Fundraiser Aids Afghan Family Of 12 New To Worcester

WORCESTER, MA — On Tuesday night, a group of volunteers from two Worcester-area churches embarked on a special mission to Bradley International Airport near Hartford. Driving in three separate vans, the volunteers picked up a family of 12 Afghan refugees who are relocating to the Heart of the Commonwealth.

The refugees — a father, mother, seven sons ages 5 to 22 and three daughters ages 7,8 and 10 — arrived in New England from a military base in Virginia, where they have been staying since leaving Afghanistan when the Taliban took control at the end of the summer.

If that journey wasn't a challenge enough, the family is about to begin a new life in Worcester. No one speaks English yet, and they are living temporarily in an Airbnb. The family is set to move into a home in Worcester next week, but volunteers from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester and Immanuel Lutheran in Holden need some help transitioning the family to a new life in America.

Volunteer Marilyn Martin-Raymond said the church only found out the family was coming on Friday, leaving them little time to raise money. The churches started an $8,000 fundraiser this week to pay for basics for the family before they move into a permanent home. The family only brought a few suitcases with them, and will need everything from furniture to pots and pans.

"Obviously, we have to provide them with enough food and shelter, so that's all we're focusing on right now," Martin-Raymond said.

About 1,000 Afghan refugees are set to relocate to Massachusetts following the U.S. military withdrawal last year, and up to 350 will settle in Worcester. The group Ascentria Care Alliance has been the main organization helping to resettle Afghan refugees in New England.

Although very tired, Martin-Raymond said the family members are happy and acclimating well. The volunteers have been using Google Translate to speak with the family in Pashto, although their first language is Dari (not available on the app). The language barrier has been tough but not insurmountable. Martin-Raymond said the youngest boy has already learned how to say "bye."

Once the family settles in, the volunteers will begin introducing them to Worcester — things like riding the bus, how to navigate Kelley Square and other local knowledge — and enroll the children in school.

"I think they will fit right in," she said.

If you want to donate, visit this link. If you're interested in donating good or services, contact the church directly.