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