When Farid arrived in the United States from Afghanistan in August 2024, the path before him was full of uncertainty and possibility. But he was not alone. Staff from Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) were ready to guide him and his family through every step of the transition.
 

“I had a caseworker, Safi, and Farzana,” Farid said. “They were more than case managers for me — a good mentor, a good adviser.

From the beginning, Farzana encouraged him to look beyond immediate challenges and toward long-term goals. 

“She advised me to go to school and finish my university… helping me apply to part-time jobs.”

Farid’s journey began in Afghanistan, where opportunities grew increasingly limited for him and impossible for his sister, who was banned from school since the Taliban took control. 

“I was a high school graduate, and I was not able to go to university or get a job… It was not a place to make [a future for] ourselves there,” shared Farid. 

However, even an education did not guarantee a future. 

“Even if you go to university [in Afghanistan], you won’t find a job.”

Still, his family held onto hope. 

“The dreams that we had to go to the United States [were] a big deal. We knew everything will change for us.” 

That dream became reality when they reunited with Farid’s father at Dulles International airport in 2024.

“When we arrived, we were thrilled!” Farid said. “We haven’t seen our father for three years… I can’t explain the feeling.”

But the transition came with challenges. Language barriers, cultural differences, and financial pressures made daily life difficult. 

“I was the only one who could speak [English],” Farid said, often acting as the bridge for his family.

At the same time, two of his brothers remained overseas and employment opportunities were limited. Amid these challenges, consistent support made all the difference.

“Farzana was a good mentor… telling me a lot of things about how to live in the United States and helping me apply to jobs.” 

Through guidance and encouragement, Farid began to see a path forward.

For Farzana, this work is deeply personal.

“If someone is coming to a new country, they are confused and lost… they need somebody to take their hand and walk them through everything,” she said. “To feel like there is somebody [to] trust.”

Through LSSNCA’s case management services and the Refugee Youth Mentoring Program (RYMP), Farid gained access to essential resources—English classes, career coaching, school application support and more. 

“We encouraged him, continuously followed up, connected him with resources… and now he is going to college,” Farzana said.

Today, Farid’s goals are clear.

 “Success for me looks like when I graduate and get a degree… for my family, when all my siblings graduate from university.” 

Once out of reach, education is now central to Farid’s future. He was recently accepted to Towson University and is eager to begin his higher education journey.

“Seeing all of us going to school and learning brings so much joy for me and my family,” he said.

Farid’s story illustrates how the power of a holistic approach to welcome can shape possibilities and change a person’s trajectory. With guidance, access to education, and a strong community of support, new neighbors can build stable, thriving futures.

Because of support from donors like you, stories like Farid’s are possible. 

Note: Name has been changed to protect privacy.