“The level of help was something that we never thought or dreamed of. I can’t say one thing that we are short of - the comfort and the peace of it - and the people of this state make us comfortable, we don’t feel like we want to go anywhere else or move anywhere else. Idaho is home.” - Masooma, Agency for New Americans Client

New Americans resettling into the state of Idaho undergo a tremendous journey before their feet first touch the soil of this beautiful state. A whirlwind of appointments, paperwork, and traveling bring them to a peaceful, but unfamiliar, world, full of many more new challenges to overcome. Idaho’s community is full of networks of partnerships in support of these individuals undergoing extreme periods of transition, and we are grateful to be a part of the resettlement process of new Americans in Idaho.

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Eleven women from Agency for New Americans (ANA) graciously took the time to share their experiences resettling into Idaho during ANA’s weekly women’s group meetings. Women’s Group provides attendees opportunities to draw on the strength of other women in an inclusive atmosphere of community building, mutual support, and empowerment. In the spirit of the theme of Idaho Gives 2022, we asked each of the women what Idaho has given them since their arrival, and in turn what they hope to someday give back to Idaho given the opportunity. 

Two translators were used throughout the interviews, so the answers below are direct translations of each of the women’s responses. The women interviewed have each been living in Idaho for different lengths of time, some for a couple of months, and some for many years. Each person had a unique experience and perspective to share, with everyone sharing one common theme: gratefulness to be living here in Idaho. 

Q: What has Idaho given you since you moved here from your country? 
Bahar | “When we came to the agency, they gave us many donations, they found an apartment for us, they gave us stuff for the apartments, kitchen, bedrooms, living rooms, everything they gave us!”
Maryam | “When we came here, they helped us and gave us everything like cash assistance and apartments and they paid for us.”
Anonymous | ““When I first came, I was welcomed. I was given insurance, an ID, and a better life than before.”
Nilofar | "The city has given me peace, just like the city where I lived in Afghanistan did, I feel like I am home already."
Anonymous | “The first time I came to Boise, I was given so many things, I got medication, I got my knee surgery (knee replacement), I applied for housing and it took a long time because I am single, so now I get my low income housing.”
Mariam | “In the beginning, people gave me a lot of safety, honor, respect, and my daughter, she started to make herself and her future, and I am happy for that. This is my life now; this was the third time I had to start from the beginning to build my life and my family.”
Yalda | “The one thing that I am very grateful for is that when I first came here we were new. The benefits we had with finding our way, getting our help with things such as food stamps. We did not feel like we were unable to access anything and we never thought that we were not able to get help if we needed it.”
Hava | “The benefits that Idaho provided for us as refugees, from housing to health benefits to other benefits, I am very grateful.”
Masooma | “As many times as I have been to a doctor, there is no way I could have afforded to go. I am so grateful, I know there is no way that I would be able to pay that back. I don’t know about other states, but the agencies that are here in Idaho have provided everything.”
Aida | “First - peace! I cannot tell you how happy I am because I feel so safe going outside. Second - a very good life. I can tell you that I have every need.”
Gulbaht | “Idaho has given me everything.” 

Q: What would you give back to Idaho if given the opportunity? 
Bahar | “I used to be a teacher in my country so I love working with students in the schools. I can’t be a teacher because I don’t have a certificate here, but I can help teachers here by being a volunteer.” 
Maryam | “As I learn, I will help Idaho and I will work and do everything good for those that helped me.”
Anonymous | “I want to do what I can to help the agency and do my best to help refugees.”
Nilofar | "My hope and my wish is that when I am up on my feet and I am ready to go, I want to give back 100% for what Idaho has given me. I want to help out, just like me, I want to help a refugee, and provide the same help I was given."
Anonymous | “Americans like my food! If I see anybody that likes my food, I will give them my food. If needed, I will help in any way that I can!”
Mariam | “I sent my daughter to college. She is done with college and she was studying general business, and she is working now at the bank. She is second hand with the manager, she is doing very well.”
Yalda | “Get a job, go to a job, and get working!”
Hava | “If I have time whatever people ask me to do, I am willing to help.”
Masooma | “I am raising my kids to help anyone that they see needs help. I encourage them to stand up and do that. I wish I knew the language and I had better health to help more, but I can make sure my kids are able to pay back for everything that I have.”
Aida | “I feel so bad that I am not working right now. I feel pride. I feel pride and don’t want the help, but since the state is providing it, I have to take it, I have no choice. The city is big and I have to get used to finding my way around. One day I will be able to find a way to pay back the kindness that is being given to me.”
Gulbaht | “Physically I am not able to help in person, but if I am better and able to someday I will!” 

Q: What are you most grateful for? 
Bahar | “I am happy because we are safe and we were given everything to be not stressed and happy. I am not afraid of everything because I had many problems in my country, but here, Boise, is a very, very, very beautiful state and we like all of the people here because they are nice people.” 
Maryam | “I am happy because I am here and here we are equals, from everything, we are equal, there is no difference between the people.” 
Anonymous | “To me, I am grateful for the freedom. Freedom is not being in war, being safe, is not having people killed around you.”
Nilofar | "The kindness of people in Idaho. When you see somebody or meet somebody, everyone is kind and acknowledges people in a kind way." 
Anonymous | “I will be excited when I get my green card so I can see my children. I would like to get my green card, I am waiting.” 
Mariam | “I am grateful for respect, and I love safety. I like the people around me, they help me alot. Different cultures, different people, it is all wonderful.”
Yalda | “I am thankful for Idaho. I find myself comfortable living here.”
Hava | “I loved to discover that it is quiet and peaceful in Idaho.”
Masooma | “The people of this state make us comfortable, we don’t feel like we want to go anywhere else or move anywhere else. Idaho is home.” 
Aida | “When I was in my own country where there is no place for women as much, we didn't have that peace and safety on the street. It bothered me so much that if I had to step outside of my house that I would hear the insults and all the bad stuff, but I feel at peace here. No one bothers anyone - I feel the kindness.”
Gulbaht | “Peace, cleanness, and being comfortable. I like that you can go day and night somewhere if you have to and not feel like you are in danger.” 

Our new American neighbors demonstrate tremendous strength and resiliency throughout their resettlement journey, and the individuals in our women’s group have modeled exactly that. Through this courage, our clients have the support of our welcoming community. If you would like to support today, our Idaho Gives 2022 campaign is live through the end of the day on May 5th, 2022. A donation to our agency is a gift to our new American neighbors: a meal, a hygiene kit, a bus pass, a bed. A donation to our agency is your way of saying “Welcome Home” to new Americans. Donations can be made directly to our Idaho Gives page at: Give to Agency for New Americans, by Jannus Inc. | Idaho Gives. 

You can also support our agency by sharing these women’s stories, and making it known that the Idaho community welcomes refugees. Together, we can build a stronger, more diverse community that celebrates inclusion and distinctive cultures. Together, we can make Idaho a welcoming home for all. ​

That’s when she realized her grandmother’s place at 1614 W. Jefferson St., now served as the offices of the Agency for New Americans. 

“I knew about the agency, but I didn’t make the connection, she said.   

Her grandmother, Mary Burns Inglesby had owned and lived in that house when Virginia was a child. It was the home where her grandmother had an “absolutely gorgeous rose garden” outside the side French doors of what is now the agency’s front office and had a fire in the fireplace all the time. It was the home of the grandmother who always referred to her as “Precious”, not Virginia. 

The house, located near what is now downtown Boise, was part of a subdivision platted in the early 1900s by Martha McCarty in an area where farmers planted fruit orchards and raised hay for their cows and sheep. In 1920, local builder John Cecil “JC” Jordan built the dwelling at 1614 for $4,000. 1920 Census records show that Clarence and Mary Inglesby moved from Buhl to the house sometime between 1920 and 1923, where Mary lived in the small two-bedroom house for the next 18 years. Mary was Christian Science practitioner who had an office in nearby downtown Boise. Eventually Mary’s mother also shared the home with her daughter until her death. Mary died in 1941, when Virginia was around 4 1/2 years old. 

Virginia, who grew up in Boise, had moved away, returning years later. The agency invited Virginia to tour the home on one April afternoon and she immediately asked if the fireplace in the front room was still there. 

Most at the agency had no idea that the brick façade in the reception area actually hid a fireplace that had warmed the house in other days. 

It had been almost 80 years since Virginia had stepped into her grandmother’s house, but she remembered every detail—except the back room and the basement which could have been built later by new owners. 

The day she visited, one of the agency’s newest immigrants was at the agency receiving orientation that every refugee goes through. This time, it was the man who received Virginia’s orange couch. 

The orange couch also brought Virginia other gifts from her grandmother. The friend who referred Virginia to ANA called to say that she had found some poetry she had gotten from the Idaho Statehouse, written by Mary Inglesby. 

As a parting gift, Virginia gave the agency a photo of the home from past days as well as some old photos to copy of her grandmother and great-grandmother. 

“You do such a great job,” she said. “And refugees and immigrants have such a problem right now.” 

Boise
At Twilight from Table Rock
A poem by Mary Burns Inglesby

Night is unfolding her mantle of blues
    And greens shot through with gold
Where the sun's last rays kiss the tree tops tall
    Caressingly fold on fold.

Her drapery is spangled with street lights
    Stitched in where square meets square
A border of gold and of amethyst gay
    Is etched on the foothill stair.

The capital dome is a pendent so bright
    On her necklace of jewels rare
Which lies in a circlet down seventh street hill
    Where traffic streams steadily fair.

The strong firm arms of her commerce
    With her right hand on Platt Garden bower
Is set with a white diamond solitaire
    The lights on the depot tower. 

In her left hand she holds the airport
    Close pressed to her loving heart
While deep in our city's warm bosom of peace
    Rests sweet Julia Davis Park.

Her river of thought flows steadily on 
    On out to the great blue deep
Unmindful of depths or of shallows
    Or of cliffs or craggy rock peaks. 

For here do her tall peaks all sunlit
    Of our Gem State's rough work and her play
Reflect in her people and music and flowers
    In her serious moods or when gay.

Now the people and music and flowers are still
    Hushed are the day sounds on street and on sod
This is her silent communion hour
    Her trysting place with God. 

Let us hold in our thought the righ promise
    Of our "Light on the Mountain" peaks
And cherish forever the vision of peace
    And hear when the purpose speaks. 

When we stay in a proverbial “box,” interacting with the same people, in the same places, for our entire lives, we end up with a narrow worldview. Refugees provide a refreshing change and the chance to experience other cultures without leaving home. Families and individuals seeking asylum bring more than just themselves when they arrive in a new place. Their culture also comes with them — encompassing beliefs, experiences, languages, and food. ​

If you want to learn how to help refugees, you have plenty of opportunity to do so every time you step outside your front door. The first step is a simple one: Be kind! And don’t assume anything —  if you’re curious about a refugee’s clothing, food, or customs, just ask. A simple question to a single refugee can lead to a long-lasting, enriching relationship with the entire refugee community.

Just as important is advocacy. You can use your voice to empower refugees in your community, in your state, and in the country. The two main ways to advocate are to speak up for refugees by engaging in positive conversations about refugees, welcoming refugees when you can, and attending refugee organization events. Just as important is to reach out to your local, state, and federal representatives and use your voice to advocate for refugees.

Another way to help refugees is by donating your gently used household items and seasonal clothing. Note that, due to the decrease in refugee numbers since 2017, the Agency for New Americans (ANA) doesn’t accept certain items, so check the in-kind need list prior to handing over your donation. And remember that gift cards are always appreciated.

If you’re more into the hands-on approach when it comes to giving back, consider volunteering at ANA. Volunteer opportunities include fundraising and marketing, English language tutoring, and family mentoring. Volunteers are essentially the lifeforce of ANA, helping refugee clients to navigate their new home. ​

There has been a lot of talk about refugees coming into the United States lately, but it can be hard to find out just how many. The numbers of incoming refugees in Idaho have seen significant reductions lately, going from 1,147 from 2015-2016 to just about half from 2016-2017. Still, with the recent reduction of refugees allowed in the country, Idaho takes in a significant number of refugees coming to the United States. Here is the breakdown of refugee arrivals in Idaho, according to the Idaho Office for Refugees.

I was 10 years old when the Taliban took over Kabul and closed all the girls’ schools. My father has a strong will and wanted his daughters to be educated. We were no longer safe. We fled to Iran which was the hardest journey we’ve ever experienced. We walked for several days and nights on mountains and through deserts without food.

Though we were safer in Iran, we were not able to assimilate or attend school. My days were occupied by purchasing children’s books for my younger sisters and watching them use those books to learn how to draw.

Things in Iran did not improve for us. After two years, we began another journey, riding horseback, boats, and dark crowded semi-trucks alongside others in similar situations. I remember the truck being a long 8 hour ride, with little oxygen and no time for stops.  

When we made it to Istanbul, it seemed life was headed in a downward spiral; no money, no job, and we didn’t speak the local language. I started working, under the table, at the age of 12 from sun-up to sun-down. We didn’t have appropriate shoes and our feet were badly bruised. A women noticed and helped my mom register with the U.N.

We were in Turkey for 3 years before we landed on American soil. I remember feeling hopeful and excited because we knew that we could start a new, educated life – a step forward into our desired future. 

It was a warm, summer night when we arrived at the Boise Airport. I was 19 years old. Our case manager welcomed us with a smile on their face and we knew we were in the right place. Our apartment was already furnished, with food on the counters. I remember being shocked at the size of the bananas and cucumbers! We had never seen such huge produce before.

Though living in America was not easy at first, I was able to graduate from high school in two years. Due to some family responsibilities, I wasn’t able to start college right away. Instead, I helped support my sisters through their university careers by working as a medical interpreter.

I am now the proud sister to three intelligent and creative women. I may not be where I wanted to be today, but I am certainly not where I used to be. 

Afghanistan
Shafi served as an interpreter for the US army since 2007. There, he received First Aid, combat, and interpreter training. He worked with the army in Kunar Province until he proposed to Ramisa in 2011. Shafi enjoyed working for the U.S. Army since it provided financial stability for him and his new family, but it caused them to lose the support of some of their more conservative friends and family.

After that, they were then relocated to work in Kabul until he accepted a Special Immigrant Visa to be resettled in America in 2015, and they were brought to Boise. A major difference they see from Afghanistan and the United States is that the U.S. can offer them freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of certain social actions. They enjoy life here, but they miss their friends and family.

First Steps on American Soil
Their flight to America was Ramisa and Afsana’s first flight. Afsana, who was 2 at the time, remembers watching movies and drinking chocolate milk. Stepping off the plane in the U.S., Shafi was excited to have the opportunity to learn new things, but also had anxiety not knowing what would happen. Ramisa recalls getting a ride from their case manager from the airport; she didn’t know if she should trust her and was worried the case manager was going to take her somewhere unsafe.

One of the biggest challenges of living in Boise was not being able to communicate, but Shafi was employed shortly after his arrival with Micron. This helped Shafi to quickly stand on his own two feet and to provide for his family with little support from the agency. He said he didn’t need to rely on the agency that much but that he always knew “the agency had our back.”

First Memories of America
Shafi was worried that they were going to be judged immediately wherever they went, but he soon realized that people didn’t seem to care that they were their neighbors or that they were shopping in their stores. He was surprised that people minded their own business. Ramisa recalls how nice it was to have stores like Winco and Walmart that had everything you needed and that you only needed to shop in one place.

Life in Boise
Now, the family enjoys traveling to McCall, Cascade, and Twin Falls. They also visit national parks when they can. Shafi enjoys playing volleyball and soccer, as well as working on cars and volunteering on the weekends. He enjoys helping members of their new community. Ramisa likes to visit friends and having conversations with them. As for the kids, Afsana likes playdough, and Neda likes to play with Barbies. 

Ramisa is proud of her daughters, and Shafi is proud to be able to raise his daughters in an intelligent and safe community. He is also proud to be useful in various ways in the community. 

Goals for the Future
Ramisa and Shafi are hopeful for their future, and are both of currently enrolled at CWI. Shafi is obtaining an associate’s degree while Ramisa is enrolled in the English language course. For now, Ramisa is focused on raising their daughters, but hopes to get a job when they are older. Eventually, Shafi would like to own his own business, possibly a mechanic shop. They recently bought a house last fall.