The S family, a father, mother, young daughter and son, are the current clients of the ISA. The mother was a family court judge and the father ran a food product manufacturing and distribution operation in Afghanistan. Once the Taliban regained power their lives changed and they felt they had to leave the country. The family crossed from Afghanistan into Pakistan in 2022 and spent 18 months there before being approved to enter the US as refugees.
Through a partnership with Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Boston (CCAB), the Immigrant Support Alliance (ISA) agreed to help settle the S’s into our community. We secured an apartment by guaranteeing the lease, furnished it, stocked the fridge, and moved the family from their temporary lodging in April of 2024. One of our members who lives nearby and has children of similar age helped enroll the children in school, while also introducing them to some new friends! Others helped with transportation, navigating the healthcare system, English tutoring, obtaining documents (SSN, Employment Authorization, Driving Permits), navigating public transportation, and setting up bank and utility accounts. Clothing, school supplies and bicycles were generously donated.
After settling the family, ISA members continue to support them by taking them to the market or food banks when needed, engaging in conversation, discussing life skills, trying to explain the Boston accent, and providing friendship. In August the mother and father were referred to a job training program run by Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) where they each attended English classes that focus on employment vocabulary, got help developing resumes, practiced interview skills and learned job search techniques. In October, the father got a job at a cargo and logistics company at the airport. This is, of course, one of the most important milestones for new immigrants and really uplifted the family. His past work experience has allowed him to learn the systems quickly and he is already being viewed as a trusted and valuable employee. The mother, whose English skills were more limited, continues her training at JVS where she was just promoted to English Level 2 class and also a beginning computer skills class.
Throughout these months, the family has been getting used to, and enjoying, the customs and culture of the US. When Halloween decorations started going up in their neighborhood it was an eye-opening (or jaw dropping) experience, and the children enjoyed Halloween parties, pumpkin carving, and of course, trick-or-treating. Christmas celebrations and, naturally, presents made for an exciting end of year.
While the family is off to a positive start on their journey towards independence, they face many challenges ahead, not least of which is determining where they will live as they become financially independent. The ISA community will continue our relationship with the S family as we know that they, like all the clients we’ve supported, have the resilience, persistence, and optimism to overcome the inevitable obstacles and setbacks, and to succeed in establishing new lives in their new country.
Immigrant Support Alliance
P.O. Box 761121
Melrose, MA 02176