After the Taliban retook Afghanistan, Spirit of America acted quickly to help our loyal Afghan partners who were in danger because of their connections to the United States. Working closely with Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and the US Embassy Tirana, our team facilitated the evacuation of 121 Afghans from Kabul to Albania where they would await resettlement to the US. Evacuation was just the first step in a long and difficult journey for these men, women, and children. They left behind their possessions, their homes, their jobs, and their loved ones and faced up to a year of waiting before they could start to rebuild their lives in their new homes. Spirit of America assumed responsibility for the care of all 121 Afghans through the entirety of their stay in Albania. In addition to paying for room and board, we also provided items like hygiene and laundry supplies, baby formula, diapers, clothing, shoes, phone chargers and adapters, and more. Every need we identified was tailored to each individual and family.

Working with other nonprofits, Spirit of America also provided necessities such as healthcare, psychosocial support, education, and employment opportunities. We offered free English classes for the adults and children, and helped eight women and three men enroll in classes at the University of Tirana. Spirit of America also covered the costs of medical visits and hospital stays for two women who gave birth to healthy babies during their time in Albania. With the help of our generous donors, we did everything in our power to ensure that these Afghans lived comfortable and dignified lives while they awaited resettlement. On March 22, 2022, the long wait was finally over: Colleen Denny, our Europe Regional Director, Representative Slotkin, and members of her Congressional team eagerly welcomed the Afghan evacuees to their new home in America. The group was met with bright welcome signs and waving American flags. Many had tears in their eyes as they thanked Spirit of America and Representative Slotkin — their sense of relief was palpable.

Despite everything they had been through, there was still a shared sense of hope: hope for a brighter future, hope for the country they left behind, and hope for the lives they will begin in their new American homes. Thank you for helping us support our allies who dedicated the last 20 years of their lives to working with the US for the betterment of Afghanistan. You can read more of their stories here.