How Afghan Support Programs Aid Relocation Success

Reza Nazari was settled first in Arizona, where his mother had settled before him. He joined his mother to be with her. As he explains, life was difficult for both of them in Arizona, where his mother had fewer connections with her peers and friends, and he himself faced numerous barriers, not only with language but also with other skills that strained his ability to build a better life. He was working in automotive services and also at a hotel, but it was hard, not only for his mother but for him as well, to create meaningful connections and relationships with their peers and fellows and to earn a considerable income to support them adequately.

He was always asking about life situations, challenges, and opportunities from his friends who were in other states and cities across the United States. Definitely, it is not easy to think about relocating to another state, but sometimes a good decision is better taken sooner. When he heard about the Afghan Support Program, implemented by the International Institute of St. Louis, which supports Afghan families and individuals who are eligible to receive certain assistance if they intend to relocate to St. Louis, he cross-checked the information with his friends in St. Louis. Both the mother and son decided to move to St. Louis. The most important aspect that helped them make this decision was that his mother’s friends and peers were living in St. Louis.

Additionally, there were many other reasons that led them to move as soon as possible. The first step was contacting the Afghan Support Program, which initiated their relocation process. When they moved to St. Louis, they received three months of apartment rent, with all utilities paid for up to three months by the Afghan Support Program. He applied for various benefits for his mother that she had been receiving in Arizona. This is how the International Institute of St. Louis supported both of them, including assistance with Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), and employment services.

Now, he has a potential income source in his new city, and his mother attends events and ceremonies within local communities. Both are connected and spending quality time with their friends and peers. They have been welcomed by the broader community and surrounding residents.

Reza has established his new company, Reza Detailing LLC, where he uses the skills he learned in Afghanistan and improved in Arizona. He is eligible to apply for the Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant to secure up to $20,000 USD to support his business. There is no similar grant opportunity across the United States. Such an amount is critically necessary to establish a business in the U.S. While it may seem small, it still requires significant effort to build a stable business.