At 23 years old, Bahati Majuto fled the Democratc Republic of the Congo after the 1996 war left many of his family members slaughtered, and his town annihilated. Bahati was separated from his wife and son in the process. A refugee camp in Burundi was Bahati's "home" for five years, until he reunited with his family in South Africa. Bahati, a renowned tailor for many of Africa's elite, attempted to continue his career by working out of a shipping-container-turned-tailor-shop that he created. His business was attacked and the makeshift building was destroyed twice in three years. Finally, in 2013—16 years after first applying for refugee status with the UNHCR—the Majuto family was resettled in Charlottesville, Virginia. His first years in the United States were not without challenges. When International Neighbors connected with the Majuto family, they were struggling with meaningful employment, isolation, and healthcare access. We were able to coordinate a vehicle donation, help them understand bills and medical care in the U.S., and assist with home improvements including having a dangerous dead tree removed in their backyard where a now-thriving garden grows. Bahati is now a homeowner and a naturalized citizen. He continues to work multiple jobs to provide for his family of seven, and sends money to his surviving relatives in Africa. His oldest son graduated from William & Mary in 2021 and is studying for his Master's at Yale University. Bahati has moved from client to volunteer and donor at International Neighbors. He has connected 23 families with our services, given countless rides to refugees in his IN-donated vehicle, and made a gift to our Annual Fund in 2025. “I know firsthand what International Neighbors does for newcomers, and it is God's work,” says Bahati. "When I give to this organization, I feel like I am donating to the church, directly to the mission of Jesus."

Abdul Parwez hadn’t seen his parents in seven years. The only son of Abdul and Bibi, he served with the US Army as a translator before moving to the United… The post After 7 Years Apart, Afghan Translator Reunites with Parents Thanks to Volunteers appeared first on International Neighbors.

Fariha brings cakes and tea to the table of her two-bedroom apartment. Her children gather close to their mother. Mariam is going on a class field trip to the Jamestown… The post They Make Me Feel Like Family appeared first on International Neighbors.

Hajer Salaam is all smiles with a bright voice and cheery disposition who wears a long braid, pink hair bow and polka dot tights on the day we meet. A… The post Building Hope: One girl’s quest to live a full life appeared first on International Neighbors.

Meet Elias, you can learn a little bit about him here | Password: lighthouse You can learn a LOT about him if you choose to apply as a volunteer with us! He is a… The post Meet Elias appeared first on International Neighbors.

Meet Fatou, a survivor from Gambia. She was referred to us leaving the Shelter For Help IN Emergency (SHE) which is a great resource but has a 6 week stay… The post Meet Fatou appeared first on International Neighbors.

Yahya and Siba fled Syria in 2013, with their infant daughter. They lived in Jordan for 3 years, awaiting refugee resettlement status and welcoming a son. Now, the family of… The post Meet the Karaz Family appeared first on International Neighbors.

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Leroux, a 20-year Army veteran, says he worked with many interpreters during his time in Iraq. “We couldn’t have done a thing without them,” he says.  In 2015, he… The post Army Veteran Sponsors Afghan Family’s Petition to come to the United States appeared first on International Neighbors.

Debra Weiss has lived in Charlottesville for nearly thirty years. She owns the Recycled House, a homestay property in a North Downtown neighborhood that is constructed primarily from second-hand materials.… The post Local Resident Provides a Safe Haven at the Recycled House for Resettled Refugees appeared first on International Neighbors.

Emily and David Leblang are the the curtain installation duo. They’ve been volunteers since 2016 and have installed 35 curtains in 30 different houses around the windows, but also as… The post Meet Volunteers Emily and David appeared first on International Neighbors.

Cathy and her family decided to find out what they could do to support refugees in our community because of the many conversations they were having at the dinner table… The post Meet Volunteers Cathy & Becca appeared first on International Neighbors.