Over the last several years we have all come together to support refugee families from around the world. Did you know that your support is not only life changing for these families but provides important benefits to the local community as well? Refugees bring needed expertise and unique problem solving skills to their new jobs. We know that overall families who come in under refugee and asylum pathways actually generate a significant economic benefit, paying more in taxes than they use in benefits. They just need some help getting started!
SLO for Home’s goal is to give all of the families we help a stable foundation for the new lives they are building. We believe that this helps them be successful, contributing members of their new communities which benefits all of us. Thanks to your contributions, many SLO for Home clients have found financial independence and are happy in new jobs. Others are continuing their job search and we are excited to see where they can go with the right assistance!
Zahra, a young woman from Afghanistan, started a new career as a dental assistant recently.. Zahra had this to say about her job “I find joy in bringing smiles to patients’ faces and making a positive impact on their oral health journey. Seeing the relief and happiness in their eyes after a procedure is incredibly rewarding. It’s a feeling of satisfaction knowing I’m helping create healthier, happier smiles every day.” SLO for Home was able to fund Zahra’s dental assisting bootcamp with SLO Partners thanks to generous community donations. This new career offers a pathway forward with many opportunities for advancement that Zahra is eager to explore.
Olena and her husband Arsen recently transitioned off of official support with SLO for Home and we are so glad they are able to provide a safe life for their son. Olena works as a personal assistant for an office specializing in mammography. “It is rewarding to know that many women can trust the quality of the services we provide, and I am proud to contribute to that. I also see the potential to bring new ideas into the company and apply my previous HR experience to support its growth.” Her family advocate, Chris, helped Olena prepare for interviews and find this position which supports her family.
Arsen is still looking for full time work. According to Arsen, “I am currently looking for a position where I can apply my skills in customer service, sales, or administrative support. I have strong experience in communication, management, and working with databases. We remain positive and determined to move forward. I am eager to find an opportunity where I can grow professionally, contribute to the success of the team, and build a stable future for my family.” Do you know of a job that would benefit from Arsen’s experience? If so, email [email protected]!
Another dedicated parent eager to find full time work is Qais. Qais, his wife Najia, and their three children arrived late last year. Qais has extensive experience in the automotive field, having worked as a quality control manager at an auto parts company for years and previously running his own business installing auto parts accessories. He is currently working part time and finishing his COMPTIA A+ certification but is diligently looking for a full time position so he and his family can reach full independence. Qais is open to many types of work where he could apply his past skills. Do you have an opening for Qais that could make use of his extensive experience? If so, email [email protected]!
Several clients have successfully started business on the Central Coast in their time with SLO for Home. Sophia was part of the first family we welcomed. With the support of volunteers and her determination to bring Afghan food to the local community, Sophia founded her business, KOR Kitchen SLO. Check out https://www.korkitchen.com/ to learn more about her story and how you can try delicious Afghan food!
Another client, Vadym, arrived from Ukraine last year and utilized his years of construction experience to start a handyman business providing excellent service for small home repairs. In a glowing review from his last client she noted that Vadym is a reliable and detail-oriented handyman based in San Luis Obispo, serving the city and surrounding areas (within 20 miles). His services include carpentry, drywall repair, interior and exterior painting, furniture assembly, shelving, minor plumbing and electrical work, and general home maintenance. He’s known for being punctual, efficient, and committed to high-quality workmanship. For inquiries, call or text: (805) 215-8677.
These and many other clients have benefited from your generous contributions. SLO for Home is committed to helping our clients integrate into the community as quickly and successfully as possible. We have recently enhanced our employment supports to assist refugees in securing work in positions that will allow them to be fully independent sooner. To support families in the journey to independence, donate here!