Dana Point Woman’s Club Launches Project Welcome

At Thursday’s general meeting, Dana Point Woman’s Club announced the launching of Project Welcome, a fundraiser to benefit the family of Dana Point Mayor and retired Marine Corps Lt. Colonel Jamey Federico’s former Afghan interpreter. “Farid” (full name withheld for security purposes) came to Orange County in 2015 with the help of Mayor Federico and his wife Alexis, later pursuing a college education, gainful employment, and U. S. citizenship. Last May, he travelled back to Kabul to get married. His wife, Wajmah, immediately began the visa process to allow her to join Farid in Orange County. Unfortunately, world events intervened and Wajmah, plus Farid’s mother, Ziba, along with many families of those who had aided U. S. military became immediately imperiled.

Thanks to the efforts of Mayor Federico, who sought and obtained help from several international and local officials including 49th District Congressman, Mike Levin, the two ladies escaped Kabul on one of the last planes out of the country. They are presently awaiting visa processing and are expected to join Farid in Orange County soon. Like many, Wajmah and Ziba fled Afghanistan with little more than the clothes on their backs.

Dana Point Woman’s Club is facilitating a fundraising drive to help the family with clothing, personal items and household goods as they transition to their new home. DPWC members will be creating welcome baskets with personal care items for the two women. In addition, they, along with Dana Point businesses and residents are asked to consider making charitable donations to help Wajmah and Ziba feel safe and welcome as they join Farid in Orange County.

The public is asked to make donations via PayPal here or send a check made payable to DPWC- Project Welcome to P.O. Box 205, Dana Point, CA 92629. Gift cards to Amazon, Target, Macy’s, Home Goods, Ross or Marshall’s may also be mailed to the above address.

DPWC’s Project Welcome is intended to help this particular Afghan family associated with the Dana Point community. Should you wish to donate to a more general cause, please contact Access California Services (accesscal.org) or other appropriate non-profits. Project Welcome questions can be directed to DPWC.oc@gmail.com. DPWC is a 501 (c) (3) Organization, ID# 95-3721512.