Refugee Ministry

AN UPDATE ON THE
BADRI FAMILY

Sally, Fadi and Meme (Maryam’s preferred name) are very independent and are doing quite well. Fadi studied an Arabic translation of our driver’s education manual, passed the test to get his driver’s permit and is using some of the money the federal government gives him for resettling to pay for driving lessons. By the time you read this article, he hopes to have his driver’s license.
The family is also using some of their federal funds to pay for internet service so that they can communicate with their family in California, Michigan and Syria via email. Being a soccer enthusiast, Fadi is enjoying using his lap top to watch international soccer.
In June, KRM will begin looking for a job for Fadi. Until that happens, he will continue in the World of Work classes at KRM. Fadi has used his computer skills to search job opportunities and fill out applications on line (Walmart, UPS etc). He says he’ll take anything, he just wants a job. In Baghdad, Fadi was a television producer. After they fled to Syria, his only employment in those four years was for six months making watch bands. If any of you are aware of any opportunities, please let us know.

Sally and Meme attended classes at Kentucky Refugee Ministries’ Family center through the school year. They will participate in summer classes if KRM schedules a summer program for the children. Sally has filled out applications for Meme to attend Head Start in the Fall. Sally is not planning to seek employment although she hopes to find a way to market her handmade jewelry and purses.

The family has had initial dental and health screenings as well as follow up visits for dental work and shots.

Sally and Fadi have taken on leadership roles in their apartment area as they have acted as translators for non-English speaking neighbors. They do a lot with three Palestinian families in their neighborhood and with a nearby Iraqi family who has three little daughters…and a car. They attended Thunder from noon until it was over and they all went to the Derby Parade. They have helped a newly arrived Egyptian family with no church co-sponsor by getting food for them and they asked St. Matthew’s to help a Palestinian neighbor replace mattresses and stuffed furniture that had to be destroyed due to a bed bug infestation.
St. Matthew’s parishioners continue to be very generous to this young family. You responded to Sally’s plea for her neighbors with Food Pantry food and replacement furniture and you have given a stroller and clothing items to Meme. Sally and Fadi are very appreciative and they have been very happy that they could facilitate help for their neighbors.
At this time, our main emphasis for this family is helping them to improve their English skills and doing whatever we can to help Fadi find employment. We welcome the help of any parishioners in either area.
We are most grate
ful to the Outreach Committee and to the people of St. Matthew’s for all that has been done to resettle this talented young family in the Louisville community. You have been extremely generous and kind. Thank you for reaching out as Christ’s hands.

– Moray Peoples and Sharon Nesmith

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
330 North Hubbards Lane
Louisville, Kentucky 40207
502.895.3485 (voice)
502.895.3486 (fax)
webmaster@stmatt-ky.org

AN UPDATE ON THE BADRI FAMILY

AN UPDATE ON THE
BADRI FAMILY