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For World Refugee Day 2022, the ̽����ѡ and Instagram spotlight three creatives who, having fled their homes as refugees, brought more than they carried with them.

Rabia Afghan and her family arrived in the United States in April 2022 as part of “Operation Allies Welcome,” fleeing the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. Initially welcomed by ̽����ѡ staff member Bill Tuffin in Virginia, their paths crossed again in January 2023 when Bill, now an Employment Specialist at the ̽����ѡ in Denver, was tasked with helping Rabia find employment. Despite language barriers and the challenges of resettlement, Rabia secured a job at a local hotel and, through determination and support from the ̽����ѡ, was promoted within two years. Her story highlights the critical role of community support in helping refugees rebuild their lives and the ongoing challenges they face in their new homes.

Students in Garden City are reaching out to help refugees resettling in Garden City

Read stories from around the world of refugees assisted by The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund and the ̽����ѡ.

On April 6th, the ̽����ѡ, in partnership with Play-well TEKnologies and Peer to Peer, brought 155 students and family members to the University of Maryland for a morning of LEGO-inspired learning. This was the second time that ̽����ѡ in Silver Spring has had the opportunity to team-up with Play-Well TEKnologies to host a community building event for recently resettled families. “The Play-Well team uses the universal language of fun! Participants ranged from babies to grandparents, all excited to explore a new place and imagine a future at UMD.

Paul Mwingwa and his family was resettled in Missoula by the ̽����ѡ in 2018. Although he didn't initially set out to be a voice for refugees, he feels he has been called to serve and currently advocates for refugees and immigrants as the Montana Delegate for the Refugee Congress. Paul was recently honored with the Excellence Award from Refugee Congress, and we sat down with him to learn more!

The ̽����ѡ accepts gently used furniture and household items to give to refugees resettling in Garden City.

​While the plight of war refugees is in the news, and deservedly so, the struggle of refugee families from Eritrea is not often in the headlines.  Located in Northern Africa, Eritrea is led by an oppressive regime, with few rights for its people.  Thousands flee each month in search of survival and a better life. Over the last seven years, the ̽����ѡ in Silver Spring has resettled hundreds of Eritrean refugees. Because Eritrean refugees are at risk if they are identified, the subject of our story – who we will call “H” – did not want to be named. This is her story.