Imagine never having a guarantee of safety and of basic human rights. Think about what it would be like to live in constant fear and uncertainty. Sadly, this is a reality for countless refugees seeking stability in the United States, fleeing war and persecution.
Refugee Resettlement Welcomes Newcomers
Starting over in a new country with an unfamiliar language and set of customs can be overwhelming, especially for those who have already been through so much. Fortunately, Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement program helps refugees acclimate to and be successful in their home.
When a refugee or refugee family arrives in the U.S., a Refugee Resettlement case manager will greet them at the airport and take them to their apartment. Refugees arrive to a home stocked with essential furniture, kitchen items, food, hygiene products and bedding.
The Refugee Resettlement team gives immediate support, providing help enrolling children in school, English language courses, medical resources, job and resume assistance, and introducing clients to public transportation.
A Family Arrives Home
The program is a godsend for Moshfiq Moshfiqullah and his family. Moshfiq, his wife Zarina and his two children arrived in Phoenix as Afghanistan Parolees (admitted into the U.S. for urgent humanitarian protection) in February 2022.
Moshfiq speaks English and Zarina is attending English classes. As a family of four, employment and education were their top priorities. Zarina had a background as a teacher and Moshfiq had a bachelor’s degree in Economics.
Assistance with Career and Educational Goals
Once they arrived, Moshfiq was eager to work and provide for his family. He and Zarina met with the Catholic Charities Job Developers, who help newly-arrived refugees pursue a long-term career or educational goal after their first job.
The team discovered Moshfiq wanted to work in finance for the hotel industry. With the help of his Job Developer, he applied for an HR Coordinator position at Marriot. In March 2022, Moshfiq got the job, and was soon promoted to HR Generalist.
Compassion for Fellow Refugees
Although the COVID pandemic was still creating difficulty for the hotel industry, Marriott was in need of new hires. In his new position, Moshfiq hired over 60 employees, many of them other refugees.
Job Developer Mohammad Mustak Arif is proud of the passion Moshfiq has for helping others who have been through was he has. “I know what it means to be a refugee [and] to find hope for a new life...I help those that endeavor to figure out the best way to achieve their dreams [with] employers looking for reliable workers,” Mohammad said.
A Story To Be Shared
On World Refugee Day, June 18th, Moshfiq and his family attended a celebration at Phoenix College. Moshfiq enjoyed spending the day inspiring others with his family’s story and sharing his employer resources for new hires.
If you’re interested in supporting our Refugee Programs, we need your help! You can visit our Amazon Charity List to see critically-needed items such as cookware, bedding and cleaning supplies.
