When we started our Afghan Women’s Support Group, no one talked much – they felt too uncomfortable. A “support group” with strangers wasn’t a very familiar setting.

Outreach Workers Weeda and Yalda recognized what might help: things like serving Afghan cookies and tea; doing cultural arts activities, like crocheting; and dancing together.

In collaboration with our partners at ARTogether, the group has become a bi-monthly healing circle with art and drama therapists, including childcare so that women can focus on themselves.

The Women’s Group is now loud and boisterous! Women greet each other with love, in the traditional way. Weeda reflects:

“It now takes at least 15 minutes to start the group because everyone is hugging and kissing each other, catching up, like you do with friends and family. Sometimes it's almost half an hour to get started!” 

Many times, the women don’t want the group to end. They ask, “Can we stay an hour longer?” And they often do!

The space the women co-create is sacred, where mothers - caring for young ones all day - have precious time for themselves. It’s a place to build friendships, support each other, and a jumping-off point for women to tap into other resources as well.

As often as we can, we bring diapers, pantry items, and household goods to group - all donated items that can make a big difference for family wellbeing.

We want to make our groups as abundant as possible next year! Want to help? Make a gift toward our $30,000 goal before Dec 31st that will go toward direct support for Afghan women, as well as for other CERI community groups.

Thank you so much for reading, donating, and sharing this campaign!