On Giving Tuesday, we invite you to help refugees in our community by donating to Newcomers Access Center (NAC), a small nonprofit in Claremont that connects refugees in the Inland Valley with services that help them become self sufficient and productive. We currently help more than 45 families in the Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. Most of these families left their homes in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Jordan and Central America because of security concerns.  

2021 has been a challenging year. The ongoing pandemic led to school closings, job losses, food insecurity and many stresses on families. With the help of donors and volunteers, NAC eased the hardship with emergency rental supplements, grocery gift cards, thrift store vouchers, driving lessons, college textbooks, school supplies, citizenship clinics and much more.

In August, the fall of the Afghan government to the Taliban meant an increase in our workload as Afghans who worked with U.S. Forces fled the country, some coming to our area. Our volunteers stepped up to help: securing temporary housing and setting up a household; getting kids registered in school; taking adults to English lessons; soliciting donations of bikes, helmets, and locks to help with transportation; and so much more.  Since August, 29 people applied for citizenship through NAC.

“No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of shark,” wrote British Solami poet Warsan Shire. It takes incredible courage to face the unknown and start life over as a refugee in a new country. Experts say refugees often struggle for years to overcome obstacles and achieve financial independence. Your dollars allow us to make the road to a new life easier to travel. See how your donation can make a difference by visiting our website and following us on our Facebook Page.  Thank you for clicking the link below to make a charitable donation to NAC. Giving Tuesday this year is November 30, 2021, but you can make your donation at any time. Please share this post on social media so we can get the word out.