Learn more about navigating alternative legal status options and eligibility for newcomers who arrived in the United States through humanitarian parole programs. The above link includes an on-demand webinar.
Driver's Education-
A generous grant from the Fred & Floy Willmott Foundation and the First Unitarian Church made it possible for Keeping Our Promise to have the NYS Driver's manual translated into Dari and Pashto. This translation will help ensure that those in our program, and anyone resettling to New York, receive the education needed to safely drive in our community.
To access the driver's manual in Dari or Pashto , click on the buttons below.
To access the driver's manual in Dari or Pashto , click on the buttons below.
Wellness Helpline for Afghans- Call 800-615-6514
This U.S. Committee for Refugees & Immigrants resource is for those who arrived to the United States AFTER September 2021. Counseling services are available to those experiencing sadness, anger, anxiety, fear, depression, difficult sleeping, or any other distress. This FREE service is offered in Dari, Pashto, and English. Afghan refugees, asylees, parolees, and SIV holders are encouraged to call the Wellness Helpline for virtual support and, if desired, referral to additional programs that support their well-being.
خط کمک تلیفونی سلامتی برای افغان ها (800-615-6514) خدمات مشاوره ای را به کسانی ارائه می دهد که غمگینی، خشم، اضطراب، ترس، دیپریشن، مشکل در خوابیدن یا هر ناراحتی دیگری را تجربه می کنند. این خدمات رایگان به زبان های دری، پشتو و انگلیسی ارائه می شود. افغان پناهندگان، پناهجویان، پارولي و اشخاصی دارای اس آی وی تشویق می شوند تابرای حمایت مجازی با خط کمک تلیفونی سلامتی تماس بگیرند، و در صورت علاقمندی، به برنامه های اضافی که از سلامتی آنها حمایت می کند که توسط دفتر اسکان مجدد پناهندگان تمویل می شود، معرفی نماید.
د افغانانو لپاره د سالمی روغتیا مرستندویه ټیلیفونی کرښه (800-615-6514) هغو کسانو ته د مشورې خدمتونه وړاندې کوي چې خپګان، غوسه، اضطراب، ویره، ډیپریشن، د خوب ستونزه او یا کوم بل مشکل سره مخ وی. دا وړیا خدمتونه په دري، پښتو او انګلیسي ژبو وړاندې کیږي. افغان کډوال، پناه غوښتونکي، پارولي، او اس آی وی لرونکی اشخاص هڅول کیږي چې د سالمی روغتیا مرستندویه کرښی ته د مجازی مرستې لپاره زنګ ووهي، او که غواړي چی اضافي پروګرامونو ته چی د دوی په هوساینې
This U.S. Committee for Refugees & Immigrants resource is for those who arrived to the United States AFTER September 2021. Counseling services are available to those experiencing sadness, anger, anxiety, fear, depression, difficult sleeping, or any other distress. This FREE service is offered in Dari, Pashto, and English. Afghan refugees, asylees, parolees, and SIV holders are encouraged to call the Wellness Helpline for virtual support and, if desired, referral to additional programs that support their well-being.
خط کمک تلیفونی سلامتی برای افغان ها (800-615-6514) خدمات مشاوره ای را به کسانی ارائه می دهد که غمگینی، خشم، اضطراب، ترس، دیپریشن، مشکل در خوابیدن یا هر ناراحتی دیگری را تجربه می کنند. این خدمات رایگان به زبان های دری، پشتو و انگلیسی ارائه می شود. افغان پناهندگان، پناهجویان، پارولي و اشخاصی دارای اس آی وی تشویق می شوند تابرای حمایت مجازی با خط کمک تلیفونی سلامتی تماس بگیرند، و در صورت علاقمندی، به برنامه های اضافی که از سلامتی آنها حمایت می کند که توسط دفتر اسکان مجدد پناهندگان تمویل می شود، معرفی نماید.
د افغانانو لپاره د سالمی روغتیا مرستندویه ټیلیفونی کرښه (800-615-6514) هغو کسانو ته د مشورې خدمتونه وړاندې کوي چې خپګان، غوسه، اضطراب، ویره، ډیپریشن، د خوب ستونزه او یا کوم بل مشکل سره مخ وی. دا وړیا خدمتونه په دري، پښتو او انګلیسي ژبو وړاندې کیږي. افغان کډوال، پناه غوښتونکي، پارولي، او اس آی وی لرونکی اشخاص هڅول کیږي چې د سالمی روغتیا مرستندویه کرښی ته د مجازی مرستې لپاره زنګ ووهي، او که غواړي چی اضافي پروګرامونو ته چی د دوی په هوساینې
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NYS Mental Health Resources:
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Muslim-Based Family Wellness & Mental Health:
As part of a New York State Department of Health grant, KOP partnered with Rahama on April 30, 2024 for a workshop on Muslim-Based Family Wellness & Mental Health. Presentation slides are available here:
As part of a New York State Department of Health grant, KOP partnered with Rahama on April 30, 2024 for a workshop on Muslim-Based Family Wellness & Mental Health. Presentation slides are available here:
| muslim_presentationmental_health-2.pdf |
Women's Resources-
As part of a New York State Department of Health grant, KOP partnered with Dr Nadia Hashimi on April 19, 2024 for an intimate workshop for women about processing trauma and healing through writing personal narratives. Presentation slides are available here:
As part of a New York State Department of Health grant, KOP partnered with Dr Nadia Hashimi on April 19, 2024 for an intimate workshop for women about processing trauma and healing through writing personal narratives. Presentation slides are available here:
| in_your_own_words__personal_narratives.pdf |
Emergency Preparedness-
In December 2023 KOP partnered with RG&E and URMC Family Medicine to host an emergency preparedness event to keep families safe and healthy. Attendees learned about smoke detector, natural gas, and carbon monoxide home safety, and also received information on the flu vaccine. The following information was translated and distributed, and is now available for general use in the community:
In December 2023 KOP partnered with RG&E and URMC Family Medicine to host an emergency preparedness event to keep families safe and healthy. Attendees learned about smoke detector, natural gas, and carbon monoxide home safety, and also received information on the flu vaccine. The following information was translated and distributed, and is now available for general use in the community:
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Lead Poisoning Safety-
Adapted from Monroe County Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning: theleadcoalition.org
Eliminating lead poisoning is everyone’s responsibility. Lead poisoning is a serious health risk, especially to our children. Lead can cause many problems in children and adults, including:
• Long-term learning and behavior issues
• Brain Damage
• Hearing loss
• Long-term health concerns like kidney damage and high blood pressure
HOW DO CHILDREN GET LEAD POISONING?
• Homes built before 1978 probably contain lead paint.
• Peeling or deteriorated paint can create lead dust. This dust can settle in living areas and on toys.
• Other sources include cooking pots, jewelry, pottery, and cosmetics like kohl eyeliner from other countries.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Make sure your home is lead safe. Rochester City Law says If you rent or own a home in Rochester, you can call (585) 428-6520 to request a free lead inspection. If you are a renter, you cannot be evicted for requesting a lead inspection of your home.
● The only way to know if a child has been exposed to lead is to get a blood lead test. Request a blood lead test at any medical visit or whenever you suspect your child may be exposed to lead.
● It’s the law that all children must get a blood test for lead at age ONE and AGAIN at age TWO, and whenever a potential risk of lead exposure exists
● The Monroe County Department of Public Health will do a mandatory home inspection for any child who has a blood lead result of 8 μg/dL or higher. If a child lives in the city of Rochester, is under 6 years old, and had a blood lead test result between 5 and 7 μg/dL, a parent can request a home investigation by calling the County Health Dept. at (585) 753-5087.
TO MINIMIZE EXPOSURE TO LEAD:
Do not use pressure cookers from other countries, or those that have tested positive for lead. Wash a child’s hands and toys often, especially after playing and before eating. Make sure your cosmetics do not contain lead, as it might poison you AND your children. If you work with lead, wash work clothes separately from family clothes. Wet wipe or mop flat surfaces and floors often with detergent and water. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to catch lead dust. Call (585) 753-5087 to borrow one from the Monroe County Health Dept.
Make sure your child eats healthy foods. Foods high in iron and calcium can help lower your child’s lead risk. • Eat whole-grain breads, beans, tuna, and green leafy vegetables like spinach for iron. • Drink low-fat milk and eat yogurt and cheese for calcium.
Lead and Afghan Children:
Many children arriving to the United States have had some level of exposure to lead in Afghanistan or other countries, and will test positive. This news can be very scary for parents, but under a doctor’s care most children will be just fine. With adherence to the rules outlined above, and listening to their doctor, their lead levels can go down in time.
For more information on preventing lead poisoning, contact: • The Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning, (585) 224-3125, www.theleadcoalition.org -or- Monroe County Department of Public Health (585) 753-5087.
Eliminating lead poisoning is everyone’s responsibility. Lead poisoning is a serious health risk, especially to our children. Lead can cause many problems in children and adults, including:
• Long-term learning and behavior issues
• Brain Damage
• Hearing loss
• Long-term health concerns like kidney damage and high blood pressure
HOW DO CHILDREN GET LEAD POISONING?
• Homes built before 1978 probably contain lead paint.
• Peeling or deteriorated paint can create lead dust. This dust can settle in living areas and on toys.
• Other sources include cooking pots, jewelry, pottery, and cosmetics like kohl eyeliner from other countries.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Make sure your home is lead safe. Rochester City Law says If you rent or own a home in Rochester, you can call (585) 428-6520 to request a free lead inspection. If you are a renter, you cannot be evicted for requesting a lead inspection of your home.
● The only way to know if a child has been exposed to lead is to get a blood lead test. Request a blood lead test at any medical visit or whenever you suspect your child may be exposed to lead.
● It’s the law that all children must get a blood test for lead at age ONE and AGAIN at age TWO, and whenever a potential risk of lead exposure exists
● The Monroe County Department of Public Health will do a mandatory home inspection for any child who has a blood lead result of 8 μg/dL or higher. If a child lives in the city of Rochester, is under 6 years old, and had a blood lead test result between 5 and 7 μg/dL, a parent can request a home investigation by calling the County Health Dept. at (585) 753-5087.
TO MINIMIZE EXPOSURE TO LEAD:
Do not use pressure cookers from other countries, or those that have tested positive for lead. Wash a child’s hands and toys often, especially after playing and before eating. Make sure your cosmetics do not contain lead, as it might poison you AND your children. If you work with lead, wash work clothes separately from family clothes. Wet wipe or mop flat surfaces and floors often with detergent and water. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to catch lead dust. Call (585) 753-5087 to borrow one from the Monroe County Health Dept.
Make sure your child eats healthy foods. Foods high in iron and calcium can help lower your child’s lead risk. • Eat whole-grain breads, beans, tuna, and green leafy vegetables like spinach for iron. • Drink low-fat milk and eat yogurt and cheese for calcium.
Lead and Afghan Children:
Many children arriving to the United States have had some level of exposure to lead in Afghanistan or other countries, and will test positive. This news can be very scary for parents, but under a doctor’s care most children will be just fine. With adherence to the rules outlined above, and listening to their doctor, their lead levels can go down in time.
For more information on preventing lead poisoning, contact: • The Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning, (585) 224-3125, www.theleadcoalition.org -or- Monroe County Department of Public Health (585) 753-5087.
COVID-19 Prevention & Care-
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms please obtain and administer a test using these Pashto or Dari instructions.
| english_medicaid_covid19.pdf |
Dental Care
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The following is a resource guide provided by Afghan-American Foundation.
"We have carefully selected resources that are most relevant to Afghans navigating these latest immigration challenges. These resources have been developed by advocates and allies—many of whom are part of this coalition—and we are deeply grateful for their work."
Resource Guide for Afghans Following President Trump’s Immigration Related Executive Orders
The recent immigration-related executive orders issued by the Trump administration have raised significant concerns within refugee and immigrant communities across the U.S. These policies impact all refugees, including Afghans, as well as asylum seekers, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, and Afghan Americans with family members still navigating immigration processes.
After the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the fall of the Afghan government, the United States created legal pathways for Afghan allies to seek refuge and safety in the U.S. Thousands of other Afghan allies at risk—who remain outside the U.S.—were also promised protection, regardless of politics. These individuals put their lives on the line to support U.S. missions and were assured that they would find refuge and safety in America.
While we work with allies and advocate to push back against these inhumane immigration policies, it is critical that those Afghans who are affected by these executive orders—as well as those assisting them—have the necessary resources to navigate these challenges.
This guide is developed by refugee and immigrant allies and advocates to provide clear, accessible information about these executive orders, their implications, and the actions community members can take. It includes an analysis of the policies, answers to frequently asked questions, resources in Dari/Farsi and Pashto, and guidance on advocacy and community engagement.
Given the fast-changing nature of this situation, we urge impacted individuals, advocates, and service providers to check these resources frequently for updates.
These resources are only valuable if they reach those who need them most. If you are a community leader or member connected with affected Afghans—whether in person, through social media, or via local WhatsApp groups—please share this information widely. Ensuring that accurate, up-to-date guidance reaches those impacted is crucial in helping them navigate these challenges and access the support they need.
Executive Order AnalysisThe Trump administration has issued executive orders that affect Afghan refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers. This section provides a breakdown of these policies, including their legal basis, expected impacts, and potential challenges.
- RCUSA Section-by-Section Analysis of President Trump’s January 20, 2025 Executive Order
- Human Rights First Brief: Trump Administration Day One Executive Orders
- American Immigration Council: After Day One: A High-Level Analysis of Trump’s First Executive Actions
- RCUSA Executive Order Fact Sheet
Executive Order FAQsThe following FAQs provide critical information on how these executive orders affect refugees broadly, as well as specific guidance for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders impacted by the January 25, 2025, R&P Stop-Work Order.
Know Your RightsRegardless of immigration status, everyone in the U.S. has certain rights under the Constitution. This section provides crucial information on how Afghans can protect themselves in encounters with law enforcement, ICE, or airport immigration officials.
- Catholic Charities Diocese of Green Bay Know Your Rights Video - Dari/Farsi
- Catholic Charities Diocese of Green Bay Know Your Rights Video - Pashto
- Catholic Charities Know Your Rights Safety Planning Video - Dari/Farsi
- Catholic Charities Know Your rights Safety Planning Video - Pashto
- ILRC Red Cards - Dari/Farsi
- ILRC Red Cards - Pashto
- How to Order Red Cards
- NAKASEC Know Your Right App in Multiple Languages, including Farsi
- ACLU Know Your Rights: Immigrants’ Rights - Multiple Scenarios - Farsi
MessagingHow we talk about these executive orders matters. Our communities must stay united and communicate clearly to both policymakers and the public about the real human impact of these policies. This section provides key messaging points and strategies to help Afghans, advocates, and allies articulate their concerns effectively.
- Welcome With Dignity Messaging Guidance
- USRAP Talking Points: Stop Work Order and Federal Grant Pause
- Reception and Placement (R&P) Messaging
- RCUSA Messaging Guidance: President Trump’s Refugee Ban Executive Orders
- Birthright Citizenship Messaging Toolkit
Take ActionCommunity members can make a difference by taking action to oppose harmful immigration policies and support affected individuals. This section outlines specific resources individuals and organizations can use to advocate for Afghan immigrants and refugees.