CJC Refugee Partnership

CJC REFUGEE PARTNERSHIP
Part of CHRIST CHURCH INTERFAITH REFUGEE MINISTRY

https://www.christchurchcolumbia.org/refugee-ministry

CJC is part of a multifaith effort to support four families of Afghan refugees who are living in Howard County. There are many ways that you can help! 

1) A young Afghan couple and their toddler, settled just 10 days ago into a small apartment in Catonsville.  As you can imagine, until they can get on their feet (including finding a job), there are many ways they need our help, and by which we can help them:

• Household needs (specific items or gift cards to stores near their apartment) – please check out the sign-up genius (  https://bit.ly/3zYCYV1 ) for what’s still needed.  All kinds of price points are open, or you may already have an item in great condition to donate.  This is a great way to give tangible help.
•  Financial assistance to pay for rent, utilities, WiFi, and necessities not covered by a small amount of food stamps and social services assistance) – our new congregational partner, New Hope Lutheran Church in Columbia, is coordinating paying of bills and receiving of financial donations for this one family (thank you, New Hope!).  Please consider making a donation – no amount is too large nor too small.
  • To give using New Hope’s on-line portal, go here:   https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZDDP/campaign/C-14ZSK
  • Checks are welcomed, payable to New Hope Lutheran Church, marked for interfaith refugee ministry, and mailed to New Hope Lutheran Church, 8575 Guildford Road, Columbia, MD 21046. Attn: interfaith refugee ministry. 
•  Driving – to job interviews, English classes, medical appointments, grocery shopping.  This family does not have a car.  They do have a car seat for the toddler.  To ensure the safety of the family, Lutheran Social Services requires background and drivers record checks – small, one-time bothers, but worth it to help this grateful and lovely family.  If you can help with driving, or want to know more about what’s involved, contact Paula Rees (cprees@comcast.net)

2) Naimatullah Ahmadzai is the father of another of the families. You may remember him (and his daughter) from his visit to CJC last year when he graciously shared his story with our community! Naimatullah is now legally able to work in the United States and CJC is contributing to the effort to find him employment. 

 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF HIS EXPERIENCE: 

– 20 years working in the international community in Afghanistan (in Aid Coordination, Project Management, Refugee Resettlements, Research, Legal & Administrative Affairs, Monitoring Evaluation, Translation and Teaching English). 

– Native language: Pashto, fluent in Dar/Farsi and Urdu 

– Bachelor Degree in Law and Political Science, Research Studies in International Relations.

 If you have a possible job opportunity, please reach out to Rabbi Michael for Mr. Ahmadzai’s extensive resume. 

Please donate.  Any amount helps.
Monetary donations made to Christ Church for the Refugee Ministry are tax deductible.

 

 

CURRENT NEEDS OF OUR AFGHAN FAMILIES, MARCH, 2024

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
For family reunification; help with paying rent, utilities, car insurance
Checks made payable to Christ Episcopal Church, marked for Refugee Ministry

Pay using a check:

Christ Church Episcopal Church
6800 Oakland Mills Rd. Columbia MD 21045
Attn:  Refugee Ministry

GIFT CERTIFICATES (any amount)
Bamyan Halal Meat and Grocery Store (on Thunderhill Rd.)
Masala Bazaar (on Red Branch Rd.)

GIFT CARDS (any amount)
VISA gift cards
Grocery store gift cards
Target gift cards
Walmart gift cards

GOODS
Diapers in sizes 4 and 5
Baby wipes

SERVICES
Volunteer drivers for Ziba to/from her daytime English classes at Howard Community College (to/from her home in Dorsey Search)