How You Can Help!

FROM THE IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE SUPPORT (IRSC) COMMITTEE
SMALL THINGS MEAN A LOT TO REFUGEES

Imagine leaving your home, your country and many of your family members and having to flee to a new and confusing country. This is true of all the refugees and asylum seekers on our radar, from our Southern border, to Afghanistan, to Ukraine and more. Your contributions purchased new shoes for the M Family in Fairfax; it seems so little but the shoes—and the sentiment—were greatly appreciated.
Please continue to support our new neighbors in need, and keep in mind it is not only your dollars, but the care you send and the persistent message that refugees and asylum seekers are welcome. That message can be spread in so many ways and in each small gesture, a barrier can be broken.
This week we focus on our Afghan friends specifically.

AFGHAN FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS WHO COULD USE OUR HELP

"H" Family in Pittsburgh:
Out of their family of 7 people, 5 were medical doctors in Afghanistan.
Daughter A is a recent medical school graduate. She's going to apply to the University of Pittsburgh's Physician Assistant program. The application fee to apply to the CASPA website is $175. Would anyone be interested in sponsoring her application fee? GOOD NEWS—THE FEE WAS PAID!
Daughter N was a dentist in Afghanistan and wants to get certified to become a Dental Hygienist. The application fee to apply to the program is $55. She would also have to take an English test to prove her language skills to apply. The cheapest test option is called the DuoLingo exam and is around $50 to take the test.
The family could really benefit from a computer and printer which could be purchased for about $500.
The "G" Family from Afghanistan now in Chicago:
The family just moved into their apartment in Chicago and desperately needs items like bedding, large pots/pans for the kitchen, and a sofa. IRSC would purchase gift cards to help them.
The “A" Family in Alexandria, VA:
They would benefit from a laptop computer to take ESL classes online. The family is also asking for Uber gift cards to help pay for transportation to the grocery store and library.
Wahab is a young professional Afghan man trying to keep his contract job and could benefit from a used car. He is being homed by a family in Frederick. If you have a lead on a free used car, please email: SocialJusticeSPC@gmail.com

TO GIVE:
Send a check to SPC with IRSC in the Memo line to:
Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church, PO Box 268, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Or give through the SPC website using the GIVE icon on the home page and adding REFUGEE and any notes in the 'Add Special Instructions' box:
https://www.shepherdstownpresbyterian.org/