- Oct 25, 2025
- Contributor by: Apoorva Mahale (ASN Volunteer Coordinator)
Building Connections & Celebrating Community
Summer Highlights — Poetry, Art, Sports, and Opportunity
The past few months have been filled with creativity, collaboration, and community growth at the Afghan Support Network (ASN). From poetry and art to sports and job opportunities, ASN continues to create meaningful spaces that unite, inspire, and empower the Afghan-American community across Oregon.
Voices of the Homeland: Poetry Night
On July 20, 2025, ASN’s newly formed Cultural Committee hosted its first-ever Poetry Night – Voices of the Homeland at Afghan-Home. The event organized and led by ASN staff & community members, bringing together poets, writers, and enthusiasts for an evening reminiscent of traditional Afghan mehfils shab-neshini – a space where voices, emotions, and heritage blended beautifully. Lanterns, music, and verses created an atmosphere of belonging, as attendees shared original poetry and favorite works in Dari, Pashto, and English.
The event drew an enthusiastic audience of nearly 50 community members and sparked requests for similar gatherings, reaffirming ASN’s role in preserving Afghan cultural expression and fostering unity through art and language.
Watch the event highlights on ASN’s YouTube Channel: Voices of the Homeland – Poetry Night
Connecting Opportunity: ASN Job & Resource Fair
On September 2, 2025, Afghan-Home transformed into a professional networking hub as ASN hosted its first-ever Job & Resource Fair. Partnering with over 20 local organizations – including WorkSource Oregon, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Portland Parks & Recreation, THPRD, and Resettlement Agencies – the event helped community members explore employment, education, and career pathways.
The fair welcomed more than 200 attendees, many of whom were first-time job seekers or recent arrivals. ASN’s multilingual staff and volunteers provided on-site interpretation, resume guidance, and introductions to potential employers. The event was widely praised as a vital step in strengthening economic empowerment for Afghan and immigrant families in Oregon.
Annual Afghan Cultural Celebration 2025
On September 20, 2025, ASN hosted its Annual Afghan Cultural Celebration at Beaverton City Hall Plaza, drawing over 600 attendees in a joyful display of Afghan culture, poetry & art, live music traditional cuisines, along with many Afghan & women owned businesses. The event featured live performances, local vendors, and community leaders, honoring Afghan heritage and unity across Oregon.
Welcoming Week 2025: Celebrating Inclusion
On September 12, 2025, ASN proudly represented the Afghan community at the City of Beaverton’s Annual Welcoming Week, marking 11 years of Beaverton’s participation in the National Welcoming Cities and Counties Initiative. The event brought together immigrants, refugees, and residents to celebrate diversity and build belonging. ASN staff and volunteers shared resources, engaged new families, and highlighted ongoing programs that make Afghan-Home a cornerstone for community connection and inclusion.
Chai & Paint: Art, Healing, and Community
Held on August 13, 2025, Chai & Paint –Â a volunteer-led event organized by Jessica Neufeld, a filmmaker and psychology graduate – offered a creative and relaxing space for women and girls to express themselves through art.Â
Participants shared stories, laughter, and colors, turning the afternoon into a reflection of joy and healing. The event drew an overwhelming response, inspiring plans for future creative workshops and volunteer-led mental wellness programs at Afghan-Home.
Collaboration with Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)
Connecting our Community to PP&R Resources:Â
Afghan Support Network (ASN) is excited to announce a new partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) to help Afghan-American and immigrant families access affordable recreation opportunities across the city of Portland.
Through this collaboration, ASN has been facilitating and sharing information about discounted Access Passes, free or low-cost classes, sports, and swim programs, and upcoming volunteer and job opportunities within PP&R. Community members living in Portland city limits can now enjoy family-friendly activities, wellness programs, and park events at reduced rates.
Stay tuned for upcoming info sessions and materials available at Afghan-Home and through ASN’s community outreach channels.
🔗 Learn more about Access Passes: www.portland.gov/parks
Afghan Sports Commission of Oregon:
Promoting Wellness & Team SpiritÂ
Launched in May 2025, the Afghan Sports Commission of Oregon has quickly become a vibrant part of ASN’s community-building efforts. Dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and unity, the Commission organizes youth and adult sporting events, encourages women’s participation, and builds teams for tournaments.
From July to September 2025, the Commission hosted info sessions and meet-ups to recruit players and volunteers, laying the groundwork for upcoming indoor volleyball, cricket, and soccer leagues. The initiative has inspired excitement among youth and families alike, reinforcing that sports can be a bridge between cultures, generations, and communities.
