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Linsey Towles/KHTS

Islamic Center Of Santa Clarita Hosts Workshop For Recently Placed Afghan Refugees

On Saturday, the Islamic Center of Santa Clarita hosted an Education and Job workshop aimed to help the Afghan refugees recently placed in Santa Clarita.

Earlier this week, news broke of over 130 refugees from Afghanistan including men, women and young children being temporarily placed in Santa Clarita after a rushed evacuation from their home country. 

See Related: 134 Afghan Refugees Temporarily Placed In Santa Clarita 

The total number of refugees is 134, including 70 children from toddlers to late teens. 

In an effort to welcome the refugees and help them place roots in a new country, the Islamic Center of Santa Clarita located off of Bouquet Canyon Road, collaborated with the Los Angeles office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations  (CAIR) to host an educational workshop with guests to discuss things such as education, housing and jobs. 

“You are all welcome here, you are one of us. In Islam we know that every Muslim is equal to each other,” said Sammy Hawk, president of the Muslim Association at College of the Canyons who spoke at the event. “We will help everyone to the best of our ability.”

Information included how parents could enroll their children in the nearby school districts of William S. Hart Union School District, Saugus Union School District, Sulphur Springs School District and Castaic Union School District, according to event officials.

“Education here is free for everyone,” said Katarina, from the Los Angeles County Office of Education. “You are here, you have a community around you, make the best of it. You are not walking alone.”

Representatives from COC were also present to explain how college-age students could begin their college education. 

The biggest issue raised was the issue of finding permanent housing, as many of the refugees remain in hotels. 

“This is the biggest concern right now. People have found jobs nearby or enrolled in college but they don’t know if they are going to be moved and where. They have found places to rent but cannot because they have no credit,” said a representative from the Islamic Center of Santa Clarita. 

According to Lilian Alba, Vice President of Immigrant and Refugee Services for the International Institute of Los Angeles, the Santa Clarita Valley was selected as a temporary home due to the volume of families seeking resettlement in Southern California. However unless an “incredibly generous” management company were to step forward, it is highly unlikely for any of these families to stay in SCV. 

“There is a task force that meets twice a week to figure out housing in safe areas where you can work and don’t need to depend on cars,” said Katarina.  

Captain Diaz from the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station was also present and invited by the Islamic Center. The center has been an active partner of the station’s Clergy Council, comprised of religious leaders, over the last two years.

Captain Diaz spoke to the refugees about the role of. law enforcement in the United States and the sheriff’s department in Santa Clarita. He also explained arrest procedures for suspects who commit crimes as well as resources for victims of crime.

Also at the event refugees were given clothing and food donated by members of the community. The Santa Clarita Coalition and Santa Clarita Grocery, two local nonprofits are set to help with donations.

“Starting with the early days after Katrina, where Santa Clarita Valley wrapped their arms around families from New Orleans, our Valley has a history of supporting people who have been displaced,” said Carl Goldman, co-founder of the Santa Clarita Coalition. “The Afghans are the poster families for displacement in the 21st century. We’re ready to assist in any way we can.”

Individuals and organizations interested in offering help to refugees in the Los Angeles County area, including those in Santa Clarita, can also contact the International Institute of Los Angeles.

“We’re actively recruiting for community volunteers and looking to partner for placement efforts,” Alba said. “We need assistance with food drives, donation of clothing, or even just helping families go to supermarkets, and also cash for resettlement costs and expenses.”

 


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Islamic Center Of Santa Clarita Hosts Workshop For Recently Placed Afghan Refugees

17 comments

  1. Sammy Hawk said, “every Muslim is equal to each other.”

    Weird.
    Where does that place Christians, Jews, Hindus…..
    Should be a fun experience in the valley.
    Hey new guys…no robbing or raping of non believes please.

  2. Bigot or realist?
    The line is pretty thin there Alice in wonderland.

  3. We welcome all legal immigrants But have they all been fully vetted? Cleared of Covid, vaccinated, Back round checks? Any means of self support? Speak English? Planning on joining our govt. or changing it?
    I have so much more to say but, as you know, I have to be very careful.
    Shouldn’t we be getting our citizens back that the US abandoned.?
    Please, no argumentative or hate mail. Just discussions please.

  4. There is only one god. These people should read Timothy 6:3-5 ESV

    If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

  5. God bless the people who go out of their way to greet and help newcomers. They all need help and the RIGHT guidance to find their way. May they all integrate well into our society and become law-abiding and productive citizens.

    • Can we all agree that those click bait John Travolta’s gay lover ads are disgusting and in appropriate?

      • I’m sure you’re right, I just don’t pay attention to ads, I guess I’m boring. That isn’t my life style, I don’t have that fame, I certainly don’t have that kind of money, I don’t have anything in common with the rich and famous. Ads like that have no meaning for me. Not even curiosity

  6. ….. But why do you want to kill me? I took you in. I fed you, kept you warm ………… But you knew I was a snake when you took me in.

  7. ‘Temporary”?? RIGHT. Duplicitous Dems spend Our hard Earned Tax dollars while they whore more votes.

  8. Help those less fortunate than yourself. You might feel good about it.
    Stop the hate.

  9. Stop Islam! The religion of Convert by the Sword!
    Their god tells them to kill us.

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About Linsey Towles

Linsey Towles is currently a sophomore and journalism major at College of the Canyons and graduated from Saugus High School in 2021. She began as an intern at KHTS in Fall 2020 and was hired in June as staff writer for the news team where she covers breaking and feature news.