Three months ago, Nancy and a group of friends stood at the arrivals gate of the Raleigh, NC airport, their hearts racing with trepidation and excitement. They were there to meet a Syrian refugee family they had spent weeks preparing to welcome. Nancy had poured her energy into furnishing an apartment, learning about halal cooking (akin to kosher cooking), and even connecting with a local Arabic-speaking friend to better understand their culture.
She wanted to ensure that when this family of five – Farhan, his wife, and their three children – stepped off the plane, they felt not just safe but truly welcomed. She wanted it to be a different start for them than the years of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty after they left their home and family when the Syrian civil war broke out.
The family’s arrival was just the beginning of their journey of navigating the new complexities of life that America brings. Back in Syria, Farhan had been a skilled tailor, but in America, he faced the challenge of starting where no one knew him, and he did not know any word of the local language! One day, while wandering the local mall, Nancy, aware of Farhan’s skills, boldly stepped into the alterations department of an upmarket men’s clothing store. “I have a friend who is a tailor. Do you need one?” she asked.
The manager said yes and to have him come in! Farhan trusted Nancy and went for the interview. The whole thing consisted of hand movements, gestures, and smiles to bridge the language barrier.
Farhan knew his stuff and it showed. “He’ll fit right in!” the manager declared as he offered Farhan the job. Today, he’s thriving, using his talents and contributing to the business that gave him a chance.
Through Questscope’s refugee resettlement initiative, families like Farhan’s are finding hope, stability, and the unique chance to rebuild their lives. This story is just one chapter in Questscope’s broader mission: to put the last first.
In Syrian refugee camps across Jordan, Questscope provides innovative programs to help refugees discover joy and purpose amidst unimaginable challenges. Our music and photography education initiatives inspire hope in young people. Our economic development programs empower women to build brighter futures for their families. And through all of this, we create opportunities for people to thrive—whether in a camp, a new community in Jordan, or even here in the United States.
None of this happens without you.
Your generosity fuels this work, ensuring that people like Nancy can make contact and extend compassion to families like Farhan’s so they can take their first steps toward a brighter future.
When you give to Questscope, you become part of a global movement of hope.
And right now, your impact can go twice as far. Questscope’s board of directors has pledged a $116,000 matching gift, doubling every dollar you give before December 31st. Your $100 becomes $200, your $500 becomes $1,000, and your generosity ripples across the world.
Please join us in this mission. Use the QR code below or visit questscope.org/give to make your year-end contribution today.
Because of you, Syrian children in refugee camps can explore their talents through music and photography. Syrian women can access tools to create economic stability. And families like Farhan’s can find hope and dignity in the midst of hardship.
Thank you for being part of this life-changing work.