Welcoming New Americans
When we welcome immigrants, equip them with success, and connect newcomers in our neighborhoods, we strengthen the fabric of our community.
Dreams Taking Root
It was autumn when Zuhal arrived in the United States. She was just 21 years old and on her own.
After the U.S. withdrawal of troops in 2021, life in Afghanistan became increasingly dangerous, especially for women. With their lives in imminent danger, Zuhal, her parents, and five siblings escaped to India, where they were eventually granted refugee status by the United States.
Zuhal was the first in her family to receive authorization to travel to the United States. While waiting for her family to join her, Zuhal began the hard work of learning to navigate life in a new country.
With support from CCC, she found an apartment, practiced for her driver’s license test, and started a new job.
After two months on her own, Zuhal was thrilled to finally reunite with her family. She and her younger sister practiced their English together with a CCC mentor and the family was able to find a home large enough for everyone.
Today, Zuhal and her family are thriving. She is enrolled in college, pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse.
What your support accomplished in 2025
97%
of immigration case filings were approved, keeping immigrant families together
89%
of refugee women strengthened their futures by enrolling in education and workforce programs
195
ESL students build confidence by improving their English reading and writing skills
550
refugees began new lives in safety and dignity across the Catholic Diocese of Richmond