GMT

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Leroux, a 20-year Army veteran, says he worked with many interpreters during his time in Iraq. “We couldn’t have done a thing without them,” he says.

In 2015, he started a local chapter of No One Left Behind—a charitable organization supporting former interpreters and U.S. government employees eligible for the Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) programs—in Charlottesville. He then merged efforts with International Neighbors and joined their board.

Tim met many SIVs living in Charlottesville during that time, so when an Afghan friend called in September 2021 to ask for Tim’s help, he listened. The man was petitioning to have several of his family members come to the United States. The problem was that he needed someone to sponsor his family financially should he not be able to provide for them once they arrived in the US. Though the ask was big and Tim took time to consider it, he eventually agreed to sponsor the family.

“I’m 52 years old. I have a certain measure of security. I can share some of that,” says Tim. “I figured for the price of a little bit of ink, I can change a family’s path.” Tim believes that refugee families can thrive if just given a chance.

Though no longer on the board, Tim is still fond of IN’s work. “I think one of the things that’s really cool about International Neighbors is just how personal the assistance is. That’s a lot different than just stroking a check. The work this organization does changes lives. That’s not overstating things—it radically changes lives and it’s incredibly rewarding.”

The post Army Veteran Sponsors Afghan Family’s Petition to come to the United States appeared first on International Neighbors .

Local Resident Provides a Safe Haven at the Recycled House for Resettled Refugees

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 16:08:00 GMT

Debra Weiss has lived in Charlottesville for nearly thirty years. She owns the Recycled House , a homestay property in a North Downtown neighborhood that is constructed primarily from second-hand materials. Last fall, International Neighbors asked if the house might be available for a few weeks for a resettling family of five living in a hotel.

“I saw on the news that many Afghans were coming and I wanted to be able to help in some way,” says Debra. “I was so happy to be asked specifically to help.”

The refugee family spent three weeks in the Recycled House, a gift that allowed them more privacy to process the trauma they’d endured and gave the children a yard in which to play. Debra says a memory she has of that time was teaching one of the children how to use an Etch-A-Sketch, and seeing the wonder in his face when he realized that shaking the board could erase the picture.

“If I could give them a clean, safe, cozy, quiet place to just be and come together as a family, spend time together, figure some things out—I was just honored to help them,” says Debra.

Former US Army Translator Joins IN Outreach Team to Assist Refugee Families

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 19:23:00 GMT

Hamid Ibrahimkhail has been living in the United States for more than eight years after serving as a translator for the US Army in Afghanistan. After the Taliban took over, he heard that International Neighbors was stepping in with donor support to pay for applications to help Afghans seek refuge in America.

“I sent a text to Kari that said, ‘I heard you can help me with this,'” says Hamid. “They paid for four members of my family [to apply for humanitarian parole].”

After seeing the work International Neighbors was doing to help the Afghan community, Hamid asked to join the outreach team. He began helping refugee families move into hotels and apartments as they became available, translated, and also delivered needed items and food to newcomers. He also conducted several interviews with local media to keep Charlottesvillians abreast on the situation in Afghanistan and how IN was stepping in.

“Hamid was integral in providing support and helping us reach families. He advocated for our mission and the needs of our newcomers. Organizations should know the pulse of the people we serve and what better way than to have someone who intimately understands the population,” says IN founder and CEO Kari Miller.

Hamid is still waiting for his family’s application to be approved. “It’s really hard to be far from family,” he says. “When I attended an airport reunion recently, I got so emotional. It’s been nine years since I’ve seen my parents and siblings.”

The post Former US Army Translator Joins IN Outreach Team to Assist Refugee Families appeared first on International Neighbors .

Building Hope: One girl’s quest to live a full life

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 17:47:00 GMT

Hajer Salaam is all smiles with a bright voice and cheery disposition who wears a long braid, pink hair bow and polka dot tights on the day we meet. A 12-year-old about to enter sixth grade at Walker Upper Elementary School, she loves ballet, art, singing, and has taken up flute. “I went to camp with my brother this week and got to pet a horse!” Hajer says exuberantly. “And I got to ride on it,” says her brother Saeed, just a year younger than his sister. Hajer Salaam was born with spina bifida and lives daily with the many obstacles and challenges it presents.

The Salaams, a family of six, were displaced from their home country of Syria and have called Charlottesville home since 2015. Though they own their home, it has become increasingly more apparent that the house is not conducive to Hajer’s needs, including an exterior access ramp, main floor bedroom and handicapped bathroom. Currently Hajer shares a room with her brother on the second floor and Hajer must be picked up and placed in a special chair in a standard bathtub to bathe.

“Sometimes it takes over an hour to bathe her and wash her hair,” says her mother Dareen. “It’s getting harder as she grows to be able to do these things. My husband hurt his back and I had to do it by myself for a while.”

Though life is challenging, Hajer’s sister, Laila says the family sticks together. “We’ve helped each other a lot to get to where we are today,” says Laila, a recent high school graduate and incoming freshman at VCU. In August, Hajer will have another major surgery at UVA place a rod in her back to help stabilize her spine. Her recovery will be upwards of a year during which time, Hajer’s mobility will more limited than it is now, making main floor accessibility in their home even more important.

In 2019, the Salams had an agreement with Building Goodness Foundation and AHIP to build an addition onto their home. An architect rendered the drawings, but before construction could begin, the pandemic canceled the project. Still, Hajer has hope someone will step in to help.

“I could be so much more independent [with a first floor addition],” Hajer says. “I could help my mom more, too.”

The Salaam family sees a bright future for their youngest daughter. “Hajer sits down every year with the medical students at UVA to teach them about her condition and how to make connections with patients who don’t speak English. A lot of people think she’ll go into medicine,” says Dareen who works as a CNA at UVA’s NICU.

“Yes, but I’ve always said I want to be an elementary school principal!” says Hajer beaming.

Afghan refugee finds home in Charlottesville

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 17:55:00 GMT

CBS19 News: June 20, 2022

Home is how Rahimullah Nishat describes Charlottesville. “I’m not going anywhere,” said Nishat. But it hasn’t always been that way. “When I first got here everything was different to me,” he said.

He came from Afghanistan in 2017 but with the help of the Charlottesville nonprofit International Neighbors as well as the Charlottesville Afghan community, he says he’s found his place.

Read full article.

World Refugee Day celebration welcomes refugee neighbors to Charlottesville

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 17:37:00 GMT

The Daily Progress: June 20, 2022

World Refugee Day celebration welcomes refugee neighbors to Charlottesville

The rhythms of beaten drum shared the air with wafting scents of traditional Afghan food air at Charlottesville’s IX Art Park on Monday at a World Refugee Day celebration hosted by local nonprofit International Neighbors, a Charlottesville-based nonprofit that works with refugees and immigrants who have settled in the area. Read more .

The post World Refugee Day celebration welcomes refugee neighbors to Charlottesville appeared first on International Neighbors .

New Citizens are American as Apple Pie

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 18:39:00 GMT

Helping refugees with the resettlement and citizen process is as easy as –not quite as easy as apple pie. However, by eating more pie, you can help raise funds that will go towards covering the fees associated with the resettlement and citizen process for refugees and SIV’s in the greater Charlottesville area.

From June 20 – July 4 , The Pie Ches t , a local pie shop in Charlottesville specializing in made-from-scratch sweet pies, savory pies, and breakfast hand-made pies will be donating a portion of each sale to International Neighbors. Baker and owner, Rachel Pennington believes in bringing together simple ingredients to create delicious dessert like grandma use to make! Whether its peach cobbler, strawberry or chicken, bacon and roasted garlic pie, Rachel bakes every day in small batches and uses only the freshest ingredients.

You can find Rachel and her scrumptious pies at 119 4th St NE Charlottesville. Every day is a different selection, so call ahead at (434) 977-0443 and reserve a whole pie!

How about a little something to sweeten the pot – the pie? To make it even more fun, tag @internationalneighbor s and @thepiechest with a pic of your pie and the hashtag #americanasapplepie and be entered to win a whole pie of your choice! A winner will be drawn July 3rd.

Refugee Family Receives Free Car from International Neighbors

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:32:00 GMT

International Neighbors helps refugees settle in and around Charlottesville. Recently, we gave a special gift to a family, originally from Afghanistan. Read more at NBC29.com .

Celebrate World Refugee Day June 20th

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 22:14:00 GMT

This June 20th, International Neighbors is hosting a World Refugee Day event at IX Art Park from 4-7pm. There will be food, fun and activities for all. Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your neighbor! EVERYONE is welcome!

The IX Art Park is located at 522 2nd St SE, Charlottesville .

Crozet family delivers with second Change for Change drive

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 22:10:00 GMT

The Harris family of Crozet, VA, recently wrapped up their second successful Change for Change quarter drive for International Neighbors and delivered 12 gift bags—each filled with $50 in quarters, laundry supplies, and handmade greeting cards—to refugee neighbors in Charlottesville. It all started last summer, when Sarah Harris saw a Facebook post about IN’s Change for Change quarter drive to help refugee and SIV neighbors access the coin-operated laundry machines where they live—no easy feat during the pandemic and a national coin shortage. She posted on an Old Trail neighborhood Facebook group suggesting a community Change for Change drive, and offering socially distanced porch pick-ups for anyone who wished to donate. By mid-August, the family had collected 1,100 quarters ($275) to donate to Change for Change. “Our refugee neighbors have so many other things to deal with in their lives that something as basic as having clean clothes to wear shouldn’t be an issue,” Sarah said when turning in the donation. “We just saw this as such a simple way to help.”

Fast forward seven months, and the Harris family was at it again—this time expanding the effort to three Crozet area businesses that helped collect quarters and laundry supplies throughout March. “We have a strong community out here in Crozet and we knew they would come through with strong support for our international neighbors,” said Sarah. “Our community partners, Grit, Mudhouse, and Crozet Creamery hosted our collection jars for over three weeks and lots of folks delivered laundry supplies, cash, and quarters directly to our porch.” Sarah’s Instagram feed chronicled the drive’s success—and the tremendous generosity of her Old Trail neighbors, including an extraordinary note she received from one donor: “My mom was so happy to hear about the quarter drive so that she wouldn’t have to roll quarters and could know that my dad’s big box of quarters was going to an organization doing good things and, in fact, directly to those who need it most.”

When the drive wrapped up the first week of April, the family had collected 60 rolls of quarters ($600), $338 in cash, 17 bottles of laundry detergent, 14 boxes of dryer sheets, and 17 stain removers—a total of more than $1,000 in donations—with the help of their generous Crozet neighbors! They had planned the end of the drive to coincide with spring break so the kids could make greeting cards and help shop for any additional laundry supplies needed to put together gift bags for 12 families. They delivered the bags, which also contained $50 in quarters each, to some very happy Charlottesville neighbors.

Sarah said it was a great way to finish the drive. “We were so happy to be able to make the deliveries so we could meet these neighbors—families who are supported in so many ways by International Neighbors and who contribute to the richness of our community by being a part of it.” We are so grateful to the Harris family for their enthusiastic participation in Change for Change—and for always being Great Neighbors! If you’re part of a family, neighborhood, business, club, church group, school, or any other organization that would like to sponsor a Change for Change quarter drive, please email Jennifer at contactus@internationalneighbors.org for more information.

20 Reasons 2020 Wasn’t All Bad

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 21:55:00 GMT

There’s no doubt about it, 2020 was a tough year. While we’re certainly not sad to see it go, a few things happened at IN last year (doesn’t it feel good to call it “last year”!) that made us happy—and even proud. Here are a few reasons 2020 wasn’t all bad.

Reason No. 1

Baby Marcel Miller was born to proud parents Mimy and Jean Fidéle. (Pictured here with his namesake, IN’s Kari Miller)

Reason No. 2

Two sisters from Iraq, Nibal and Nihal Al-Rawi, became naturalized citizens in August.

Reason No. 3

IN launched the ALL IN Pen Pals program in June. Eighteen families signed up for the first cohort, which paired 35 kids as pen pals. The program was put on pause for a bit when remote learning access came to the forefront, but a comeback is planned early in the new year (stay tuned)!

Reason No. 4

Four vehicles were donated and assigned to families who are now able to drive to work, the grocery store—or anyplace they need to go!

Reason No. 5

IN’s Change for Change quarter drive drew support from more than 20 local businesses, churches, and other organizations that hosted collection cans. An Old Trail family held a door-to-door collection, and individuals brought us the change they’ve been collecting in jars at home. Volunteers helped count and roll change, shop for laundry supplies, and distribute more than $3,000 worth of quarters to help neighbors access the coin-operated laundry facilities where they live.

Reason No. 6

Coats galore! Peace Frogs Travel Outfitters’ 6th Annual Coat Drive collected more than 700 new and gently used coats; and 100s more coats came from Lila Castleman’s bat mitzvah project coat drive. Amazing!

Reason No.7

Summer fun still happened! Camp Corwith came to kids, delivering 128 meals (in partnership with Keevil & Keevil) and activity kits; and Fry’s Spring Beach Club invited 30 IN campers for a week of fun.

Reason No. 8

Five IN families became homeowners in 2020, including the Mikhlifs (pictured here), whose story is featured in our Annual Fund Drive booklet. You can find a digital version here .

Reason No. 9

IN’s amazing intern, Ben Gustafson, teamed up with UVA’s Runk Dining Hall and volunteers from the Student Covid Coalition to deliver 1,200 meals to IN families fall semester! Talk about Great and Good!!

Reason No. 10

Two new Great Neighbor Guide matches paired community members with new arrivals to provide friendship and guidance as newcomers get to know their new community. More than 30 existing relationships provided crucial phone support or physically distanced visits during the period of social isolation we all experienced.

Reason No. 11

We made the cover of C-ville Weekly with coverage of our pandemic response, our learning pods were featured in a Slate article, and The Washington Post focused on IN client, case manager, and board member AJ Mikhlif in a story about new Americans voting for the first time. See more of our 2020 press coverage here .

Reason No. 12

Several IN clients proudly voted for the first time as new Americans in November’s presidential election, and IN volunteers and staff offered rides to ensure they all got to the polls!

Reason No. 13

Although the vast majority of our client households experienced job losses and income reduction in 2020, several neighbors successfully completed certificate programs, earned degrees, started a business, or began a new career. Dareen Aloudeh (pictured here) completed a one-year Practical Nursing certificate program at PVCC this summer, and earned her nursing assistant aid (CNA) and GED diploma this fall.

Reason No. 16

In October, we began a partnership with Twice Is Nice that allows two IN clients a month to shop with $50 vouchers. TIN joins our other amazing resale partners, Earlysville Exchange and Kid to Kid, to provide shopping opportunities that help new arrivals find the clothing, furniture, and housewares they need to feel more at home.

Reason No. 15

Our most ambitious pandemic pivot—providing access and support for online learning—took a lot of teamwork: A volunteer secured a grant from the National Parents’ Union that allowed us to hire temporary staff and establish three learning pods at two locations—Charlottesville Friends Meeting and the IN offices—in September. Two more pods began at Westminster Church in December. In November, a CACF grant enabled us to provide more support for families struggling with online learning at home. Additional support from generous donors helped us provide transportation to learning pods, purchase snacks and supplies, and cover other expenses.

Reason No. 16

Bicycle happiness! Our partners at Community Bikes provided new rides for four siblings from one of our learning pods. Learning pods supervisor Susanne Sachs gets all the credit for going the extra mile to make these kids feel welcome and loved!

Reason No. 17

Volunteers like Amy Long (pictured here) found new ways to help neighbors from a safe distance. Learn more about how Amy served as a proxy at Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry and delivered food to neighbors’ doorsteps in a beautiful video produced for IN by Gentry Faith Films.

Amy Long: Overcoming adversity with love

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 19:34:00 GMT

Amy Long (pictured above) is one of the special people we call Great Neighbors.

A few years ago, Amy learned about SIVs living in Charlottesville—people who had served alongside our military in Iraq and Afghanistan who were no longer safe in their country and were granted Special Immigrant Visas to come live in the United States.

These incredibly brave men and women captured Amy’s attention—and her heart. She learned that they arrive here with few possessions, and are often unable to find affordable housing or adequate jobs. She also learned that most lack access to basic necessities like food and clothing and that, without reliable transportation, it is difficult for them to get the things they need.

And so, for four years, Amy has volunteered through IN, devoting herself to helping newly arrived refugee and SIV neighbors gain access to life’s essentials. She regularly drums up donations of needed furniture or clothing items through her network of friends and on neighborhood message boards. She has also offered neighbors rides to the food pantry on most Saturdays.

When COVID-19 complicated in-person volunteer activities, Amy searched for a safe way to continue to help. She found it with a little-known opportunity to serve as a proxy for neighbors at Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, which she explains in this beautiful video produced for IN by Gentry Faith Films .

Amy’s generosity and commitment to serving Charlottesville’s SIV and refugee community exemplifies the spirit of International Neighbors. Because of her—and, importantly, because of the monetary donations that so many of you have made—our organization continues to serve our neighbors in need in the midst of a global pandemic. That need has grown, and having the means to address it is more desperately important than ever. We are literally fighting for our lives, and the lives of the people we serve. And, at this time, during our 2020 Annual Fund Drive, we humbly request that you show your support.

One last thing we’d like to share about Amy: She’s a wonderful storyteller, and has shared some very meaningful stories about the neighbors she has come to know as a volunteer for IN, and the ways they have inspired her. We think Amy’s stories will inspire you.

A Bed for Baby

Four years ago, I was notified on my Nextdoor Neighbor site that there was a refugee family looking for a used bed for their baby that was due the next month. The information was posted by a retired military neighbor, and he was seeking just this one item for this young family. In his request, he further explained that the father had been one of the many people that had worked alongside our military in Iraq, and that the family was fairly new to the United States.

My heart just went out to this family. This need spoke to me on such a fundamental level. They were new to the United States and expecting a new baby, and all they were asking for was a used baby bed? How could we not give them so much more than that, when most of us have so much? The young father had been willing to help our military in his home country. I saw the pictures of him in combat gear sitting with our troops. This family deserved anything and everything we could possibly get for their expected child. This young father and mother were so very brave to come here and start their life anew.

I decided to take a risk and ask some friends and co-workers for any donations toward the purchase of a new small crib that they had indicated would be a great wish to have. To my delight, I was able to obtain the money for this in about 15 minutes. It was worth the risk to ask! My neighbor who had originally made the request was so surprised when I took him the money that afternoon.

There’s more to the story: While out shopping at a local big box store about three months later, I saw the family, whom I recognized from pictures. I introduced myself, and saw the baby for the first time. They were so appreciative and thanked me for coordinating the purchase of the crib. They were all doing well, and the child was beautiful!

I think there is so much more to this story than just getting the money together for a place for a child to sleep. It is about how one small act of very intentional giving from a group of people can help a family and welcome them to a new country. So, even though it was very personal to me to help a new baby, I believe it has helped many people to see how they could help a new family who had first helped us in a far away place. So, I say thank you to AJ and his family for having first helped us and for giving me an opportunity to give back to him in a small way.

Socks, Part One

Several years ago, I learned of a refugee family in downtown Charlottesville that needed donations. They were a young couple that had five children. The father was waiting to have surgery to repair damage from being tortured. That’s right, tortured. I came face to face with the physical aftermath of the horror this man had been through. I shook this man’s hand, profoundly aware that it had been perforated by a gunshot and his fingernails pulled out.

I hoped I would be able to get them something that would make their lives a little more comfortable. I was able to get them quite a few donations of small furniture and clothing and shoes. One day, when I was dropping off some goods, one of the young sons was playing nearby. I asked him what I could get that he needed. He was quick to answer, “socks.” I said, ” Socks?” He said “Yes, two pair. One for playing in and one to wear to school.” All he could think of was needing two pairs of socks. That was enough. He did not ask for an entire new wardrobe of clothing and shoes. He just wanted the two pairs of socks.

The next time I went to their home I filled his arms with pairs of socks.

Socks, Part Two

While delivering some donations to Friendship Court about one year ago I met with a young Afghan mother that I have known for several years. She was so happy to tell me that her aunt had come to the United States and wanted to know if I could get her some donations as they only had a few suitcases of clothing with them from Afghanistan. I went to meet with them briefly and came away in awe of the experience.

They were a family of five. The aunt had just lost her husband to cancer a few months prior and was here with four children ages 12 to 18. They were staying with the niece, her husband and their four children. Eight children and three adults in a 3 bedroom apartment. It was very cramped and busy with so many in one place. They were happy and excited to finally be here. Then, slowly, I learned their story….

For fourteen years this sweet Afghan lady had helped our military. Her oldest son showed me letter after letter of commendation from our military. There were 8×10 photographs showing her with our troops in combat gear. She was a Woman’s Commander and had gone out on night missions with our troops. She was proficient in five weapons. She was a warrior!!! I also learned that when the oldest son was six months old the then young couple rode horseback for three days to get away from the insurgents.

After helping for so many years, and her husband passing away, she made the decision to come to the United States. She had the appropriate visa status and the paperwork completed and bought her tickets. The day they were scheduled to leave, her 16-year-old daughter had emergency surgery for appendicitis and was in recovery for a short time. Then they went straight to the airport for the flight to Washington, D.C. Upon arriving in the United States, they immediately went to the local emergency room as the flight had been very hard on her daughter.

They were hoping I could get them household items so they would not need to spend their allotted “Welcome Money” on new items. I asked myself, “Do I have time to take this on at this most busy time of year?” Then my next thought was, “What better way to celebrate the Christmas season? Wasn’t this exact situation what it is REALLY about?”

I did not know where to start. So, I asked the eldest son what they needed the most at that moment (besides everything). He answered, “Socks.” “Socks?” I thought. “Really? Socks?” I wondered why, of all the items he could possibly ask for, that was the one item that they needed. Then, I realized: their feet were COLD. They had been through so much just to get here and all they were really asking for at that moment was warm socks.

I went home almost in tears wondering how I could help this dear, sweet refugee family that had already given so much to us by working with our military, and all they had been through. All they wanted at that moment was socks. So, I started emailing friends and picking up some promised donations the next day and took them to this deserving family. Included in the bags and bags of offered items was a shoe box full of warm winter socks, enough for the entire family.

Bringing Light: Celebrating the helpers on the ninth night of Hanukkah

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 21:11:00 GMT

Tonight is the eighth and final night of Hanukkah. And, as most people know, the holiday ritual calls for lighting one additional candle on the menorah each successive night until, on the last night, all of the candles are glowing.

You might notice that the menorah holds nine candles, not just eight. The one that occupies the middle position and rises slightly above the others is called the shamash , or “helper” candle.

In a recent Los Angeles Times Op-Ed , writer Erica S. Perl proposed that, in 2020, there should be a ninth night of Hanukkah to celebrate the helpers. We love this idea!

International Neighbors is comprised entirely of helpers—from our dedicated volunteers to our founder, Kari Miller, and staff, to our neighbors who help one another, and our SIVs who helped our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. In this most difficult year, your acts of kindness and generosity have brought hope and sustenance to our community. You bring light in the darkness.

Whether you light a menorah, string lights on a Christmas tree, or simply turn on your porch light, join us in celebrating all the helpers tomorrow—on the ninth night of Hanukkah!

CACF Grant Helps IN Assist More Families With Online Learning

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 23:28:00 GMT

Paid Staff and Volunteers Needed For Outreach

International Neighbors has been awarded a $35,000 Community Recovery & Catalyst Grant from the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation (CACF) to expand its efforts to facilitate online learning at home for refugee and SIV families.

These funds will enable us to provide families with computers, printers, and WiFi hotspots, as well as headphones, furniture and other items to help create privacy for at-home learning spaces in small apartments. In addition, the funds will allow us to hire Virtual Learning Liaisons to provide in-home assistance to families, and a supervisor to coordinate staff and volunteers.

Virtual Learning Liaisons will assist English language learning (ELL) students ingrades K-12, helping them stay engaged with the online instruction provided by their teachers from the Charlottesville City Schools, and helping parents with low English proficiency to communicate with teachers. Ideally, each Virtual Learning Liaison will work with one family at least 4 hours a day, 4 days a week.

The main qualifications for Virtual Learning Liaisons are familiarity with laptop computers, connecting to wifi, and basic technical know-how. But they really don’t need to know much more than the average parent whose children are participating in online learning at home.

We invite all current volunteers and volunteer applicants who are interested in being a paid or unpaid Virtual Learning Liaison for a family to contact IN’s Operations Director Sandra Kitembo at operations@internationalneighbors.org .

A series of articles in Charlottesville Tomorrow by education reporter Billy Jean Louis have followed IN’s efforts to assist the refugee and SIV community with online learning. Part 1: Immigrant families express difficulties with virtual learning ; Part 2: More than 200 immigrant families identified as needing assistance with virtual learning

Carrie Cheatham’s Greeting Cards Spread Sunshine & Help Support Refugees

Sat, 26 Sep 2020 12:21:00 GMT

Pop-Up Shop At Darling Boutique Sept. 26 Benefits IN

When Carrie Cheatham approached us about a partnership in January, we were thrilled. The Richmond-based artist and advocate founded her greeting card company, Snail. Mail. , as a social enterprise benefitting refugee organizations across the country. She offered to donate a percentage of her sales from April 1st to September 30th to support IN’s English language and literacy efforts.

Then Covid-19 happened. We got a phone call from Carrie in late March suggesting that her future donation be directed toward more urgent neighbor needs. She asked what else she could do to help. That call began a series of conversations—and an incredibly fruitful partnership.

Carrie helped us with the initial planning and designed a logo for the ALL IN Pen Pals program we started this summer. She was always willing to lend an ear and help brainstorm a problem or creative project. She also became a megaphone for IN’s efforts on behalf of Charlottesville’s most vulnerable neighbors during this unprecedented crisis.

“Working with International Neighbors since April has been much more than just donating money,” Carrie told us. “It’s allowed me to use my greeting cards and artwork as a way to advocate for some of our most precious neighbors during this pandemic. The world we live in today is foreign to us all and is going to take a lot of resilience and patience—something that we can learn from our refugee neighbors.”

“The cards and artwork are just the vehicle to make sure that our refugee neighbors both in Charlottesville and all across Virginia know that they are seen and they are loved,” Carrie said. “Loving our neighbors without conditions is our mission and I am so humbled to have partnered with IN throughout a more vulnerable time in all of our lives. It takes a community to flourish, and the past 6 months I believe we have been able to see a glimmer of that hope for the future.”

Carrie recently visited Charlottesville with a pop-up shop benefitting IN at Darling Boutique . CBS19 was there, and ran this news segment featuring an interview with IN executive director and founder Kari Miller.

Shop Snail. Mail . year-round for greeting cards and artwork that supports refugee neighbors! A % of sales will benefit IN through September 30th. The total donation from April – September sales will be made in October.

An Update on our Virtual Learning Centers

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 16:15:00 GMT

Dear Friends,

As IN’s Virtual Learning Centers enter the second week, I wanted to update you on the three “learning pods”— one at the IN House, and two at Friends Meeting House. Thanks to incredible support from donors and volunteers, 18 refugee neighbors have been able to gather in small groups of students for supervision and support during the virtual learning protocols of local public schools. This support is crucial for most elementary-aged students to succeed at virtual learning, but especially important for our English Language Learning (ELL) students.

Our dedicated volunteer, Kristin Thomas Sancken, shared her observations on the challenges and triumphs refugee students experienced with online learning last week:

“I don’t think people have any idea of how desperate the situation of online learning is for newly arrived refugees. The first day, none of the kids knew that computers had to be plugged into power. None of them knew how to connect to WiFi. Then, they were expected to log onto classes at very precise times, or else they are marked as absent. One teacher told an Afghani 5-year-old over Zoom, “don’t forget, you have to log in with your ESL teacher at 2 p.m. today!” As if a 5 year old knows how to tell time, much less log into Zoom and choose the right link for the ESL teacher that they’ve never met in person. (I love the teacher who said this. It’s no criticism against her. It just shows how difficult the situation is right now.)

I was so happy on Wednesday to observe my own daughter’s 1st grade class on Zoom and see one of the girls from the International Neighbors Virtual Learning Center engaged and singing the alphabet song! This is the first time this school year that particular student stayed online for the entire morning meeting!”

Another celebration this week is that a generous group of donors offered to fund 6 weeks of private van service! (See photo above) IN Staff and volunteers are thrilled to not endure the logistical turmoil of multiple pick-up spots, driver availability, etc. The kids were so excited this morning to board the “bus” together, and we were there to remind students to bring their school computers, power cords, password badges, and books needed for online classes.

We Need Volunteers
Getting started last week taught us that we need more volunteer hands on deck at both virtual learning center locations. Ideally, we would love to have a dedicated volunteer for each child. But, at the very least, we would like to have two adults providing supervision for each pod at all times.

Times that volunteers are most needed:
At the IN virtual learning center—in the afternoons: 1:30 – 2:45
At the Friends virtual learning center—mornings before 11:45/afternoons: from 1:30 – 2:45

If interested in volunteering, please use the volunteer sign-up sheet found here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4AA5A62DA57-international

If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact IN’s Virtual Learning Centers Supervisor Susanne Sachs, RWS57@comcast.net

We Need Donations
The current plan is to continue the virtual learning centers until Nov. 9th, based on the projected date Charlottesville City Schools gave for the return to in-person instruction. The $24,800 grant from the National Parents Union to start up learning pods to support online learning for ELL students has been spent mostly on hiring the four temporary, part-time staff needed to operate our three learning pods. For all other needs, we are dependent on donations.

Some of our current needs, and estimated costs:

Craft supplies to keep little minds engaged and creative during Zoom breaks – $50
Child-sized masks, forehead thermometers, and other supplies – $525
Additional two weeks of transportation by passenger van – $740 ($370 per week)
Hire one additional staff to support refugee families online schooling at home – $6,000

The district’s ELL teachers are identifying many more students who need additional support with virtual learning, and are urging us to make room for them in our learning centers. We would love to be able to offer support to more students, but it would take additional resources. If you can, please make a donation today.

Sincerely,

Kari Miller

Executive Director and Founder

Meet the Dream Team Leading IN’s Learning Pods

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 13:37:00 GMT

The “Dream Team,” (L to R) Marina Miller, Shahida Parveen, and Susanne Sachs, prepare to set up learning pods in the beautiful space donated by Charlottesville Friends Meeting House.

We are excited to introduce the accomplished group of women who will lead IN’s learning pods for English Language Learning (ELL) students—two pods of six students in the beautiful space donated by Charlottesville Friends Meeting House, and one pod of six students at the IN House—starting September 14th!

ELL Guide Marina Miller is a recent Yale graduate who majored in political science and international development. Fluent in French, Marina spent a summer working in a refugee camp in Uganda. She will be working with 3rd and 4th graders at Friends Meeting House.

ELL Guide Shahida Parveen is originally from Pakistan, and is fluent in Urdu. She taught primary school in Pakistan, and has four children here in Charlottesville City Schools. She will be working with K-2 students at Friends Meeting House.

ELL Learning Pods Supervisor Susanne Sachs worked in Albemarle Public Schools for 15 years with homeless, migrant and ESL students. She will provide support for all three learning pods and help foster connections with the families.

Funding for IN’s three learning pods, including staffing, was provided by a $25,000 grant from the National Parents Union to provide remote learning support to 18 ELL students this semester, through November 6.

We are grateful for the opportunities this grant brings, but we also realize that it’s just a starting place for helping our refugee families have more equitable access to public education while classrooms are virtual. Learn how you can help support refugee students by contributing to the Access and Equity fund.

The post Meet the Dream Team Leading IN’s Learning Pods appeared first on International Neighbors .

Backpacks carry more than school supplies

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 14:42:00 GMT

By Jennifer Spratley

I usually find myself planning Great Neighbor Gatherings and distributing school supplies and backpacks this time of year. With neighborhood gatherings on hold in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, school prep—like all things in 2020—looks a bit different. As families began making plans for the upcoming school year (however it may look), I reached out to Lucia Hoerr to see if Backpack Buddies could fill a few requests from our refugee neighbors. She quickly responded and not only filled the initial requests, but offered to donate even more backpacks to International Neighbors!

I collaborated with International Neighbors Board Member, Khatool, to identify families in need and Lucia worked her magic. Backpack Buddies’ generous donation of 68 backpacks have already made their way to our neighbors’ homes and into the hands of some very excited kids ready for the new school year. Distribution took a different form this year, donning masks and keeping a safe distance on doorsteps. I look forward to the day when we can safely gather indoors with our neighbors, share a cup of tea, snuggle babies, and hear stories from all walks of life. As we all seek to navigate this new normal, I’m grateful for the positive connection to our community that International Neighbors fosters.

I am keenly aware that the impacts of COVID-19 are affecting our refugee and SIV neighbors on scales far greater than the need for school supplies. That said, my hope is that these backpacks, so generously donated by our community, represent more than the tangible items that fill them. I hope they are also reminders to our neighbors that they are not alone, their kids’ futures are bright, and we are all IN this together.

Help support our refugee students during online schooling by donating to the Access and Equity fund.

An open letter to our community

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 23:04:00 GMT

Dear Friends,

Our hearts are heavy as we witness yet another chapter in our nation’s tragic history of violence and racism. The senseless murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor in recent weeks have left us angry, shocked and saddened.

The majority of IN’s client base—our neighbors—are people of color who fled systemic oppression and conflict. So, it is particularly alarming and triggering to see similar scenarios playing out here in America.

As an organization dedicated to creating a community that welcomes and supports all neighbors, we must act to condemn prejudice, racism and violence in all its forms.

Change starts with each of us. As Great Neighbors, we can:

•Make people in our community feel safe, wanted, respected, and welcomed.

•LISTEN—without assumption—to the experiences of those whose backgrounds are unlike our own.

•Examine the systems that we are part of, and work to promote inclusion that honors justice for all of humanity.

•Have difficult conversations that educate those trapped in “a white bubble where there’s no trouble.”

We can all be better—better people, better advocates, better neighbors. See below for resources for talking to children about racism (good resources for adults as well).

I can also strive to be a better leader in this community. Here are some actions IN will be taking as an organization:

•We stand in solidarity with black people everywhere who are fighting for their right to live lives free from oppression and unharmed by acts of violence.

•We stand against police brutality in all forms.

•We stand against a criminal justice system that disproportionately targets Black Americans.

•We stand against the institutionalized disenfranchisement of black and brown communities whose voices are silenced.

•We will not tolerate racist words or actions—we realize silence equals violence.

•We pledge to support black-owned businesses in our community.

•We will continue to advocate on behalf of those whose skin color has unfairly limited their opportunities.

To our black neighbors: we hear you, we share your anger and disgust, and we stand with you in steadfast solidarity.

Sincerely,

Kari Miller

Founder & Executive Director

Resources:

AAP: Talking to Children about Racial Bias

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/Talking-to-Children-About-Racial-Bias.aspx

The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Talking About Race Portal

https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race

Child Mind Institute on Processing Violent News Events

https://childmind.org/article/racism-and-violence-how-to-help-kids-handle-the-news/

Books to Read with Your Children

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/books-with-characters-of-co

Books to Read with Your Children

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/books-with-characters-of-co

Tips for Talking about Racism at Every Age

How to talk to children about racism

Anti-racism for kids 101: Starting to talk about race

T-shirt benefits C’ville nonprofits, spreads message of community solidarity

Mon, 25 May 2020 14:26:00 GMT

Here’s a chance for you to wear your heart on your sleeve, thanks to IN volunteer Genevieve Lyons (pictured above). Genevieve teamed up with local screen printer Blue Ridge Graphics to create a T-shirt to support nonprofits and promote community solidarity in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. They chose two organizations—International Neighbors and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank—that buyers can designate as the beneficiary when purchasing the shirts online. The logo of one or other goes on the sleeve.

Big thanks to Genevieve, who’s ALL IN with this effort. We spoke to her about her inspiration for the design and her commitment to helping others.

What inspired you to create the T-shirt?

I was inspired to create the shirt because I was feeling the isolation. I’m an extrovert and staying at home is a hard challenge for me. I remembered after the white supremacist attacks in 2017, T-shirts and signs with a teal heart design appeared around town. No one had to ask what it was about—we just knew. I loved that simple message, and I wanted to spread a similar sense of camaraderie and love during these times.

How did you come up with the design?

It took me a while to think of the right words. I considered ‘we will take care of each other’ and variations on that. I noticed that many organizations were using the phrase “we’re in this together” and I thought it was perfect. No need to reinvent the wheel. I imagined a heart substituting in for one of the letters. I also wanted to sort of echo the “Virginia is for Lovers” vibe and also the I Love Charlottesville mural in Belmont. I called up Will at Blue Ridge Graphics, and he told me he’d been kicking around a similar idea to support the community and asked if I wanted to collaborate. I said of course! He showed me two rounds of designs and we settled on one.

What do you hope will come out of this effort?

I have three goals: raise some money for the organizations, raise awareness about the good work they do, and build a sense of community in our town. Especially during a pandemic, we have to take care of each other by avoiding spreading the virus and also by taking care of people who experience challenges. Blue Ridge Graphics is a local business.

Why did you choose to support IN and BRAFB with the t-shirt sales?

I find the mission of IN to be deeply important and I fear that the refugee community is sometimes overlooked. I also chose the food bank because of the practicality—it’s an action-oriented mission that helps people with an immediate need. I chose two nonprofits because I wanted to give supporters a choice, but I limited it so that the impact would be greater.

How was it to work with Will Kulick and Blue Ridge Graphics?

Will was great to work with, especially considering he has a new baby at home! I told him what I wanted to do and he said he’d been essentially thinking about the same thing—how to raise money for nonprofits. I am grateful to him because he has the infrastructure to solve the practical issues I’d been struggling with: selling shirts online, shipping to customers, tracking the nonprofit contributions.

The “Cville in this Together” T-shirts are available online until Friday, May 29th: https://stores.brgtshirts.com/cville_together/shop/home

Each T-shirt costs $20, and of that, $10 is donated to the nonprofit of the buyer’s choosing. The corresponding logo will go on the sleeve. T-shirts will be shipped to buyers.

Will Kulick with his wife, Julie, and the newest addition to the family business.

Porch-to-Porch Food Drive Delivers Essential Supplies

Tue, 19 May 2020 21:03:00 GMT

Becky Templeman understands the value of neighborliness.

As the saying goes, a good neighbor can increase the property value of your home. A realtor by trade, Becky can surely appreciate that. But as one of International Neighbors’ Great Neighbors, she knows that dollars and cents aren’t the only measure—and that our collective efforts can have a greater impact on our community.

When Becky and her colleagues at Roy Wheeler Realty Company decided to organize no-contact food drives in their respective neighborhoods to support local food pantries, she knew immediately that she wanted her food drive to help the IN community.

Becky has been an active volunteer, advocate, and contributor to IN since 2018. Referencing her experience working with refugee and SIV neighbors, Becky said, “Before I met these families, I had little appreciation for their journeys, the challenges to assimilate, struggles with communication, and the earnest desires to make their new homes in America.” Becky now recognizes the significant, urgent needs of our refugee and SIV neighbors, particularly during this crisis.

For example, many neighbors are facing food insecurity as a result of pandemic-related job loss. Becky decided to take direct action to address the issue, requesting donations via social media and good old-fashioned legwork, distributing flyers to her neighbors in Crozet’s Stone Gate at Western Ridge community, which includes about 55 single-family households. To maintain social distancing, she asked that neighbors leave their donations in grocery bags on their front porches or in their driveways. On Saturday, May 9, Becky and her husband Cory collected 37 bags of canned foods, boxed cereals, paper products, and more—and delivered them to IN’s front porch, bringing new meaning to “curbside delivery.”

In addition, Becky has used time during stay-at-home orders to create a 25-page recipe book, “The COMFORT FOOD Cookbook, ” which will soon be available on Amazon , with all proceeds from the sale of the book going to International Neighbors.

Becky told us, “I’m ALL IN for IN! Keep going!” Thanks to the efforts of Becky and her generous neighbors, we have been able to distribute food and paper products to neighbors in need. Becky truly is ALL IN for neighbors, and we are so grateful!

Check out this video of Becky’s food drive, made with the help of another Great Neighbor—Jacob RG Canon of CanonPVA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrPkTgiQ2bA&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR0mrSiI-E-0ukQiJTLRSm6-_yVTEwC3mk9vX2DfXg8UCFHZj7__H_KrndQ

Donor Offers Fresh Herbs & Bountiful Kindness

Wed, 06 May 2020 20:31:00 GMT

Being ALL IN is a frame of mind. It’s not always about big money donations (though those are always appreciated, of course!). Instead, it’s about being thoughtful.

Benjamin Randolph loves to garden. He grows a lot of herbs, which he uses for cooking. He figures our refugee and SIV neighbors like to cook with fresh herbs, too. So, he routinely donates bags of fresh cilantro and oregano to International Neighbors.

It’s a simple act of generosity and kindness, and it tells us that Benjamin Randolph is ALL IN. “I love sharing my garden’s bounty with others,” Benjamin says.

On a related note, it will come as no surprise to you that Benjamin has also given more than 500 yards of elasticized fabric ribbon to local volunteers who are sewing masks, both for IN’s clients and other Charlottesvillians, to follow coronavirus safety guidelines.

Benjamin is a conscientious, compassionate person—what we call a Great Neighbor. He knows the basic fact: We’re ALL IN this together!

Thank you, Benjamin. Charlottesville is a better place because of you.

The post Donor Offers Fresh Herbs & Bountiful Kindness appeared first on International Neighbors .

Car Donation Serves Basic Need for Transportation

Tue, 05 May 2020 14:39:00 GMT

One way to honor your past and show gratitude for how you got here is to help others get where they need to go.

That is why John Gendreau and his wife, Kathryn, decided to go ALL IN by donating a car to International Neighbors.

“We are children of parents whose parents were first generation Americans, so we are not that far removed from the immigrant experience,” Gendreau says. “We value what our new neighbors bring to our society, culture, and country.”

His “new neighbors” are the 257 families served by IN. Gendreau recognizes that transportation—whether it’s to drive to work, deliver the kids to school or soccer practice, or dash to the grocery store—is a basic necessity that presents a major difficulty to many recently arrived refugees and SIVs. The donated ride is a 2006 Honda CR-V that the Gendreaus had stopped using, so it was just taking up space in the driveway.

“It seemed like the right thing to do,” Gendreau says. “We are fortunate in this time of a global pandemic to be able to lend a hand to a local family.”

Gendreau says he discovered IN in 2017 and has been a supporter ever since. “The founders and leadership of IN are educators who saw a need through their school experience,” he says. “My wife and I both have family members who are educators. Those relatives have always set the bar high to help newcomers to our country, and programs to help children and families overseas.”

Gendreau and his wife recognize that, with the exception of our indigenous peoples, all Americans are immigrants—and deserve not only our collective respect but also the tools they need to live productive, fulfilling lives here. To express this deeply held belief, he quotes John F. Kennedy from A Nation of Immigrants . “The interaction of disparate cultures, the vehemence of the ideals that led the immigrants here, the opportunity offered by a new life, all gave America a flavor and a character that make it as unmistakable and as remarkable to people today as it was to Alexis de Tocqueville in the early part of the nineteenth century.”

John and Kathryn Gendreau

CSA Partnership Addresses Hunger, Feeds Friendships

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 17:37:00 GMT

Food is a universal language. This has been proven time and time again by a partnership between International Neighbors and the local Bellair Farm CSA. Now entering its fourth year, the program provides 20 CSA shares— 10 funded by IN supporters , and 10 donated as a match by Bellair—to feed refugee families. Because shares can be split among more than one family, the program significantly reduces food insecurity among IN’s clients during the growing season.

Hardships wrought by the viral pandemic give the program even greater significance this year. “We’re supporting the local farmers and helping one of our most vulnerable populations,” says Susan Parmar, an IN board member and longtime volunteer. “Many of these folks are out of their jobs right now, and they had trouble making ends meet to begin with, so every little bit helps.”

Michelle McKenzie, the farm manager at Bellair, says that of the CSA’s 350 shares, 50 reach families at no charge. “That’s why I really love working with organizations like IN,” she says. “They do the legwork of identifying families who both want and need assistance with getting our food. They help with fundraising and also with distribution.”

A 10-year employee of Bellair, McKenzie is especially gratified to supply our refugee neighbors with foods that are familiar to them. “When I first started farming, we were growing a lot of things like bok choy, hon tsi tai, tatsoi, gunsho, and tons of different greens that I had never heard of,” she says. “It has been so cool to see the excitement folks have when they see those things on the table—things that they remember from their home country and that they aren’t always able to get.”

Parmar says the benefits go beyond nutrition. During each of the 22 weeks of the CSA season, which begins mid-May, several IN volunteers will meet a Bellair farmer on a certain day to pick up a bounty of pre-bagged produce. From there, each volunteer heads out to drop off bags at four to five homes. “Not only are Neighbors able to get fresh, local vegetables this way, but it has also opened the door to fantastic relationships between our volunteers and the families that they deliver to,” Parmar says. “Some of our volunteers have a standing weekly date now with the people they deliver to. They go in for tea, and they talk about recipes for the vegetables. And then often the relationships grow. They take the kids to soccer practice and help with other things.”

Social distancing may put a damper on that type of interaction, but it won’t dull the impact of the program. “Just that act of showing up and bringing families the vegetables that they so look forward to getting every week offers the feeling of connection,” Parmar says.

“There’s a lot that stands between folks and getting our food,” McKenzie says, referring to transportation issues and other obstacles that can prevent many neighbors from accessing healthy food. “But we can all chip in together to make this program work.”

Get INvolved: Donate a share, half a share, a portion of a share—or any amount at all—to the CSA program here .

Virtual Art Show Supports Neighbors in Need

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:36:00 GMT

Scheduled a year in advance, artist Mike Ryan’s exhibit at The Local Restaurant and Catering opened on March 1st. Then COVID-19 happened, and he lost the chance for hundreds more people to see and appreciate his work. Ryan could have chalked up the missed opportunity. But he had another idea: sell his work to help neighbors in need.

Ryan says his family’s involvement with a newly arrived Iraqi family a number of years ago was “one of the most positive experiences I’ve had in my lifetime.” That family moved away to Texas, but they’ve stayed in touch. He has also come to know many international families through the Clark Elementary school community, and as a coach for his son’s soccer team.

One particular family from Syria was on his mind when he decided to turn his COVID-19 misfortune into an act of kindness. “I know that the father is a bus driver for UVA, and that he would likely be out of a job for a while,” Ryan says.

The idea to set up a virtual gallery and sell his paintings online came out of a discussion with Michelle Moshier, The Local’s manager. Ryan, whose day job is as creative director for the design firm Journey Group, was helping Moshier with ideas for a Bingo game board promotion to help local restaurants and their furloughed staffs. When she suggested that Ryan could help a local charity by selling his paintings, International Neighbors stood out as an organization he’d like to help.

“I was thinking of all the international friends I’ve had here in Charlottesville, and I imagined that this would be a difficult time for them,” Ryan says. So, he decided to put all of the paintings that no one can visit at The Local exhibit into an online gallery and sell them—with 50% of the sale prices going to IN’s Neighbor Needs Emergency Fund . He even expanded the offerings to include additional works from another show currently up at The Vault.

Thanks, Mike, for being All IN for Neighbors!

Visit Mike Ryan’s virtual art show here: https://cargocollective.com/mikeryandesign/paintings`

Painter Ryan turns closed show into act of virtual kindness

IN This Together

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 14:44:00 GMT

Dear Friends,

In the space of three short (yet long) weeks, our lives have changed dramatically. And, in light of Governor Northam’s expanded stay-at-home order earlier this week, it is starting to sink in that this “new normal” is with us for at least the next two months.

It is hard to comprehend the impact that two or three months without income could have on the 257 refugee and SIV families currently in the International Neighbors network. And it is discouraging to admit that as a small, grassroots organization with only one full-time employee, we are not adequately equipped to address the enormity of the hardship our organization faces in this crisis.

As the impact of COVID-19 was just starting to take shape locally, and more of our refugee and SIV neighbors began reaching out for help and guidance, the question of how IN could respond to this crisis was weighing heavily on my heart and mind. Despair seemed to abound. So, I went for a walk in search of inspiration—and, to be honest, so that my kids wouldn’t see me cry. When tears ceased, beautiful spring blooms filled my vision and provided the inspiration I had gone in search of.

But what could these flowers do to erase the very real fears that families were grappling with? How could they feed their children? How would they pay rent and utilities with no jobs, and a looming stay-at-home order? Delivering bloom-filled jars to the doorsteps of worried families couldn’t solve any of these problems, but it could offer a reminder that our neighbors are not alone in this pandemic. We are all IN this together.

Yesterday was April 1st, a day most of our neighbors had been dreading. Rents were due, and people were unable to pay. While IN does not have a direct solution for the hundreds of families facing this problem, we want our clients, volunteers, and supporters to know that we are diligently working to ensure that our neighbors’ needs are met. We are continuing our work by:

Advocating for fair treatment from landlords/management companies regarding rent payments
Helping neighbors access social service benefits, including unemployment
Connecting neighbors with local resources for food and funding
Fundraising to assist neighbors with urgent needs through the establishment of the Neighbor Needs Emergency Fund and to provide fresh produce with CSA shares from Bellair Farm
Applying for grants to sustain and strengthen IN’s work as we prepare for COVID-19 recovery efforts
Adapting as an organization to find new ways to engage our volunteers and remain responsive to our clients while we must remain apart

There is much work to be done. With that being said, please don’t ever feel that your personal efforts aren’t enough because the package of diapers you dropped off for someone will eventually run out, or the gift card will only cover one meal for a family. No act of kindness is inadequate. No donation is too small. There is a cumulative effect of our collective efforts. It is called hope.

I want to thank all of the community partners, donors, volunteers, case managers, staff, and neighbors for the incredible generosity and sacrifice you have shown in these difficult days. We will be highlighting your acts of kindness—big and small—in the weeks to come. You give us all hope and inspiration. You are the bright spring blooms that lift our spirits in these dark times.

Stay well and stay connected,

Kari Miller
Founder & Executive Director

COVID-19 Resources for our community

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 14:22:00 GMT

**UPDATED 4/3/20** There is no doubt that the refugee and SIV population in Charlottesville is disproportionately affected by the rapidly evolving COVID-19 crisis. The purpose of this page is threefold: (1) To inform International Neighbors’ volunteers and clients of the ways our programs and community partnerships are impacted. (2) To offer our clients the most accurate and timely information, and in the greatest possible number of languages (check here frequently for updates). And, finally, (3) this unprecedented event creates a need that can only be addressed financially. We urge everyone who can to make a donation to the Neighbor Needs Emergency Fund described below.

In accordance with the advice of federal and state agencies, International Neighbors has made the difficult decision to suspend all programs and volunteer activity until further notice. Staff will be working remotely during this time, and IN offices will be closed.

For everyone’s safety, we ask that volunteers refrain from visiting clients until further notice. Look for more information soon on how to best support our neighbors while we must remain apart.
Sewing classes at the IN House are suspended until further notice.
English classes at Friendship Court are suspended until further notice. And, currently, Friendship Court is not allowing non-residents on site.
The Great Neighbor Gathering scheduled for April 29th has been cancelled. It will be rescheduled at a later date.
In-kind donations of clothing, furniture, and household items are suspended until further notice.
Earlysville Exchange is closed until further notice. All previously scheduled shopping trips will be rescheduled once operations resume.
SOCA soccer league practices and games are suspended until further notice.

Thank you for your cooperation as we all work together to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community and protect the health of our clients, volunteers, and staff.

We are working on putting together the most up-to-date and accurate information available about COVID-19 in as many languages as possible. Check here frequently for updates.

If you think you may have symptoms of novel coronavirus, contact your doctor’s office. DO NOT GO ANYWHERE TO BE SEEN. CALL FIRST. Many of IN’s clients are seen at the International Family Medicine Clinic. If you call there, you can ask for an interpreter on the line: appointments: 434-924-5348; daytime emergencies: 434-924-5340; after hours emergencies: 434-924-0000. The UVA Health Emergency Room phone number is 434-924-3627, also with interpreters available by phone.

COVID-19 Videos for refugees, developed by the Refugee Response and CC Cleveland, script vetted by the Ohio Department of Health

English: https://youtu.be/NSbeG1x9BLg

Pashto: https://youtu.be/0KKymmoU3v8

Karen: https://youtu.be/gUqr9iVb76I

Burmese: https://youtu.be/md6xDLo8hts

Arabic: https://youtu.be/xobF3Hv1tIg

Swahili: https://youtu.be/dCIRfAVDkQM

Fact sheets in many languages: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/NovelCoronavirusOutbreak2020/FactSheet

https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/handhygiene/wash/fsgermbuster.html

https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus.aspx

https://www.orangecountync.gov/2355/Multilingual-Resources

https://mcusercontent.com/e46bc2a137f8fc2ebfa85179c/files/98f93134-519e-4387-8fe9-9b76d141a598/24_x_36_Poster_COVID_19_Dari_Farsi_Tigrinya.pdf

Arabic:

FAQs: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus-faqs-ar.aspx#section1
Self isolation advice: https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/pages/self-isolation-covid-19-3march2020_arabic.pdf
Advice for travelers: https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/pages/advice-for-travellers-covid-19-3march2020_arabic.pdf

Burmese: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TBKz9J2UY68wGufbKh2lcDlFPB2wh4Yc

Dari: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TBKz9J2UY68wGufbKh2lcDlFPB2wh4Yc

Farsi:

FAQs: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus-faqs-persian.aspx#section1
Self isolation advice: https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/pages/self-isolation-covid-19-3march2020_-_farsi.pdf
Advice for travelers: https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/pages/advice-for-travellers-covid-19-3march2020_-_farsi.pdf

Pashto: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TBKz9J2UY68wGufbKh2lcDlFPB2wh4Yc

Swahili: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TBKz9J2UY68wGufbKh2lcDlFPB2wh4Yc

A list of helpful resources in the community. These resources will be updated frequently. If you have information about any changes or suggestions of additions to this list, please write to contactus@internationalneighbors.org.

Getting food:

**NEW HOURS AS OF 3/30/20** Loaves and Fishes food pantry will distribute pre-packed bags of groceries from their parking lot on Wednesdays 2-4 pm, Thursdays 6:30-8:30 pm, and Saturdays 10 am -12 pm. If you are unable to pick up for yourself, but have someone who can pick up for you, please have them contact Loaves & Fishes to make arrangements. https://www.cvilleloaves.org/
For information about food access points for families during Spring Break: Call Food Justice Network (CFJN) , 434-260-3274, for student Spring Break meal questions; Emergency Food Network , 434-979-9180, for 3 days of shelf stable food (pickups on Mondays & Fridays)

Financial assistance:

Unemployment FAQ: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/governor-of-virginia/pdf/Frequently-Asked-Questions-from-Workers-Regarding-COVID-19.pdf
The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation COVID-19 Household Relief Fund: Anyone experiencing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 virus and its economic impacts can call (434) 234-4490 between 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Multiple languages are available. https://www.cacfonline.org/

The Charlottesville community has mobilized in a mass demonstration of mutual support. Our natural instinct is to be present with one another, to go to our neighbor’s side to offer help. We are all struggling with the new reality of social distancing. We’ll be exploring ways to stay connected in this space, and on our social media accounts. Let’s get creative!

The most important way we can help our neighbors right now is financially.

Our refugee and SIV neighbors are especially vulnerable at this time. Many families will lose their only source of income for as long as this crisis persists, and their need for financial assistance is urgent.

Please give what you can to the Neighbor Needs Emergency Fund to help our neighbors with rent relief, medical co-pays, groceries, and other essential expenses during this unprecedented social crisis.

The post COVID-19 Resources for our community appeared first on International Neighbors .

Response to COVID-19

Sat, 14 Mar 2020 15:34:00 GMT

At International Neighbors, the safety and well-being of our neighbors, volunteers, and staff are our top priorities. We want to assure you that we are closely monitoring the evolving conditions of the coronavirus through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Vriginia Department of Health, and remain proactive in planning the best ways to preserve and protect the health and safety of our community.

As an organization committed to community support, we encourage you to find ways to continue supporting our neighbors and community members while also staying safe.

For Our Volunteers

First and foremost, guard your own health and the health of others by staying home if you show signs of illness or have recently traveled to an area where cases of coronavirus have been confirmed.

While we continue to serve and support our neighbors’ needs, we must be mindful of social distancing when possible and following any preventative measures outlined by the CDC .

We recognize that many of the refugee families we serve in Charlottesville will be affected by this outbreak not only on a health level, but also on an economic level. And most of those families operate on a single income, primarily from jobs within the hospitality and service industries—which will be largely affected.

We also expect mental health consequences to emerge. The impact of fear, uncertainty, lost wages and a diminished ability to provide for your family is extremely trying. We know our refugee families have faced adversity before, but this can and will unlock trauma for many of them, compounding any challenges they were already experiencing.

Our team is working on putting together resources that will help guide important conversations around this issue and point families toward resources available in the community. For our families who are English Language Learners and still somewhat unfamiliar with American culture, it is crucial that we support them in getting the best and most accurate information.

Here is a link to a COVID-19 fact sheet in many languages , including Arabic.

We will be adding updates and resources on our website here as they become available—please continue checking back for developments in the coming weeks. We would love to hear your suggestions for helpful resources to share. Please send any helpful information and ideas to contactus@internationalneighbors.org.

As the impact of the global pandemic continues to evolve, rest assured that we will continue to adjust and take any and all measures necessary to keep our community safe while continuing our mission to be the best neighbors we can possibly be—spreading love (not viruses) in Charlottesville.

Stay safe, be well, and be kind to one another.

Kari Miller
Executive Director & Founder

Response to the travel ban expansion

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 17:22:00 GMT

International Neighbors joins members of the Hello Neighbor Network, a cohort of nine community-based refugee support organizations across the U.S, in releasing this joint statement responding to the expansion of the travel ban, which went into effect on February 21.

On January 31, 2020, the Trump Administration released a statement to expand the ongoing travel ban, placing new restrictions on six additional countries. Immigrant visas will be suspended for citizens of Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa in addition to visa suspensions from Myanmar, Eritrea and Kyrgyzstan—while people from Sudan and Tanzania will be barred from the U.S. diversity visa program, which awards green cards to immigrants. While the additions to the original travel ban do not affect refugee arrivals from those countries, they further contribute to a fearful narrative for refugees and immigrants, and impact reunification of family members for those living in the US.

This order came within days of the three-year anniversary of the Administration’s original ban, a contentious executive order that restricted travel from several majority-Muslim countries. Along with this original ban, we have also seen declining admissions of refugees into the United States, with 2020 expected to have the lowest number of refugee admissions since the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) was created in 1980.

Offering refuge to those fleeing violence has long been a non-partisan humanitarian priority in the United States. In 1947, the U.S. helped draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights , which states “everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.” The U.S. is also a signatory on the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol , a commitment to ensure that the rights of refugees are respected and protected.

We are deeply saddened by yet another move to restrict families from equal access to safety, security, opportunity, and the ability to stay together.

This is not a political issue. It is a human issue.

Bans have serious implications for families around the world and here in the communities we serve. It is a further push toward isolation—for those seeking refuge within our country’s borders as well as those who have already resettled in the U.S.—the exact endemic that International Neighbors and our partners in the Hello Neighbor Network are working to combat.

As a network of nonprofits dedicated to supporting refugee families seeking a safe haven in communities across America, we are not losing heart. Together, with thousands beside us, including staff, donors, volunteers, board members, the families we serve, our allies, advocates and ambassadors, we stand in solidarity with all those who work to soften the landing of refugees and remain committed to advocating for the vulnerable, the oppressed and the suffering, regardless of their faith or where they come from.

The work we are doing now in our communities is more important than ever, and we, as neighbors, are not going anywhere.

International Neighbors and our partners will continue to work to improve the lives of refugee families within our communities and be a leading voice in the effort to keep America a nation that is free and welcoming to all, regardless of race, religion or national origin. And we are calling on those who oppose all forms of discrimination and are inspired to make America a place of welcoming, to join with us. We need you here.

Signed.

Kari Miller

Executive Director and Founder

International Neighbors

Everyday Miracles

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 17:09:00 GMT

With displaced populations reaching record numbers worldwide, the refugees and Special Immigrant Visa-holders (SIVs) who have made it to our small, welcoming community in Charlottesville consider themselves fortunate.

But their arrival here is just the start of another difficult journey.

This Christmas morning I am thinking of two families, in particular, who face common challenges—food insecurity and managing childcare, among many other things. But those challenges are compounded by language barriers, lack of transportation, and the lack of a support network, such as extended family nearby.

Our volunteers never fail to fill that void. When the call goes out for help, it is—remarkably—always answered. It doesn’t matter if it is the Saturday before a major holiday. If a newly arrived family needs a ride to the food pantry and help with the registration process, one of our Great Neighbors will make sure that family doesn’t go hungry.

And, on Christmas Eve, when a nurse calls to let us know that a mom with a 2-week-old baby and three children under 5 is near exhaustion, another Neighbor is ready to visit the family, play with the children, hold the baby, and let the mother rest.

These Great Neighbors—all of you—perform these everyday miracles all year round, but it is especially meaningful to me this morning to know that we are all in this together.

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah!

Kari Miller Executive Director & Founder

C-VILLE Weekly story highlights IN program

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 16:45:00 GMT

Sewing is having a moment at International Neighbors. It has come into focus lately because of the way it connects cultures and brings people with shared interests together, and because having the ability to sew can change lives for the better.

On this front, we have “sew much news” we are excited to share:

A C-VILLE Weekly story hit the stands today featuring a story about IN volunteer Deborah Jackson’s sewing machine deliveries, and the friendship she developed with Neighbor Najeeba Popal (pictured above). After receiving a machine from Deborah, Najeeba has been able to pick up work as a seamstress. You can read the article here .

If that article inspires you, and you want to help with the sewing machine donation program, there are several needs:

Sewing machine repairs: If you are skilled in this area and would like to help, please contact Deborah at djackson21@aol.com .
Sewing machine deliveries and mentoring support: If you would be interested in taking a sewing machine to a new recipient, teaching them how to use the machine, and providing occasional support as a “sewing mentor,” please contact Jennifer at contactus@internationalneighbors.org .
If you are interested in donating a sewing machine for repairs, contact Deborah at djackson21@aol.com . Please be aware that you may need to schedule your donation for a later date—Deborah can only fit so many machines in her house at a time!
Donations of fabric, zippers, thread, etc. are welcome, but storage space is limited. Gift cards to JoAnn’s fabrics would be most helpful. For more information, contact Jennifer at contactus@internationalneighbors.or g .

Our much-anticipated sewing class , taught by Neighbor and professional tailor Sylvan Kasondwa, will begin on January 3rd, 5-8 pm, at the IN House Resource Center. For more information, contact Jennifer at contactus@internationalneighbors.org .

Finally, the Sew-tacular Holiday Sew-a-thon at The Bridge tomorrow evening Dec. 19th, from 5:30-8:30 pm, provides a great opportunity for sewing practice and fun. We’re organizing a group of Neighbors and friends to attend. For more information, contact Jennifer at contactus@internationalneighbors.org .

Join IN’s #GivingTuesday Crew

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 19:49:00 GMT

Giving Tuesday was launched in 2012 as a simple idea: to create a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

For many nonprofits, including IN, Giving Tuesday is also one of the biggest fundraising days of the year—emphasis on FUN!

This year, we’ve come up with 5 fun ways you can show your support for IN on Giving Tuesday :

1. Help us get a matching funds donation from Facebook by making a donation to Kari’s Giving Tuesday Facebook Fundraiser for IN between 8 am – 10 am ET on Tuesday, Dec. 3rd.

Why this specific timing? Well, Facebook is making the matching funds available for donations coming in via Facebook starting at 8 am on Giving Tuesday on a first come, first served basis until a cap of $7 million in donation matches is reached. According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations are registered in the U.S. So, we expect that all of the matching funds will be claimed pretty quickly!

Think of it as sort of a “fun run” sprint to start off the giving season. Help spread the word to friends who might want to help us get a running start. You can find more information about Facebook’s Giving Tuesday Matching Funds here .

2. Start a Facebook Fundraiser . If you’re feeling really excited about the possibility of helping IN get matching funds from Facebook, consider starting a Facebook fundraiser on IN’s behalf. You can find out how to do that here . Remember to tell your friends that Facebook will match their donations that are made on Giving Tuesday starting at 8 am, and that we should act fast before that $7 million cap is reached.

3. Share an #Unselfie on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. The #Unselfie has become a Giving Tuesday tradition. Here are the steps involved: a) Print out IN’s #Unselfie sign ( download PDF here ). b) Take a photo of yourself holding the sign. c) Post your photo to the social media accounts you use. In your post, describe the reasons you are a #GreatNeighbor and why you support IN.

4. Read IN volunteer Deborah Jackson’s #MyGivingStory , vote for it and share widely. The top 20 Giving Stories with the most votes will be in the running for a $10,000 grant from Giving Tuesday and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (among other prizes). You can vote for her story (and any other that strikes your fancy) once a day from now until Dec. 10th.

5. Submit your own #MyGivingStory. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 3rd. The 4 nonprofits with the most stories submitted on their behalf will be eligible for a $2,000 prize. Find out more here .

6. One more thing: Have fun! And be sure to tag us in any social media posts you choose to share, so we can join in on the fun, too!

Thanksgiving Thoughts from Kari

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 14:07:00 GMT

Dear Friends,

As I write this, it’s the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and many of us are already traveling to be with our families or preparing to receive them at home. It’s a time of mixed feelings. We’re filled with happiness at the thought of being with our loved ones—and perhaps even to meet a newly arrived niece, nephew, or grandchild! We might also feel anxious: Reuniting with family after a period of separation can be stressful, as I’m sure I don’t have to tell you.

But regardless of the logistical difficulties, we go to great lengths to be together, to renew our bonds, remember our shared past (with laughter and tears!), and to reaffirm the fundamental importance of family. Those of us who are able to participate in this ritual are extremely lucky. Many of our neighbors—displaced from their country of origin, abruptly and sometimes violently disconnected from their families—simply do not have the option to be with their wider circle of loved ones. I feel for these neighbors always, but especially at this time of year. The contrast between my life and theirs is stark. Talk about mixed feelings! I am humbled and grateful, sad but hopeful.

Whatever else Thanksgiving symbolizes, and despite its dubious origins as an American tradition, it is essentially about belonging—to a community, a network of friends and family.

In Charlottesville, we are especially fortunate to live in a vibrant global community. I can go around the world in one neighborhood, visiting with families from Afghanistan and Congo, Syria and Tanzania. I founded International Neighbors in 2015 because I saw that our refugee and SIV neighbors are suffering in our midst without this network of support. We have abundant resources available in this city and I knew that, together, we could help. The four years since then have confirmed my belief that we are stronger and better off when our cultures connect, and when neighbors help neighbors.

This is fundamentally what International Neighbors is about. It is about you, and what you contribute. It is about us—what all of us can do together, the kind of community we can be. In this time of social divisiveness and turmoil, we must remember the power of being Great Neighbors to all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

More Neighbors Will be Warm This Winter Because of You

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 19:38:00 GMT

Our Great Neighbor Gathering and Coat Drive in October was a huge success! We made this video as a thank-you to all of the volunteers and community partners who made it possible! Special thanks go out to Peace Frogs/Travel Outfitters for collecting 300 coats; and to the students, parents, and teachers of Charlottesville Waldorf School for the beautiful handmade hats and scarves! Thanks for being Great Neighbors!

Know Your Neighbor (Virginia Film Festival edit)

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 01:25:00 GMT

In 2018 we raised funds in order to have local cinematographer Aaron Farrington create this film about some of Charlottesville’s international neighbors. Thanks to BAMA WORKS of the Dave Matthews Band, Aaron and his team produced a beautiful and compelling product that was even accepted as part of the 2018 VA Film Festival.

Watch the Virginia Film Festival Edit Here .

Meet Volunteers Emily and David

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 01:15:00 GMT

Emily and David Leblang are the the curtain installation duo. They’ve been volunteers since 2016 and have installed 35 curtains in 30 different houses around the windows, but also as a way to compartmentalize the home to lend privacy. Emily has a background in working curtains in JC Penny, David brings the power tools and her two kids bring the entertainment for the little ones running around. As Emily says: “It’s amazing how curtains turn an apartment into a home and how if changes the energy of a house. And that we all want the same things regardless of background and economic positioning: a nice home, a table, an education, providing for the family and having friends and neighbors. ” Thank you Leblang family from all of us at IN.

Meet Elias

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 01:08:00 GMT

Meet Elias, you can learn a little bit about him here | Password: lighthouse

You can learn a LOT about him if you choose to apply as a volunteer with us!

He is a remarkable 18 year old, living and learning the U.S. way of life.

Meet Fatou

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 01:06:00 GMT

Meet Fatou, a survivor from Gambia. She was referred to us leaving the Shelter For Help IN Emergency (SHE) which is a great resource but has a 6 week stay limit.

So she found herself as a single mother of a 3 month old and a 2 year old, needing a network and a place to call home.

We were able to provide both, and she is now living a safe and self-sufficient life. We are so glad that you are our Neighbor!

Our goal was $75,000 and we HIT it!!

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 18:38:00 GMT

We cannot thank you enough for the outpouring of financial support both in large donations and small that all contributed to what we will be able to do in the coming year. Cue tears because this is going to be massive.

International Neighbors Receives 2018 Human Services Award!

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 03:06:00 GMT

International Neighbors is honored to be the recipient of a 2018 HUMAN SERVICES AWARD from Women United in Philanthropy! Along with Building Goodness Foundation, International Neighbors will receive $30K to fund programs that enhance the lives of Charlottesville’s most under-resourced neighbors. Thank you, WUP! See more online at The Daily Progress .

Ripple Effect Matching Grant Update

Thu, 05 Jul 2018 12:23:00 GMT

We reached our Goal! Because of your support we raised $10,000 and received a matching $10,000 from The Good People Fund . From all of us at International Neighbors…THANK YOU!

Founded in 2008, The Good People Fund provides financial support and management guidance to small and mid-sized, highly effective non-profits, headed by dynamic Good People who are devoted to tikkun olam (repairing the world). ~TGPF

Cville Women’s Choir Spring Concert to Benefit IN

Tue, 29 May 2018 15:45:00 GMT

When: Sunday, June 3, 4:30 p.m. 2018

Where: The Haven |112 Market St | Charlottesville, VA | 22902

We love our Great Neighbors at Charlottesville Women’s Choir!They have chosen International Neighbors as the beneficiary of their Spring Concert on June 3rd at 4:30pm . Come on out to The Haven, listen to CWC’s songs for peace and justice, and celebrate with IN!

http://www.cville-womens-choir.org/

Clothing Drive at St. Anne’s Belfield

Tue, 29 May 2018 15:31:00 GMT

St. Anne’s Belfield School is hosting their second annual Clothing Drive for International Neighbors!

When: Wednesday, June 6th | 4:30-6pm

Where: St.Anne’s Belfield School upper school gym |2132 Ivy Road | Charlottesville, Va

Follow the rd to the left that leads to the top Parking Lot – look for signage.

Are you available on June 5th, 6th, and 7th to help make this event a success?

Volunteers are needed for:

Clothing Drive Setup
Clothing Drive Event
Clothing Drive Clean Up
Transport Extra Items to Salvation Army

Sign up here and Thank you!

Bellair CSA Partnership

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 14:34:00 GMT

Bellair Farm and International Neighbors partner to provide Neighbors CSA shares throughout the summer.

Last year, we were able to receive some funds, which we were able to match to provide CSA shares for 10 refugee families. This year, we are hoping to expand this program, with your help! If we can get enough donations to fund 10 shares, Bellair Farm will chip in an additional 10 shares to help a total of 20 refugee families have access to fresh, healthy food this year.

If you are in a position to donate, please help us out by clicking here . Your donation goes directly to IN and is tax-deductible. Any amount at all will help!

Thank you for helping us with our mission to get fresh healthy food to everyone in the Charlottesville community!

Learn more at bellairfarm.com

IN Ripple Effect Campaign

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 16:26:00 GMT

Now through May 15 , you can support IN’s Ripple Effect Campaign and help spread the great work of Great Neighbors like you across the country! Read more here about IN’s Ripple Effect Campaign .

IN Featured on NPR National News

Fri, 09 Mar 2018 14:33:00 GMT

International Neighbors is honored to be featured on NPR National News as part of the news series Take a Number . The series, Take A Number, is exploring problems around the world—and the people who are trying to solve them—through the lens of a single number. The focus of the IN story was the acclimation of refugees and SIVs after the first 90 days of the resettlement period. This is the time frame in which International Neighbors becomes closely involved in scaffolding our new community members in their quest for self-sufficiency by helping our new neighbors move from surviving to thriving .

Listen to the story.

Khzir Khan at VA Festival of the Book

Sun, 28 Jan 2018 19:48:00 GMT

IN is one of the proud sponsors of Hope and Sacrifice: A Conversation with Khizr Khan at Virginia Festival of the Book.

March 22, 8-9:30pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Performing Arts Center
1400 Melbourne Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901

Learn more at Virginia Festival of the Book.

Knitting Together

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 19:53:00 GMT

Knitting Together , a team which meets once a week for knitting, embellishing, and packaging hats and blanket buddies for local groups and people in need, has kindly chosen International Neighbors as a recipient of their warm and beautiful hats. Thank you Knitting Together!

Knitting Together, Charlottesville, VA

Charlottesville High School National Honor Society

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 22:19:00 GMT

On January 11th, Susan Parmar, International Neighbor’s Community Connections Chair and board member, will give a keynote address representing International Neighbors as the Charlottesville High School National Honor Society’s new non-profit beneficiary. We are honored to have been chosen by this stellar group of high school students!

January: Whole Foods Market Nickels for Non-Profits

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 22:12:00 GMT

IN has been selected as one of the beneficiaries for Whole Foods Market Nickels for Non-Profits for the month of January. Be sure to donate your bag credit and choose IN as the recipient.

2017 has been a YEAR of much SUCCESS!

Wed, 03 Jan 2018 01:09:00 GMT

Thanks to our Village of Volunteers and Super Supporters like YOU, we CELEBRATE…

10… donated VEHICLES , thus increasing independence and opportunities for ten families families living and working in Charlottesville…

9… summer CAMPS welcomed 214 international neighbors, enhancing the lives of these adolescents and their camp-mates in a multitude of ways…

8… with a 4 (that’s 84!) houses became HOMES with the addition of furniture, curtains, computers, televisions, and culture specific cookware…

7… home-bound preschoolers were ENROLLED in full time programs, giving them critical early education while allowing a parent to be employed…

6… adults were assisted with securing lucrative EMPLOYMENT that allowed for advancement within companies and career paths…

5… Community Partners welcomed 28 FAMILY FRIENDSHIPS to various events held at Wildrock, The Paramount, Highland, the Front Porch, and Charlottesville Ballet Academy…

4… families were assisted with LEGAL COUNSEL that negated incidences of injustice…

3… neighbors became U.S. CITIZENS , thanks in part to their weekly English lessons through our BILINGUAL BUDDY program…

2… HUNDRED hours of DENTAL CARE were provided thanks to partnerships with local dental care clinics and committed volunteers…

and finally…

1st ANNUAL FUND GOAL of $50K REACHED!

THANK YOU FOR MAKING 2017 so GREAT and for ensuring that 2018 will be even BETTER!

Begin the New Year as a Great Neighbor by shopping at Whole Foods Market in Charlottesville! INTERNATIONAL NEIGHBORS will be the “Nickels for Nonprofits” recipient during the month of JANUARY !

“In Her Company” blog – Kari Miller profiled

Sat, 30 Dec 2017 17:09:00 GMT

Kari Miller with International Neighbors’ kids

Kari Miller, International Neighbors founder is profiled on the Charlottesville blog In Her Company— a site which celebrates the strength and grace of women, the beauty of our friendships, and the power of our influence. Read more about what inspired Kari to start International Neighbors, her inspiration and advice .

Meet Volunteers Cathy & Becca

Fri, 13 Oct 2017 16:56:00 GMT

Cathy and her family decided to find out what they could do to support refugees in our community because of the many conversations they were having at the dinner table about policies on refugees coming to our country. Their teenagers didn’t think that refugees should be kept out of our country or our community, but they didn’t really know how they were being supported once they were here. They wanted to find out more and wanted to show their kids that even if they can’t affect our national policy and make things better in the world, they could try to help our small corner of the world by supporting those people who have ended up here.

By being a Family Friend , they have enjoyed having a sustained relationship with a great family and a chance to build a long-lasting friendship. They have been welcomed in their home since the first day! They love seeing the kids starting to acquire language and watch the family get more and more comfortable with life in Charlottesville.

Cathy’s family signed up thinking they knew what this family might enjoy trips to the library and the best playgrounds and parks but what they quickly realized was that this family needed completely different things. They quickly learned to drop all expectations and let the family show them what they needed, as friends and neighbors. Sometimes it is tangible things like finding used car seats or a working sewing machine. Cathy has been able to use her own network of friends, coworkers, and neighbors to help them get basic necessities or make a possible connection for a job. Other times Cathy simply answer questions and helps them understand the way things work in this culture—such as explaining paperwork from school, what might they might hear or see on July 4th, or where to get a SIM card. They also have enjoyed quite a few trips to local playgrounds!

Cathy advises that you don’t need much to become a volunteer. You need a commitment to give time to this friendship, an open mind, curiosity about people who are different than you, and a willingness to get out of your comfort zone. She has had times where she has felt overwhelmed by the reality of how hard it is to be a refugee in this town, but International Neighbors has many dedicated volunteers who work together to help support families. You are not asked to be responsible for supporting a family alone.

Beneficiary of Charlottesville 10 Miler

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 21:56:00 GMT

We are excited to announce that International Neighbors (IN) was selected as one of the 2018 beneficiaries of the Charlottesville Ten Miler . We will post more information soon on how you can help be a volunteer for IN during the races.

IN News and Events June 2017

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 21:10:00 GMT

Read more about our organization’s accomplishments this summer and upcoming events.

Click here!

Meet Volunteer Mil Bailey

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 20:54:00 GMT

Mil Bailey has invested over 100 hours with IN! Whether taking shoppers to EE or dancers to CBA . Mil always does so with a smile. A world traveler, Mil appreciates knowing so many international neighbors—and their delicacies—right here in Charlottesville.

Meet the Rai Family

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 13:36:00 GMT

Bhutanese refugees who spent a decade in Nepal, the Rai family has been in Charlottesville, VA since 2012. On the anniversary of her fifth year in the country, Chandra earned her U.S. citizenship. She is proud to be an American!

Meet the Karaz Family

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 13:36:00 GMT

Yahya and Siba fled Syria in 2013, with their infant daughter. They lived in Jordan for 3 years, awaiting refugee resettlement status and welcoming a son. Now, the family of four lives in Charlottesville, VA and is “happy to be able to work and to be safe.” IN programs: Family Friendship, Bilingual Buddies Thanks to International Neighbors and the Montessori School of Charlottesville, Hend (4 years) is able to attend preschool where she excels at learning English and making friends.

Organization Helps Refugee Family Find New Life in Charlottesville

Mon, 15 May 2017 09:38:00 GMT

Madison Carter – NBC29

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) –
A family that fled the war in Syria is finding a new life in Charlottesville thanks to the help of some friendly neighbors.

Soup Dinner Success, NBC coverage

Tue, 28 Feb 2017 17:27:00 GMT

Soup Supper Fundraiser, Photo credit: Susan Kalergis Photography

We are overwhelmed by the support of our community and the success of tonight’s fundraising event. Thank you to Michelle Piña Damiani and Susan Manning Parmar and everyone else who organized the Soup Supper. And thank you to all the volunteers, chefs and neighbors who made this possible and attended.

Kari Miller , International Neighbors Executive Director shared a perfect quote from English novelist Margaret Kennedy tonight: “Soup is a lot like a family. Each ingredient enh ances the others; each batch has its own characteristics; and it needs time to simmer to reach full flavor.”

The funds raised tonight will help us continue to provide services, programs and support for our refugee and immigrant families in Charlottesville. Together we will make a difference. Thank you!

Watch NBC 29 coverage.

Read about this party on Michelle Damiani’s blog post: How to Host an Unforgettable Party .

Soup Supper Fundraiser, Photo credit: Susan Kalergis Photography

Fundraiser for Syrian refugee struck by car

Wed, 15 Feb 2017 15:21:00 GMT

Courteney Stuart – CBS19

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (NEWSPLEX) — A Syrian refugee who was struck by a car last week is still in a coma and his prognosis is uncertain, according to the head of an organization assisting his family.

Youth committee awards $10,000 to refugee assistance group

Thu, 31 Mar 2016 21:10:00 GMT

Aaron Richardson – Charlottesville Tomorrow

A budding Charlottesville nonprofit got a $10,000 boost Monday from the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation’s Youth Service Award Committee.

Monday marked the 22nd time the CACF has given out the Youth Service Award grant.

Charlottesville "Neighbors" Volunteer to Help Refugees

Wed, 03 Feb 2016 09:00:00 GMT

Jodi Yager – NPR

In our second installment on refugees in Virginia, WMRA’s Jordy Yager takes a look inside a new non-profit group in Charlottesville that pairs Americans with refugee families in an effort to strengthen community by doing something revolutionary… being a good neighbor.

International Neighbors Helps Refugees Adjust to Life in Charlottesville

Thu, 12 Nov 2015 15:10:00 GMT

Taylor Cairns – CBS19

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (NEWSPLEX) — International Neighbors made their debut Wednesday night as Charlottesville’s newest nonprofit organization. The goals are very different than any other organization in the area.

Introducing International Neighbors

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 09:00:00 GMT

The post Introducing International Neighbors appeared first on International Neighbors.