Our Afghan refugee family has now moved into their own apartment, with the help of a dedicated group of volunteers and generous donations of household goods and funds from Annapolis Friends Meeting and Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis members and attendees.
Thank you all!
Their apartment complex is very diverse, with lots of immigrants including some Afghan families. They have a 3 bedroom apartment with just about everything they need on an upper floor with a great view and shopping, etc. in walking distance.
They are living in the greater Laurel area, near public transportation, shopping and jobs – about half hour drive from the Annapolis area without traffic. We hope to have an event later in the summer so that everyone can meet them.
Here are our current needs for volunteers and other information:
Financial Donations: Thanks for those who have donated to help our family. In addition to household needs, rent, etc. we are covering renters insurance, some medical needs and an array of other expenses. For those making regular donations or wanting to donate for the first time, please send checks to Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis, 333 Dubois Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 and noted for UUCA Afghan Refugee Program. The person managing our account for the Unitarians will send out thank you notes for every donation, but those who donate will get one letter for the IRS stating the amount they donated from the UUCA treasurer at the end of the year or next January.
Committee volunteers: We are looking for volunteers for two committees currently. Everyone who volunteers will need to complete a one time orientation on Zoom and a background check. To volunteer, please email info@annapolisfriends.org and state which committee you’d like to volunteer for in the subject line.
Neighborhood/Social: Organizes social events for the Meeting and UUCA to meet the family and works with the family to get to know community and its institutions, friendly visitors. We are particularly looking for people who know the greater College Park, Silver Spring and Laurel, and Howard County areas in addition to Ann Arundel County that can introduce them to parks, museums and other amenities in addition to places like libraries, shopping, transportation, etc.
Transportation: Drives family to appointments. We are looking for more people willing to drive to their apartment and take them to appointments in Hyatsville, Baltimore and points in-between.