A Year of Growth, Service, and Community Impact
The year 2024 was an extraordinary period for the Afghan Support Network (ASN) as it continued its unwavering commitment to supporting the Afghan-American community in the Greater Portland Metro area, Oregon and Southwest Washington. Throughout the year, ASN worked diligently to provide essential services, career support, legal and immigration assistance, education, and community-building initiatives. These initiatives played a vital role in helping Afghan families rebuild their lives, gain self-sufficiency, and contribute to their new communities.
Impact by the Numbers
At the ASN End-of-Year Meeting on December 26, 2024, the organization launched its annual “Impact by Numbers” report, providing a comprehensive overview of services delivered over the year. ASN served 1,085 unique clients, with an impressive 12,746 total service touches, reflecting the broad range of programs designed to meet the evolving needs of the Afghan community.
Housing remained a top priority, with ASN facilitating 2,295 instances of housing assistance and securing over $1 million in rental assistance for eligible Afghan families. This milestone ensured that many households could access safe and stable housing, providing a crucial foundation for long-term success.
Employment assistance continued to drive economic empowerment, supporting 986 individuals in securing jobs, receiving career coaching, and developing workforce skills. Additionally, ASN provided 3,760 service touches in transportation and DMV assistance, enabling community members to gain mobility and access employment opportunities.
Healthcare access was another key area of focus, with 1,046 individuals benefiting from ASN’s health navigation services, ensuring Afghan families could receive essential medical care and understand healthcare systems in the U.S. Legal and immigration assistance remained integral to ASN’s mission, with 801 households receiving support in navigating complex legal and immigration processes.
ASN’s commitment to food security also made a tangible impact, with 415 families receiving food assistance throughout the year. Community outreach and engagement initiatives accounted for 2,945 additional service touches, reflecting ASN’s holistic approach to strengthening Afghan families.
Advancing Education, Workforce Readiness, and Legal Support
In 2024, ASN continued to prioritize education and workforce development, serving 498 students through a diverse range of educational programs. These initiatives provided learning opportunities for children, adults, and professionals seeking career advancement in the U.S.
Weekly language programs in Dari, Pashto, and English helped families overcome communication barriers, while IT certification training in CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Security+ prepared individuals for careers in the tech industry. ASN also facilitated monthly career mentoring and job coaching sessions, equipping job seekers with the skills needed to thrive in the workforce. And with bi-monthly Health & Wellness and Nutrition workshops, we are promoting healthy living within the Community.
Programs such as the Recertification Program for Doctors continued to support Afghan professionals in re-entering the medical field. Additionally, parenting classes, Women’s Madrasa courses, and robotics classes provided learning opportunities tailored to various segments of the Afghan community.
Recognizing the immense challenges Afghan families face in navigating complex legal and immigration processes, ASN also launched its Immigration and Legal Navigation Services in October 2024. With the addition of a dedicated Legal Services Navigator, ASN provided legal guidance, immigration application support, and advocacy services to families in need. Over the course of the year, ASN assisted 801 households in legal matters, asylum applications, and pathways to residency, family reunification and referrals to lawyers. This service became a vital resource for Afghan families, ensuring they had access to trustworthy legal assistance as they worked toward stability and self-sufficiency in their new home.
Strengthening Community Bonds
Beyond direct services, ASN remained deeply engaged in community-building initiatives, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among Afghan families. By creating spaces for cultural preservation and social interaction, ASN played a crucial role in helping families navigate the challenges of integration while maintaining their cultural heritage. As part of this commitment, ASN officially opened
Afghan House (افغان کور – خانه افغانها) as a dedicated community center where Afghan families can gather for celebrations, Fateha ceremonies, and other communal events. The space also includes a Game Corner and a recreational section, offering opportunities for movie nights, sports watch parties, and social gatherings.
The organization’s vision—“A future in which all Afghans prosper and contribute to the success of their communities”—was at the heart of every initiative, ensuring that Afghan families had the resources, support, and opportunities needed to build a brighter future in the United States.
Looking Ahead
As ASN reflects on a year of milestones and impact, the focus remains on expanding services, building new partnerships, and continuing to uplift Afghan families in 2025. By strengthening programs in housing, employment, healthcare, legal support, education, and community engagement, ASN will remain a cornerstone of support for the Afghan community in Oregon and beyond.
For more details on ASN’s programs, impact, and future initiatives, visit ASN’s website or contact our team.