Najiba lived a contented life in Afghanistan as the owner of a thriving small business where she designed clothing. But when threats were made against her family, the life she and her husband had built was put at risk. As a result, Najiba’s family made the difficult decision to leave their homeland to seek safety in the United States. The San Diego Afghan Refugees Aid Group welcomed them to their new community. The organization provided Najiba with a simple but powerful tool—a new sewing machine. This was all she needed to feel welcomed and bring her design talent to her new community. The Welcome Fund—a program of Welcome.US—has awarded the San Diego Afghan Refugees Aid Group a grant to support their volunteer work in helping newcomers thrive in the United States.
