Turning Knowledge into a Future
Center for Immigrant and Refugee Health (CIRH), a program of Public Health Institute (PHI), is proud to highlight the efforts of our dedicated grantees in providing culturally responsive and accessible services to Afghan refugees across California through the Afghan Refugee School Impact—Support to Schools (ARSI—S2S) program. This initiative is made possible with support from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the Office of Immigrant Youth (OIY).
The following stories reflect real experiences of Afghan clients. Names and identifying details have been changed to protect their privacy.
Karim’s Journey
Turning Knowledge into a Future
At a recent Afghan Refugee Relief’s workshop in San Diego, Karim, an Afghan father, stood up to speak. He began with an apology for taking a little extra time, then shared something that deeply moved the room. He spoke of his wish for his children: that they would grow up healthy, happy, and successful, without losing the Afghan roots that made them who they are.
Life in California had not been easy. The cost of living was crushing, and every day brought new challenges of starting over. Yet Karim wasn’t there to dwell on the struggle. He shared that he had enrolled in community college, determined to open his own business. What he needed, he said, was guidance: practical tools to take what he was learning in the classroom and turn it into a real future. His simple request— “show me how to turn knowledge into a future”—resonated as the voice of countless refugee parents who dream of stability for their families while holding tight to their identity.
“Show me how to turn knowledge into a future.”
Ahmadi Family
Finding Stability Through Support
In Orange County, Afghan Refugee Relief met the Ahmadi family, who had arrived in the United States just two months earlier. During their first conversation, Mr. Ahmadi was visibly anxious and hesitant even to share his name or present his documentation. Recent news about refugee crackdowns had left him fearful, despite his lawful immigration status.
As staff sat with him one-on-one, listening and addressing his emotional toll, his story unfolded. In Afghanistan, he had been self-sufficient, independent, and well-employed. Now, he struggled to see himself as someone in need, resisting the idea of applying for public benefits, feeling he was neither “homeless” nor “needy enough” to deserve assistance. What he needed most was not just resources, but space to grieve the loss of his old life and the dignity it had given him.
By the end of the conversation, Mr. Ahmadi’s demeanor shifted. He felt safe enough to share his documentation and spoke of a new sense of relief. Though he knew the path ahead would not be easy, he left with optimism and confidence that stability was possible.
Resilience, Dignity, and Hope
Both Karim’s and the Ahmadi family’s stories highlight an essential truth: refugee support is more than services. It is about equipping families with tools, restoring dignity, and creating the space for stability and connection again. Through Afghan Refugee Relief’s programs, Afghan families across California are not only surviving resettlement but also building the foundations for a future filled with resilience and hope.
Centering Culture to Build Connection
At CIRH, we are proud to partner with the Afghan Refugee Relief in providing services that meet Afghan Refugee clients where they are, with empathy, respect, and understanding.
Through the Refugee School Impact (RSI) Program, our partners provide holistic, linguistically appropriate care that supports the well-being of refugee communities.
