by Catherine Ribnick and Glenn Engelmann
The Noori family has been settling into their new life here and taking steps to become acclimated to their new world.
Here are some specifics about what is going on in the life of Noori and his family:
- The kids are all in school, with the Tamim, Mariam and Shahla taking the public bus to Northwood High School and Fawad walking to Sligo Middle School. They seem to be doing well, and a huge debt of gratitude is due Linda Rosen, our Education Team Leader, who has gone over and beyond and beyond that to make this happen and deal with all the moving parts. The three older kids are fasting during Ramadan, which makes it all the more impressive that they are keeping up with their studies.
- Noori had to leave his cashier’s job at Walmart because of his working schedule’s conflict with his Ramadan obligations, but he will likely be able to secure similar employment shortly after the end of Ramadan.
- David Wessell continues to lead the efforts to assist Noori in seeking employment more suitable to his experience. He recently received a grant from the Overseas Press Association in recognition of his being forced out of Afghanistan as a journalist for Voice of America.
- Thanks to Ginny Levin for taking Noori for his road test in White Oak and letting him use her car. Noori is now the proud possessor of a Maryland driver’s license!
- Kudos to Cary Meer and Charlie Thomas for masterminding the delivery of bikes and gear. Mariam and Shahla are eager to learn to ride, even with their brothers giving them a hard time.
- We delivered a donated lawnmower to Noori and told him he can now engage in the Great American Debate of who has to mow the lawn!
- The family has been approved for SNAP (food stamps), and all family members now have Medicaid.
- We are still looking for some accounting help to ensure that Noori is taking home every last dollar of this salary that he is entitled to.
The family’s progress towards independence depends very much on the success of the search for work commensurate with Noori’s skills and experience. If you can help in this vital undertaking, with business or social connections, please contact Catherine Ribnick.
On a semi-related note, we are so pleased to be able to report that, thanks to the continuing generosity of Joe Sternlieb and Linda Singer, we were able to provide housing for a family being sponsored by our friends at St. Columba’s. The Khani family, mom, dad and two year old toddler, recently moved into Joe and Linda’s “in-law suite”, a living arrangement that enabled St. Columba’s to move forward with their sponsorship. The network of faith communities helping each other is inspiring.