Supporting refugees, immigrants and the underserved in the Greater Worcester area is the main mission of Ansaar of Worcester. It has served well over 2,000 individuals in the Worcester area from many different countries. The current focus of their programs is to support the over 500 new Afghan refugee arrivals and help them to build new lives in America. This number is expected to increase through April as the remaining refugees are relocated from military bases.
ABOUT ANSAAR
The organization’s President Mona Ives said it is run by a volunteer board of directors consisting of eight individuals, the vast majority of which are women of color. Over 100 volunteers are registered to assist with different programs and activities.
In 2015, a group of like-minded women helped to provide food support just before a large influx of Syrian refugees arrived. It became clear that much more than a handout was needed.
“Providing food is a start, but fails to address the many and complex needs of refugees arriving in America,” said Ives. “Being a culturally diverse group, we felt qualified to advocate and work vigorously to provide support, especially for populations who are often neglected or overlooked.”
Ansaar of Worcester became an official 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization in 2017.
HOW ANSAAR IS SUPPORTING AFGHAN REFUGEES
Resettlement agencies have been placing Afghan arrivals in hotels or with host families as temporary housing until permanent arrangements can be made. Outside of the Boston area, most of the Afghans have been placed in hotels in Worcester, Shrewsbury and Westborough; however, some are scattered around in other nearby towns, including Northborough, where more host families reside.
Ansaar provides support including
- Nightly meal program: Fresh, hot halal meals are provided daily to over 200 individuals across 4 hotels, who lack access to food and cooking facilities. Particular emphasis is on those who do not currently have access to food stamps.
- Food and hygiene product pantry: A culturally-relevant halal food pantry is kept stocked for clients who have already settled in apartments, along with those few whose hotel rooms are equipped with kitchens. Various hygiene products including diapers, that are not covered by food stamps are also stocked.
- Culturally-appropriate clothing distribution: Culturally-appropriate clothing and winter gear are collected, stocked and distributed.
- Housewares distribution: New housewares, including much-requested items such as pressure cookers, flatbread pans, and electric kettles, are collected, stocked and distributed.
- Advocacy and support are provided to refugees struggling with health concerns and urgent medical needs. Appointments are scheduled and transportation is arranged for them.
- Culturally-relevant ESL classes are provided on-site at hotels once a week.
- Free learner’s permit classes are offered once a week. It is taught in Pashto and translated to Farsi by a RMV-certified driving instructor. This helps clients become mobile and self-sufficient.
- Cultural orientation classes: A series of cultural orientation classes on a wide range of topics, such as parenting, law enforcement, finance, etc. are hosted by Ansaar.
- Career guidance and job search support are provided.
IVES FOUND A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND FULFILLMENT
After leaving corporate America in 2008, Ives thought launching her own interior design business would bring her a sense of fulfillment. While she enjoyed the work, she always felt something was lacking. She began to search for volunteer opportunities to enrich her life.
“This led me to a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as well as a deep connection with my faith,” she said. “Eventually, this internal shift led to the formation of Ansaar of Worcester and it is here I have found my purpose and passion in helping others.”
HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN SUPPORT ANSAAR
Although there has been an overwhelming positive response from the community to support Afghan refugees, there is still a high demand for additional support.
“Our greatest challenge has been keeping up with the exponential growth of our client base and operations,” said Ives. “We are always in need of more support in terms of both donations and volunteers.”
- Call 508-556-9946 to discuss in-kind donations or to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Donate online.
- Follow Facebook for updates.
Written by Liz Nolan, Northborough Guide Contributing Writer