MUNCIE, Ind.- Six months ago, in the Islamic Center of Muncie, AWAKEN founder Bibi Bahrami decided it was time to help Afghan refugees here in Indiana. She formed an organization, along with the support of local Muncie churches, called the Muncie Afghan Refugee Resettlement Committee, also more widely known as MARRC.
In November the organization was limited with only five to 10 subcommittees, as well as only four families being resettled here in Muncie. However, since then the organization has doubled. With 15 subcommittees and over 20 refugees resettled MARRC has been working diligently to help some of the most vulnerable people.
“As of this moment we have 22 families and about 67 people,” Executive Director of MARRC Ari Hurwitz said. “We do have families scheduled out all the way to March 16, and by that point, 27 families will be here with around 87 or 88 people.”
In four short months, the organization has seen an increase in proactive resettlement, and all of this has been possible with the help of donations and volunteers.
When MARRC first began accepting refugees there was not a set fundraising goal, but the organization knew there had to be an amount needed per family. Hurwitz and other MARRC officials knew quickly that this had to change. With a new fundraising goal of around 450,000 MARRC is calling on the Muncie community to stay involved.
Now, with the resettlement process comes adjusting to a new life and culture. Hurwitz says that the first and one of the most important hurdles to overcome is English as a second language.
“Muncie community schools has been integral working with Ball State Universities Intensive English program,” Hurwitz said.
Although it can seem like a disadvantage to many, Hurwitz says this is a sign of courage.
“When you see someone struggle with a language that is the most immediate sign of intelligence and bravery because this is not their first language.”
With MARRC hitting fundraising goals and the community getting involved, refugees still face one common threat. The Taliban. Back in Afghanistan the Taliban is still causing disruption. Although higher levels of the Taliban are cooperating, lower levels are making it difficult for those left behind.
Hurwitz describes it as a “warlord” situation. With lower levels taking advantage of the fear and power they have. This has caused many refugees here to face a harsh reality.
“It’s the thing that makes me cry more than anything,” Hurwitz said, “ When someone talks about someone being kidnapped in their family. It’s unimaginable.”
With unimaginable circumstances, MARRC does try to provide a sense of unity and family for refugees. One of the many ways the organization does this is a simple new tradition. Family dinner.
“We try to have a dinner every month for our families to bring them all together,” Hurwitz said. “ We did that in December and just did this past weekend.”
With many circumstances and factors playing into resettlement, MARRC knows there is one aspect that will not change. The need for donations. MARRC relies heavily on volunteers and donations in order to support these families.
For information on volunteer opportunities and how to donate, visit AWAKENINC.org
Contact Rebecca Rosado with concerns at rrosado@bsu.edu
