2 minute read
HAMADA FAMILY
WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE? HAMADA* FAMILY
What does it feel like to resettle with your family as refugees in America? Let’s consider the Hamada family’s experience.
The Hamada family arrived on May 23, 2019 to Los Angeles from Afghanistan. They’re a mom and dad with 5 children aged 2-13. They were referred to Miry's List by their cousins who resettled in LA in 2018 from Afghanistan and benefited from our programming. Over 90% of our new families hear about us through word-of-mouth referrals.
Mr. Hamada is enrolled by phone with Rabia, our Director of Family Services for families speaking Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Urdu, or Hindi. The Hamada’s speak Pashto, a language spoken in the east, south, and southwest parts of Afghanistan. Rabia records information about each family member, including age, clothing size, and shoe size. In employment history, Rabia learns that Mr. Hamada served as an interpreter for the US Army in Afghanistan for 11 years. His English is nearly perfect. The family received violent threats related to his work with the US military, and for this reason, they had to flee Afghanistan.
Rabia learns the Hamada’s are living in a sparsely-furnished apartment in Reseda – they’ve been sleeping on the floor since they arrived. Their most urgent needs are beds, mattresses, and bedding. They’d like to host their cousins for a meal, but they’re embarrassed to invite guests to an empty apartment. Rabia adds beds, bedding, a sofa, lamps, kitchen appliances and a dining table and chairs to their list.
Mr. Hamada is worried about his wife. She doesn’t speak a word of English. He’s scared she will feel alone in America. Through speakerphone, Rabia reassures Mr. and Mrs. Hamada in Pashto, “Welcome to America. We are glad you are here. You don’t have to be scared, because you are not alone here. Now you are part of the Miry’s List family. We’re with you, we’re your friends, and we’re here beside you no matter what. I’m here to help.”
Huda Abu Gharbih, Director of Family Services Arabic at Miry’s List *Program participant names have been changed to protect their privacy. with her sons, Qassim 10, Mohammad, 7, and Abdullah, 4 Photograph by Christina Gandolfo 16 MIRY’S LIST ANNUAL REPORT 2019 | MIRYSLIST.ORG
-Ahmed Abedy, new arrival dad of 4 from Iraq, Miry’s List team member
Huda Abugharbih, Director of Family Services, Arabic Amar Dass, Director of Operations
Maaysa Kanjo, New Arrival Supper Club Chef
