November Newsletter
- Neighbors for Refugees
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Thrive, Defend, and Hope
“Hope is the capacity to face reality, no matter how difficult, and still seek every possible good.” Jmel Wilson quoted those words in a video shared at our Defend and Thrive Gala last month. Hope that communities like ours will continue to stand up for human rights and protect neighbors from harmful immigration policies.
Hope that refugees already here will have the safety they so desperately seek. More than 100 supporters attended our gala and helped raise more than $100,000 in vital funds for refugee families, giving them hope that they will have access to legal support, food, job training, and childcare — as government policies and actions threaten their safety (and hope) in their new community. Our new short film, Thrive, Defend & Hope, which we showcased at the Gala, shares the extraordinary journeys of refugee families rebuilding their lives — and the neighbors who walk beside them. At its core is a difficult truth: these families still face the threat of being torn apart. The film features powerful accounts from the lawyers on the front lines, navigating an unprecedented climate of fear, detention, and family separation. Their message is urgent: even refugees with valid claims and proper documentation are at risk. This is happening in our community right now. Thrive, Defend & Hope highlights the courage of families seeking safety and the dedication of those defending their right to remain — and it shows why your support is vital. We invite you to watch the 15-minute film today. If you’re able, consider donating so we can continue providing legal protection, housing support, and community care to families who need it most. |
Meet Ajmal
The journey to citizenship can be long and uncertain, especially for those who arrive seeking safety and a chance to rebuild their lives. In the following firsthand account, Ajmal reflects on his journey and how Neighbors for Refugees' support helped him and his family thrive.
“I’m very proud to share that I have recently been naturalized as a U.S. citizen. This achievement is significant as November marks our sixth year in the United States — we arrived on November 16, 2019. It has been a long journey, made more challenging by the recent immigration delays and uncertainties affecting Afghan refugees and Special Immigrant Visa holders. After my initial citizenship interview, I was unexpectedly called for a second one, which was stressful given the current immigration climate of this Administration. With Neighbors for Refugees’ guidance and support, I consulted an attorney and navigated the process with confidence.
As I look back on these six years, I am deeply grateful for the many ways Neighbors for Refugees has supported my family — from helping us with housing when we first arrived, to assisting with employment, providing English tutoring for my wife and son, and standing by us through difficult times like COVID. Their support has helped us build stability, find success, and even purchase our first home.
Becoming a citizen is a milestone I will always cherish, made possible by the care and support we’ve received from Neighbors For Refugees and our community.”
Join Us in Supporting Refugees
As the year comes to a close, please consider making a tax-deductible, year-end donation. Your contribution directly supports families in need and enables us to continue providing essential services in 2026. Ninety percent of the money raised goes directly to helping refugee families in our community.