The summer of 2025 (July, August, September) marked a season of energy, cultural pride, and community engagement for the Afghan Support Network (ASN). Across three months, ASN delivered over 9,671 service touchpoints, supporting 661 unique clients through programs spanning education, housing, employment, case management, driver education, legal support, and community engagement & advancement. From hosting landmark cultural events to introducing wellness and creative initiatives, ASN continued to deepen its impact across Oregon and SW Washington.
Cultural & Community Events
Annual Afghan Cultural Celebration – September 20, 2025
Held at Beaverton City Hall Plaza, the Annual Afghan Cultural Celebration 2025 was a vibrant outdoor event that drew more than 600 attendees. Community members, families, vendors, and performers came together for an evening filled with traditional Afghan music, poetry, food, arts, and performances. The event showcased Afghan-owned businesses, women artisans, and community leaders who celebrated unity, identity, and resilience.
Watch highlights at: ASN’s Annual Afghan Cultural Celebration Event 2025
Voices of the Homeland: Poetry Night – July 20, 2025
ASN’s newly formed Cultural Committee hosted its first-ever Poetry Night – Voices of the Homeland at Afghan-Home. The event recreated the warmth of traditional Afghan mehfils, featuring poets and readers sharing in Dari, Pashto, and English. Nearly 50 participants joined this heartfelt evening led by our remarkable team and community members, marking the beginning of ASN’s art and culture series.
Watch the event on YouTube: Voices of the Homeland – Poetry Night
Chai & Paint – August 13, 2025
This creative wellness workshop – organized by our volunteer Jessica Neufeld, a filmmaker and psychology graduate – welcomed more than 40 women and girls for an expressive arts session combining painting, reflection, and storytelling. Participants described the experience as a moment of joy and healing, representing empowerment and solidarity within the community.
Youth & Education Programs
Youth Camping Trip – August 19–21, 2025
ASN’s Education Department hosted a three-day youth camping trip at Camp Dakota in Scotts Mills, Oregon, with 24 youth participants. The trip, coordinated by our Youth Program Coordinator (Abdul Qadir Tanin), featured team-building activities, outdoor learning, and cultural bonding experiences supported by our amazing volunteers and ASN staff.
Field Trip to Oregon Zoo – July 26, 2025
Forty (40) students aged 6–18 enjoyed an educational excursion to the Oregon Zoo, guided by six amazing volunteers and ASN staff. The day was filled with exploration, learning, and fun – helping students connect nature and community while fostering confidence and curiosity.
Resources, Workforce Development & Collaboration
ASN Job & Resource Fair – September 2, 2025
ASN organized its first-ever Job & Resource Fair at Afghan-Home, bringing together 200+ attendees and over 20 local employers and partners including WorkSource Oregon, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Portland Parks & Recreation, THPRD, and Resettlement agencies. The event helped community members explore employment and education pathways, marking a milestone in ASN’s employment and workforce initiatives.
Read more about the ASN Job & Resource Fair
Beaverton Welcoming Week – September 12, 2025
ASN proudly participated in Beaverton’s Annual Welcoming Week, marking the city’s 11th year as part of the National Welcoming Cities Initiative. ASN staff and volunteers set up an information booth at the Beaverton City Library, engaging with local residents, new arrivals, and partner organizations to celebrate inclusion, diversity, and civic participation.
Afghan Sports Commission – Ongoing
Launched in May 2025, the Afghan Sports Commission of Oregon continued to expand through summer, recruiting youth for cricket, soccer, and volleyball teams. With a mission to promote wellness, teamwork, and women’s participation in sports, the Commission has grown into a vibrant community initiative, engaging 21 active members and preparing for future tournaments across Oregon.
Looking Ahead
As ASN enters fall 2025, new initiatives are underway to expand youth mentorship, women’s leadership, and volunteer engagement. With continued community participation, ASN remains a trusted hub for Afghan and immigrant families – a place of connection, empowerment, and belonging. Together, these milestones reflect a thriving, resilient Afghan-American community and ASN’s expanding impact as a culturally specific anchor institution.
The work continues as we aim to empower and uplift the Afghan community through these meaningful programs and services!
See photos below to learn more about ASN’s impact & monthly milestones achieved during this period.
