OUR FIRST YEAR
2022 Impact Report
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan last year showed us what it looks like to roll up our sleeves and work together as a community to welcome our new brothers and sisters to Southern California. Through it all, ARR has been, and continues to be, guided by our shared values and our people. When waves of Afghans began arriving in the U.S., we immediately took action—from welcoming refugees at the airport and providing emergency food and cash, distributing goods from our partners ranging from laptops, mattresses, to refrigerators, to finding homes and jobs for every family. Progressing towards integration into American society while preserving the innate beautiful Afghan culture and values has never been more important.
Above all, our success is rooted in the strength of our volunteers and support of our resilient community. Thank you for your contributions.
“In a time when all of a sudden my family left our home, our loved ones, and everything and everyone we knew, ARR stepped in to make us feel welcome. They found us a home, furnished it with love, and helped us in our early days in America. Through the kindness and warmth they shared with us, we felt like we were not alone. I was a lawyer in Afghanistan and am working full time on refugee asylum cases as well as pursuing my education as a young Afghan woman in the US. I feel blessed that ARR showed me the way in a time when we were lost. My family and I can never thank them enough for what they did for us.” — Farhaat, a newcomer.
Our Year At A Glance
2022
$3.5M total aid distributed
Collectively raised $3.7M worth of donations (cash, in-kind donations, grants, sponsorships) and distributed over 94% of it to refugees.
$1.25M goods distributed
We converted a 20,000 sqft Sears warehouse into our Donation Center, where we collected and distributed $1.25M in goods over 9 months, including mattresses, furniture, hygiene products, clothing, refrigerators, diapers, food, and more.
1770 laptops donated
Through a partnership with Google and Welcome.US, we received 1770 laptops for newcomer refugee families. Many of these newcomers are searching for jobs, or starting school. Writing an essay or creating a resume is an essential part of starting a new life.
~750 homes furnished
Countless volunteers rallied together with helping hands and driving trucks to furnish nearly 750 homes.
2100+ families, 10,000+ refugees supported
We are at the forefront of direct action, interfacing daily with the several thousand refugees who have landed in Southern California.
94% of all donations distributed
We’ve successfully distributed nearly 94% of the total funds we’ve received back to the community.
Refugees supported nationwide
We’re grateful to be able to support refugees across all 5 Southern California counties, multiple states nationwide, and across Mexico.
1025 cell phones donated
Through a partnership with T-Mobile, Google and Welcome.US, we’ve been able to secure 1025 cell phones with 1-year prepaid cell phone plans to newcomers so they can stay connected to loved ones, remain accessible for employment and feel a sense of security and safety in this new country. .
90% of financial aid went to housing
On average, we have provided $2000 per family to support their housing and emergency needs. Providing families with even a month or two’s rent during a critical time helped prevent their falling into homelessness while they resettled into life in America.
Not just Afghans
We’ve happily supported refugees from all backgrounds: Ukrainian, Palestinian, Iraqi, Syrian and more.
Who We Are
Afghan Refugee Relief (ARR) is a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on resettling refugees, asylum-seekers and humanitarian parolees in Southern California.
We’re here to welcome our new neighbors as they build their lives anew in the United States. We work directly with newcomers every single day, visiting them at their hotels, communicating with them on bases, and helping them find and furnish their new apartments. We believe in empowering our new Americans to rebuild their lives in safety and with dignity.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help incoming Afghan refugees successfully resettle, assimilate, and thrive in America.
This is a grassroots effort led by the Afghan-American diaspora, with a commitment to radical transparency.
Our Purpose
Through our collective experiences as refugees, we believe that we can develop the optimal framework to successfully integrate Afghan refugees in the United States.
We'll leverage the successful implementation of our framework to inspire greater strides in policy and progression for refugees of all backgrounds.
We’re expanding our support to other refugee communities in need, working towards a world where all refugees can thrive in safety and dignity.
A recap of our 2022 technology distribution day
Our Programs
Fundraising
So far we’ve distributed over: $3.5M
We've established a communal bank account to raise funds through grants, in-kind donations, cash, and sponsorships. These funds are used to provide financial aid, services, new programs and initiatives, and support existing and future needs for refugees.
Additional data
$1M goods distributed
$2.35M laptops & cell phones donated
$400K financial aid raised ($350K distributed)
2100 families, 10,000 refugees supported
95% of funds distributed
Additional Details
We’ve operated in a highly efficient capacity, with no employees and 100% grass-roots, volunteer driven. This has allowed us to stay nimble and distribute almost all donations back to the community with far <1% overhead.
Goods
So far we’ve distributed over: $1.25M
We secured a 25,000 Sqft warehouse “Donation Center” through Sears and hosted a weekly donation drop off and pickup for refugees. 25+ volunteers staffed every weekend on average and over 750 families' homes were furnished.
Additional data
1M diapers, 100 refrigerators, thousands of clothes, 250+ mattresses, 25,000 pieces of furniture, 100+ heaters, 500+ coats, 1500 bags of rice, 50,000 misc items (including hygiene and more)
Many more to list.
Additional Details
The donation center was a direct source of engagement with refugees on a weekly basis. Over the 9 months, we completed the distribution of every remaining donation and have since shifted to a virtual distribution center.
Technology
So far we’ve received over: $2.35M
We secured a partnership with Google and T-Mobile through the Welcome.US exchange and were provided with refurbished laptops and brand new phones, alongside mobile service plans for one year to provide to newcomers. Sabil USA in Orange County was able to host a large-scale distribution day for our laptops and other winter essential items we collected. We gave out nearly 700 laptops in one day alone.
Additional data
1770 laptops (Pixelbooks, Macbooks, and more!)
1025 phones (Google Pixel phones)
1025 mobile service plans (T-Mobile)
Additional Details
Many of our newcomers are eager to find jobs, to attend school, or actively are attending school. This technology distribution day was a huge hit in Orange County, with hundreds of families registering to receive hardware. We have another large scale distribution day scheduled in February to support our San Diego newcomer families.
Advocacy
Engaged in over 20 Local, State, and Federal Advocacy Committees.
ARR was invited to join the Los Angeles Refugee Task Force (LARTF) to assist with the Afghan Refugee crisis. The organization worked with local, state, and federal partners to manage the influx of refugees, and served as a go-to resource for Afghan-specific expertise. ARR also created an Unaccompanied Children's Task Force to advocate for Afghan children without guardians or caregivers. The organization has strong connections with local mayors and county officials, and can call on these partners for assistance with mental health and medical needs for refugee families among other things.
Additional Details (State)
ARR is connected to the State Refugee Coordinator in California and is able to offer advice, input, and raise concerns about the situation of newcomer families. The organization is trusted for its real-time, on-the-ground perspective on the situation.
Additional Details (Federal)
ARR joined Evacuate Our Allies (EOA), a coalition of organizations helping relocate Afghan allies, and took lead roles in mental health, unaccompanied children, children, and resettlement committees. ARR also works with federal organizations including the Office of Refugee Resettlement, immigrant rights groups, and the Department of State to advocate for newcomer families.
Emergency Services
So far we’ve fielded over: 1000 ad-hoc requests
Our emergency services program supported refugees through a variety of services, including translation, daily support, social services, food, handling emergency medical situations, and several more ad-hoc solutions. We provided a comprehensive range of support to ensure the well-being and success of refugees in their new communities.
Additional data
Supported thousands of refugees on daily calls, errands, emails, one-off requests
Many more to list.
Additional Details
Provided emergency services including cultural competency workshops, translation and interpretation, and emergency support and consultation to organizations and individuals nationwide.
Assisted refugee and children's immigrant rights advocates on an on-call basis.
Assisted unaccompanied children with daily needs until they were settled in, including handling emergency medical situations and providing food.
Offered emergency support and consultation to psychologists on bases and service providers in shelters.
Housing
So far we’ve directly housed: 250 families
We stood up a team focused specifically on housing requests as that was the most urgent need for our refugees. Our team worked across all angles to identify short-term, long-term, or permanent housing scenarios for families in need. We also provided financial assistance to help families make one or two months rent, which may have prevented them from homelessness
Additional data
250+ families supported through short-term, long-term, or permanent housing
90% of all financial aid requests went to housing need
Additional Details
The housing needs were often the most difficult. We sourced donor landlords across the state and across states, identified unique partners to help source hotels or housing. Housing continues to be a challenge for most refugees and we hope to provide greater coverage in the future through partners.
Our Partners
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of our partners for their invaluable support and contributions in helping us to support and empower refugees. Your dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of refugees is truly appreciated and has not gone unnoticed. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with such compassionate and dedicated individuals and organizations, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate in the future to make a difference in the lives of refugees around the world.
Our Partners (Expanded)
1736 Family Crisis Center
Access California
Access California
Afghan American Community Organization
Afghan American Foundation
Afghan Literacy Foundation
Afghan-American Cultural Center
Amazon
Baby2Baby
Careprovider.org Foundation
Catholic Charities
Chapman University
County of Orange
Crittenton Child and Family Services
CSUN MSA
Diaper Bank OC
DoorDash
Evacuate Our Allies Coalition
Families Forward
FAMVANS
Fanous Mediterranean Grill
First5 California
Hasbro
Homes for Refugees
ICNA Relief
Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services
International Institute of Los Angeles
International Orphan Care
International Rescue Committee
Islamic Center of Irvine
Islamic Center of Reseda
Islamic Center of Southern California
Islamic Center of Yorba Linda
Islamic Relief USA
iSweets and Delights Bakery
Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen
LA County Refugee Taskforce
Los Angeles County
Lyft
Miry's List
New Horizon School, Irvine
OC Women’s Mission
Orange County Islamic Foundation
PANA Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans
Pars Equality Center
Pretend City Children’s Museum
Refugee Program Bureau
Ross Clothing Stores
Sabil USA
Saddleback Church
Save the Children
SBTN Vietnamese TV
Sears
Second Families
Shalizi Foundation
South Bay Children’s Clinic
St. Joseph’s Hospital
The Elf Project
The Majlis
The Office of Refugee Resettlement
The Young Center
Tiyya Foundation
Uber
UCLA Afghan Student Association
UCLA United Afghan Club
University of Southern California Afghan Student Association
Uplift Charity
USC
USC School of Film and Keck School of Medicine
Welcome.us
West Coast University
With You Foundation
World Orphanage Foundation
World Relief
Zappos
Looking Ahead for FY23
As we move forward in our efforts to help integrate Afghans into American communities and remove barriers to their success, we understand that this is only the first step and there is much more work ahead of us. Ultimately, it is the follow-through that matters most. We know that it will take time to get our new neighbors to fully support themselves and ideally, the road to integration never ends. It is paved with empathy, understanding, and institutional support. It leads to stable, thriving permanent communities where there is equity, a sense of belonging, civility and systemic dignity for all. And it arrives at a place people can once again call home. From resettling Afghan refugees, to nurturing the environment for becoming leaders, we are focused on building an organization and programs that ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to progress. Our mission will largely focus on the four themes below:
Resettle
Our immediate priority remains completing our initial mission––supporting the resettlement efforts of incoming Afghan refugees in Southern California. We'll continue providing to ensure the basic physiological and safety needs are met for our newcomers — food, shelter, safety, transportation, social services, and more.
Heal
Investing in the mental health and wellness of these vulnerable communities is imperative to their success in their new setting. Our wellness coaches will guide and assist our refugees on their journeys of healing from various traumas and be there for family support as they adjust to their new stressors as immigrants. This community based culturally informed wellness program is critical in ensuring a successful integration to American life. This is underpinned by continuing to support essential needs, further supporting partnerships with local organizations focused on refugee recovery and trauma relief, and focusing on increasing our emergency savings account to expand on services.
Thrive
Empowering our fellow neighbors to build the skills necessary to thrive, to contribute to their families, and to pay it forward in our communities will be the ultimate pinnacle of successfully managing the transition of refugees in America. We will shift to activating these families to become leaders in their communities, their organizations, and in our country.
Advocate
The journey of properly resettling, healing, and empowering Afghan refugees to thrive in America will provide compelling data that we’ll use to advocate for legislative change on a larger scale. By demonstrating the impact we can make through our thoughtful approach to our incoming Afghan refugees, we will expand our model for other organizations to employ broadly and support refugees from all communities while providing tangible use cases to drive legislative change on the local, state, and federal level.
Our goal for 2023: $5.5M Total Donations
Objectives
Formalize as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
Hire a lean, dedicated workforce and operating team
Expand our partnerships, with an emphasis on corporate sponsors
Shift to a hybrid operating model largely focused on providing needs through financial aid, wish lists, training, and services, reserving in-person engagements to programs
Developing programs around mental health, career counseling, youth and family mentorship
Continuing to support ad-hoc in-kind donation distributions (e.g. technology distribution day, furniture distributions, etc)
Help make a difference in the world by donating to our cause today. Every dollar counts and goes towards supporting our mission of help incoming Afghan refugees successfully resettle, assimilate, and thrive in America. Your generosity will have a meaningful impact on their lives. Please consider giving a gift today and be a part of our mission. Together, we can make a difference.
Stories
While we haven’t had the bandwidth to collect all of the incredible moments, early mornings and late nights, pulling strings to ensure that no family slips through the cracks — here are a few stories we’ve captured that we’re honored to share with you. We’d love to tell more stories, so if you’re interested in volunteering for media content, please reach out.
A message from one of the gracious families we’ve supported.
Amazon delivered 100 refrigerators, among many other contributions, that we stored in our Sears warehouse and distributed entirely.
Our grand opening of the Sears warehouse, our in-person distribution center that supported our initial furnishing & goods distribution efforts.
Listen to some of the most precious voices tell you how we have helped them. From families in hotels to unaccompanied children in shelters, Afghan Refugee Relief is there.
Baby2Baby donated 200,000+ diapers to our refugees that we distributed through our warehouse.
How it all began, in August 2021 our community mobilized to pull together essential goods for the refugees that were landing in Orange County.
Anyone Can Be A Volunteer, Including You!
Press
Acknowledgements
Supporting and empowering one refugee can have a wide-ranging and long-lasting impact on their nation, future generations, and the world as a whole. By helping a refugee rebuild their life and achieve their full potential, we are not only improving the life of an individual, but we are also helping to build strong and resilient communities. This, in turn, can have a positive effect on the nation as a whole, as refugees contribute to the economic and social fabric of their new home. In addition, by supporting the education and development of refugees, we are helping to create a brighter future for their children and future generations. By investing in the well-being of a single refugee, we have the power to make a positive impact on their entire community and beyond.
To all of the folks who’ve contributed a dollar, an hour, a social share — we thank you for your ongoing support of our mission. To our founding members, our committee leads, our countless volunteers, our partners, and our community — thank you.
Our Volunteers
First and foremost, our organization is entirely comprised of volunteers. None of the work we’ve done today would have been possible without the collective efforts of all. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for your support and dedication. Your time and efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of those who have been displaced from their homes and are seeking safety and security. Your commitment to helping others is an inspiration to us all, and we are truly fortunate to have such compassionate and selfless individuals in our community.
Our Executive Team
Dr. Metra Azar-Salem
Dr. Zoleikha Ebadi
Nazie Etemadi
Iman Ghanizada
Dr. Saman Hamidi-Azar
Nemat Hamidzada
Salmon Hossein
Sameyia Hossein
Madina Nooristani
Mojgan Rafiq
Hoomai Sayed
Laila Waziri
#AfghanRefugeeRelief
Join our journey.
Thank you.
The collapse of the Afghan Government and the humanitarian catastrophe that followed led to global heartache that was felt by more than just Afghans. The world watched, cried, condemned, and mobilized with us. We wiped our tears, stood tall and showed up like never before. Our community and allies donated time, money, energy, and brainpower. We waved flags during protests and advocated to government representatives. We spent our lunch breaks crying with families who left everything behind and did so again and again for months on end. Together, we felt the connection to Afghanistan, despite not being Afghan or “Afghan enough.” As hard as this journey has been, you, our volunteers and donors, found a way to bring some ease to those who needed it.
Thank you.