Helping Sonam, a Friend of Our Church and Bridge Refugee Services

Do you have a used car for sale or a need for sewing or alterations?

Many members of the congregation have gotten to know Sonam Sharify and her family from Afghanistan through our church community and Bridge Refugee Services, one of our local mission partners. Sonam previously directed a USAID training program for women in Afghanistan before relocating with her family to the United States through the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program.

Sonam’s beautiful handmade jewelry is available in the Mission Market, and many in the congregation enjoyed hearing her and her husband, Abdul, speak at Worshipful Wednesday. She has also provided sewing and clothing alterations for church members and assists with Bridge Refugee Services’ GROW sewing class that meets at our church.

Sonam has recently secured a position as a seamstress at David’s Bridal and is in need of reliable transportation for work, as Abdul uses the family’s current vehicle for his own job. The family hopes to find a dependable used car in the $3,000 range. Sonam also offers sewing and alterations services and has assisted many members of our congregation with her excellent workmanship and attention to detail.
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As many refugee families work to rebuild their lives in a new country, transportation can be a significant barrier to employment and stability. Helping Sonam secure reliable transportation or supporting her sewing and alterations business is a practical way to support a friend of our church community and the work of Bridge Refugee Services.

If you may be able to help with a vehicle or would like to connect with Sonam regarding sewing or alterations, please contact Colleen Shannon at (865) 406-5233 or bakhom@earthlink.net.