Elected Officials Visit NAC
Newcomers Access Center invited local elected officials and community members to meet with refugee families and NAC volunteers and board members on March 22 at the NAC office in Claremont. Family members told their stories of coming to the U.S. as refugees, and officials welcomed them. Pictured from left: Alexander Novikov, owner of Edelweiss Premier Ballroom in San Dimas; Rehana Mowjood, NAC Board Member; Anne Thorward, NAC Board President; Andy Winnick, NAC Board Treasurer; Jed Leano, Mayor of Claremont; Tom Thorward, NAC Chief Financial Officer; Janice Elliott, Upland City Council Member.
Shabbir Wazari was one of several refugees who told his story of coming to the U.S. as a refugee. His family fled Afghanistan after it fell to the Taliban last year, leaving everything behind. The journey was difficult, but since coming to California, Shabbir has found employment, and his family recently moved into its own apartment after living in temporary housing on the campus of the School of Theology in Claremont.
Tim Sandoval, Mayor of Pomona, gives a high five to refugee kids.