RefugeeOne

Abdul arrived in Chicago 5 years ago this month. He hasn’t seen his wife and kids since then, as they remain stranded in Afghanistan.

But he finds joy in his work helping other refugees at RefugeeOne.

“I sleep so well when I know I helped someone,” Abdul says. “I made their life easier.”

🫶In an immensely challenging time for refugees, every show of solidarity and support makes a real difference.

👉Will you make a gift today to provide hope to refugees?

🧡Give now at https://www.refugeeone.org/donate

👀Take a look at this— partnership in action to make health care more accessible.

The team from Prevent Blindness Illinois / ISPB returned to RefugeeOne, providing 24 newcomers with free eye exams and prescription glasses.

Clients who’d been struggling with vision problems found relief as well as empathy from this team of doctors, support staff, and volunteers.

We love to see it! 👓

Join RefugeeOne for an intimate, in-depth conversation about one refugee's journey to safety here in Chicago.

Abdulhaq, an Afghan interpreter for US forces, forged an unlikely friendship with an Army lieutenant, Spencer, who became his lifeline on a 13-year trek to escape the Taliban and find a new home.

The two co-authored the book, Not Our Problem, a war memoir and refugee story that crosses dangerous borders, explores how friendship can outlast a war, and helps us understand the global refugee crisis through one man's harrowing struggle for safety.

RefugeeOne proudly welcomed Abdulhaq and his wife to Chicago in December.

👉We invite you to meet Abdulhaq and Spencer at a book talk at the Sulzer Regional Library in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood Saturday, September 12 at 2:30.

🔗Please register here for the free event:
https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6a74b0618a144f82b2c6ea97

Time to think about cold weather🥶because it’s the kickoff to our Winter Coat + Boot Drive!

Through October 24, RefugeeOne is collecting NEW or GENTLY USED winter coats, boots, hats, gloves, and scarves, to get hundreds of newcomers ready for winter.

You can order from our Amazon Winter Wish List, sending items straight to RefugeeOne: https://bit.ly/4xHG09c

Or DROP OFF DONATIONS at our office, 6008 N California Ave, at these times:
📅 Friday, October 23 | 12 – 4 p.m.
📅 Saturday, October 24 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Please note: General clothing and light jackets WILL NOT be accepted, only winter coats and winter coats and accessories.

This refugee hire deserves a marquee announcement!

Shahpoor, an Afghan refugee, spent this summer acting in a movie! 🎬

RefugeeOne welcomed Shahpoor and his daughter last year. He was an actor, director, and CEO of the Afghanistan National Theater before they fled the Taliban.

His acting break came a few months ago when Shahpoor was cast in a movie about an Afghan family being filmed in Canada.

Details of the film are hush-hush since it won't come out until 2027, but Shahpoor is thrilled to be back doing what he loves.🌟

Want to support refugees as they rebuild their lives in Chicago? Join our team at RefugeeOne!

We’re hiring for several positions. Check out the job listings at: https://refugeeone.org/work-or-intern/

We’ve been preparing kids and families for this day all summer long: the first day of CPS preschool!

Refugee children know what to expect as they head to their Pre-K class for the first time, thanks to our Preschool Readiness Program which focused on important skills like sharing, listening, being independent, and regulating emotions.

While kids got to play and learn in RefugeeOne’s childcare space, parents received support from Youth Program staff to navigate the school system and ready their children for this milestone.

Good luck to all our students starting the new school year!

Thanks to our lawmakers who pledged to support immigrants and refugees during We Are All America's National Refugee Advocacy Days.

Staff for Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, and Congressman Chuy García met with us to discuss the restoration of refugee admissions, defending asylum, protecting TPS, and ending travel bans.

We’re thankful that our lawmakers champion an America of welcome and opportunity.

We are proud to stand with immigrants and refugees at We Are All America's National Refugee Advocacy Days.

This week, we’re bringing a simple truth to Congress: our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces are fuller because immigrants and refugees are part of them.

We urge Congress to restore refugee admissions, defend asylum, protect TPS, and end travel bans.

Add your voice! Contact your Congresspeople to tell them you believe in an America of welcome and opportunity.