Meet A.

Please note, we will be using the name of A. to respect the individual’s privacy. 

In 2016, A. and her family fled Yemen due to war. Upon her arrival to the U.S. and entering the 9th grade at a new school, A. found herself falling behind with homework and test preparation.  

Seeking out AAFSC’s Young Adult & Youth Program during the pandemic, our team provided virtual one-on-one academic and socioemotional support during A.’s senior year. Throughout the years, A. stayed determined to finish high school and moved onto college with assistance and encouragement from AAFSC’s Program Coordinators. During college, we encouraged A. to apply for Work Study at her school’s Student Center’s office and wrote her a letter of recommendation. Once A. started her new job, she contributed her success to the skills and time she spent at AAFSC. Currently, A. is enrolled at the Borough of Manhattan Community College for her International Business Associate’s degree and she will be transferring to Baruch College this Fall to pursue her Bachelor’s degree.  

In addition to pursuing her studies, A. has been an instrumental participant and youth advocate in our Audacious Young Women of Action (AYWA) Program. Not only did she encourage young women to amplify their voices, but she acted as a mentor for those who came from her community. She has also played an active role in AYWA’s Advocacy projects and Healing-Centered Youth Series we facilitated in the Spring.  

A. says she will always consider AAFSC her second home and is infinitely grateful for the support she has received, and continues to receive, at our Community Center.