2024 Annual Fund Drive - International Neighbors

Letter from Founder, Kari Miller

We are More Than a Moment.

I think we all know Fred Rogers, the beloved man whose television shows were revered for decades in America. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood featured a variety of community members, and I always loved how he brought people together who shared little more than the same zip code. As a child, I would play It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood on the piano, instilled with the sense of optimism and belonging Mister Rogers exuded. America’s cardigan-wearing hero taught us to care for the most vulnerable among us by making a difference right where we are.

International Neighbors is an organization that works tirelessly to enhance the lives of refugees and SIVs in Charlottesville. We know that newcomers from Syria, Afghanistan, Uganda and the DRC need more than a moment of our time in order to thrive. That’s why we are committed to long-term support for each family who is referred to us. International Neighbors is a movement. Our mission creates long-lasting impact for the people we serve, our volunteers and the Charlottesville community.

Mister Rogers told his audience to “look for the helpers” particularly in times of turmoil. Thanks to your support, we have been helpers in the Charlottesville refugee and SIV community for almost ten years. IN has matched more than 300 newcomer families with Great Neighbor Guides, providing a reciprocal relationship that goes far beyond what staff can do alone. In the enclosed mailer, you will read about Abdul Parwez who,
with the help of his Great Neighbor Guide, was able to reunite with his family this fall after three long years of waiting. This is what it means to be More than a Moment.

As we look toward the year ahead, I hope you will not only seek the helper, but be the helper. Together, we can ensure that everyday is a beautiful day in the neighborhood, for ALL of us.

Negeeta’s dream to welcome her family to the United States

In 2021, IN staff spent weeks preparing, organizing and submitting humanitarian parole petitions for Negeeta’s mother, brother and sister in Afghanistan. IN covered the cost of each petition filed. This summer, Negeeta learned the petitions had been approved! Again, we assisted with appointments at the US Embassy for biometrics and health screenings. Just weeks after her mother and siblings arrived, Negeeta gave birth to a baby boy. Because of the reunification, her family was there to welcome the baby together!

Emily & Najeeba’s dream to feed a neighborhood

When Emily Young, a local family practice physician, decided to become more involved with IN, she was introduced to Najeeba, and the two became fast friends. After learning Najeeba was a skilled caterer, Emily started a weekly dinner service in the Redfields neighborhood, with meals cooked by Najeeba and distributed from Emily’s home. “We plan a weekly menu together and she helps collect orders,” says Najeeba. Most weeks, Najeeba cooks 35 dinners but has cooked up to 80 meals a week! “She’s one of my best friends now, it’s crazy. I feel so honored,” says Emily.

Nafisa’s dream to know her neighbors

When Nafisa, a newcomer from Afghanistan, met her literal neighbor, Ali Johnson, the two hit it off and Ali became Nafisa’s Great Neighbor Guide. What began as Ali taking Nafisa for a series of dental surgeries has evolved into weekly English lessons in Ali’s living room for Nafisa and other refugee women and children living nearby. “My friendship with Nafisa brings a new layer to my life. The gift of knowing her has given me the confidence to reach out to other Afghan women in the community,” says Ali.

Salah’s dream to give back to International Neighbors

When Salah arrived to the United States from Iran, he was alone and deeply depressed. IN helped him secure employment, apply for rental assistance and avoid eviction. He has been matched with a Great Neighbor Guide, holds two jobs, owns a donated car, and is now traveling with an IN outreach manager to offer language translation for other newcomers. “There is always light. I love this country. And I love International Neighbors,” says Salah.

Olga’s dream to be independent

Olga’s family arrived years ago from the Congo when Olga was just an adolescent. Now closer to 20 years old, Olga wanted to become more independent and self-sufficient. In 2023, she was a recipient of professional driving lessons paid for by IN’s 75 to Drive campaign. “I appreciate everything about IN and all their teammates as they provide for the people from different nations,” says Olga.

When you support INTERNATIONAL NEIGHBORS, you are supporting a DREAM!

Kindly support us in reaching our Annual Fund target of $150,000, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to realize their aspirations.

Donate Now

Through your generous support, we at International Neighbors are able to offer a variety of program services to refugees and SIVs that go beyond initial resettlement. Learn more about our program work.