Regional Happenings

Afghan Refugee Response If you were unable to join our Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries (RIM) and Week of Compassion hosted webinar this week as they shared stories from representatives who have resettled Afghan SIVs and the urgent call for our support, the link is provided here, https://vimeo.com/605057976.  Week of Compassion provides congregational support grants to encourage and strengthen Disciples churches in welcoming Afghans to communities across the U.S., in partnership with their local resettlement agencies. This grant can be used for congregational ministries that help with food assistance, rent, or any other essentials. Grants range from $500-$2,000. Apply using this link, https://www.weekofcompassion.org/refugees-and-displaced-people.html.  Additional Resources on Afghan Refugee Resettlement Shared by Natalie B. Teague, Esq.* (she/her/ella) Immigration Legal Counsel, Disciples Home Missions Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) P.O. Box 571, Gibsonville, NC 27249 317.289.1407 | natalie@disciplesimmigration.org  Most of the most vulnerable “targets” are still in Afghanistan, and it will take delicate, complicated, and diligent legal representation to get them out under the new Taliban government.  Here are the legal service providers doing the work, or organizing volunteer attorneys like my colleagues and me, to help those left behind to get out: Pangea, which has been in Kabul since 2003 Afghan Legal Support & Resettlement Fund – Fundraiser for government filing fees and legal services by Pars Equality Center Afghan Diaspora for Equality and Progress, which offers the opportunity to “sponsor” an individual for humanitarian parole into the United States (which has a governmental filing fee of $575 per application) Human Rights First – where one can volunteer legal services (as an attorney), interpreter services (in Pashto and Dari), advocate on behalf of Afghan refugees, and donate to the work in general In terms of Afghan refugee response for those who were evacuated, have been on a military base abroad, and will land here in the U.S. as refugees, here are the two national nonprofit groups that have the federal contract to do unaccompanied minor refugee resettlement: Church World Service and their specific national Afghan site Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services (LIRS) and their national “how to help” page Here in North Carolina, both organizations have local offices where they will be doing active refugee resettlement in and around: Raleigh through Lutheran Services Carolinas and here is their specific “what you can do” page (with a menu of options from materials donations to “Amazon Smile” and wishlist options) Durham through Church World Service (their site currently lands on the Afghan help page) Greensboro through Church World Service (their site currently lands on the Afghan help page) For adults and families, there are nine agencies nationwide; however, not all of these have offices in North Carolina (see the list below for NC affiliates and links): Raleigh through Lutheran Services Carolinas and here is their specific “what you can do” page (with a menu of options from materials donations to “Amazon Smile” and wishlist options) Durham through Church World Service (their site currently lands on the Afghan help page) Greensboro through Church World Service (their site currently lands on the Afghan help page) Winston Salem & High Point through World Relief Triad Durham through World Relief Durham Raleigh through U.S. Committee for Refugees & Immigrants Additionally, here are some other organizations to consider for donations as well: Miles4Migrants Miles4Migrants uses donated frequent flyer miles, credit card points, and cash to help people impacted by war, persecution, or disaster reunite with loved ones and start new beginnings in safe homes. Women for Women International Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security Afghan Coalition No One Left Behind …