January 2024

“It is the obligation of every person born in a safer room to open the door when someone in danger knocks.”

Dina Nayer

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Happy New Year from all of us at NCASC! May the coming year bring you success, peace and happiness. As 2024 begins, we can look back with pride on successfully assisting 300 individuals rebuild their lives in our area during the previous year. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all of our volunteers and community partners for helping make this happen. In the coming year we're eager to continue our mission of supporting refugee families to become independent, self-sufficient members of our community. Our goal is to resettle 325 individuals by the end of September 2024, and we recognize that we can't achieve this alone. There are various ways to contribute such as forming a support team, volunteering, or donating furnishings for a family's new home. Your help makes a significant difference in welcoming and assisting new families, and we’d love for you to join us!

Thank You!

Million Mekonnen

TOY DRIVE EVENT

We are pleased to have had such a joyous time at our toy giveaway! We are thankful for the generosity and community spirit that came together to make this hap pen! We were able to give away toys to over 30 families. It's a beautiful example of people coming together to spread light, joy, and support during a special time of the year. We’d like to express gratitude to all those who contributed, whether through donations, transportation, treats, or their time. A special thank you to Irving Park United Methodist Church for providing the space.

MEN'S EVENT

We are pleased with the success of our Men's Empowerment Network event which focused on important topics such as personal finance, fire safety, and home weatherization. Clients were instructed on how to make informed decisions about their money, plan for the future, and achieve financial stability as well as vital aspects of ensuring the well-being of their homes and families thus contributing to a safe and secure living environment. A special thanks to April Walsh from the Greensboro Housing Coalition and Captain C.J Heyn of the Fire and Life Safety Division of the Greensboro Fire Department.

A NEW TRANSITION

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of our dedicated and compassionate intensive case manager, LaQuisha Griffin. After several years of unwavering service to our refugee community, LaQuisha will be bidding farewell to NCASC to embark on a new chapter in her journey.

LaQuisha has been an integral part of our agency, tirelessly working to support refugees in their resettlement journey.

Her commitment, empathy, and passion for making a difference have left a lasting mark on the lives of those she has served.

Throughout her tenure, LaQuisha has displayed exceptional dedication, going above and beyond to ensure the well-being and successful integration of countless individuals and families.

As we bid farewell to LaQuisha Griffin we want to express our deepest gratitude for her tireless efforts, empathy, and the positive impact she has had on the lives of so many. We are confident that she will continue to make a significant impact wherever her journey leads!

MATTRESS EVENT

NCASC wants to express our gratitude to Family Mattress & Furniture for their generous donation of new mattresses to two families in need. Thanks to their kind gift, these families will rest easier this holiday season.

RACE SCHOLAR OF THE MONTH

Zuhura Njenjimana attends Walter H. Page High School and is a member of the Class of 2024. Upon her arrival in the United States in the Summer of 2023, she has been an exemplary member of our Youth Services Program! Zuhura immediately involved herself in our programs and leveraged as many opportunities as she could to learn and grow. She is a passionate leader who greatly values the opportunities afforded to her. She is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is fluent in English and Swahili.

Zuhura Njenjimana is an energetic self-starter with a strong belief system that allows her to seem mature beyond her years. As the eldest of six children, Zuhura is aware of the influence she has on her younger siblings and the importance of her success. In addition to her classwork and school club activities, she is employed part-time at an area Shoe Show. Whether she catches the bus or walks to work, Zuhura has maintained a stellar work record. While a portion of her pay satisfies personal needs, she is guided by her strong belief system to help others. Zuhura contributes monthly to African Wells and has had a well named in honor of her grandparents. 

Zuhura Njenjimana has quickly established herself as a conscientious scholar who is destined for success. In less than three months upon her arrival, Zuhura attended a STEM camp held at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN). Her advanced knowledge and ability to recall complex scientific matter earned her a personal invitation to conduct cancer research with graduate students. In addition to being a Page High School Big Dreamer of the Week recipient, Zuhura is a part of Youth Leadership Greensboro, and has been accepted into the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG).

We congratulate Zuhura Njenjimana for being selected as one of North Carolina African Services Coalition's Scholars of the Month! We wish her continued success!

FAMILY WELLNESS SESSIONS

Mental well-being is a crucial aspect of overall health, especially for individuals who have recently arrived and are adjusting to a new home.

We thank our community partner, CWS-Greensboro, for joining in the effort to help clients adjust to their new homes and the changes and responsibilities that come along with resettlement. Our Family Wellness Session kicked off a 4 Workshop series that will occur over the month for newly arrived and recent clients.

The bi-weekly workshop series is a great way to provide valuable information and resources to help these clients understand and maintain mental wellness.

This initiative reflects a proactive and community-centered approach to promoting mental well-being, ultimately contributing to the successful integration and adjustment of newly arrived individuals and families.

For more information please reach out to NCASC and ask for Nidhal, the Cultural Orientation Coordinator.

AFGHAN SUPPORT CENTER

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is hosting a in Durham (January 17-20). This event is designed to be inclusive and accessible to the public, with a specific focus on the Afghan community. Here's a breakdown of the key points mentioned:

Open to the Public: The event is not restricted to the Afghan community alone; it is open to everyone, meaning individuals from different backgrounds and communities are welcome to attend.

Direct Appointment with USCIS: Attendees can have a direct appointment with representatives from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is particularly valuable for checking the status of cases, such as asylum applications.

On-Site Biometrics Team: A biometrics team will be present at the event to assist with any necessary procedures related to biometric data.

Case Review and Resolution: Representatives will be available to review cases in the system and, where possible, resolve them. This indicates a proactive approach to addressing individual concerns.

Interpreters for Pashto and Dari: Recognizing the diversity within the Afghan community, interpreters who speak Pashto and Dari will be available. This is especially helpful for individuals who may not be comfortable communicating in English.

Document and ID Requirement: Attendees are advised to bring their case documents and identification. If there are concerns related to a spouse or another person, they should also be present with their ID.

Child-Friendly Environment: Play areas for children will be provided, making the event family-friendly and accommodating for attendees with children.

Dedicated Prayer Space: A dedicated space for prayer will be available, acknowledging and respecting the religious needs of attendees.

Transportation Options: The Afghan community has the option to request transportation, even if they are up to 2 hours away. Efforts are being made to cover groups of people in distant areas interested in attending.

This comprehensive approach aims to make the event accessible, culturally sensitive, and supportive for individuals seeking assistance with immigration-related matters.

Munah

Munah is our new Refugee Health and Wellness Services Coordinator. Her parents' journey from Liberia as refugees has always inspired her to work with the resettlement community. After earlier experiences in the healthcare industry and as coordinator for the Quaker Cupboard at Guilford College she is now excited to begin assisting our clients meet their healthcare needs.

Tameka

Tameka is our newest PC Intensive Case Manager. Her earlier experience in case management exposed her to the immigrant and refugee community and their unique challenges and inspired her to refocus on resettlement. Tameka says that she enjoys helping others discover what they want in life and how to go after it.

Scan the QR code or click the image to see ways you can get involved to partner with ASC to help welcome and serve our newest neighbors! Please share with friends!