Story written by - Hena Allaqaband, Strategic Partnerships & Storytelling Program Assistant, IRC Oakland

Local partnerships with faith-based organizations open doors to food security, employment connections, and everyday knowledge about life in a new place. 

When First Presbyterian Church connected with the International Rescue Committee in Oakland, its congregation was already committed to serving the local community. Church members had prior experience preparing meals, distributing food, and supporting neighbors in hands-on ways. 

Through conversations with IRC Oakland, that commitment became an opportunity to support an Afghan newcomer family in a way that responded directly to their needs. 

Clark, a representative from the church, has begun connecting the family with congregation members who share similar backgrounds and experiences. One of those connections is with a congregation member involved with a local Soccer Without Borders program, a meaningful link for Hamid, the father who worked as a soccer coach in Afghanistan. 

“Living our faith, that drives the congregation members to provide help and support community members regardless of their faith and ethnicity. We are called to love each other. This is just an example of that.” said Clark. 

Responding to Real Needs

The partnership began with a more immediate need. First Presbyterian Church members wanted to provide direct support, but through conversations with IRC staff, they learned that preparing meals or organizing a traditional volunteer project would not offer the family the flexibility they needed. 

Instead, the church provided a $2,500 donation for grocery and household support through Instacart credits. The assistance allowed Hamid and Khadija to choose fresh foods, household essentials, and items for their one-year-old son, Zakaria, while considering their preferences, schedule, and religious practices. 

“The congregation at First Pres. is very open to providing support for newcomers. This donation helps Hamid and Khadija take steps towards being self-determining and less reliant on others – the dignity that comes with being able to shop for themselves provides independence” said Clark.

Building Connection and Belonging

The donation addressed an immediate need while also creating opportunities for longer-term community connection. Congregation members can offer local knowledge, professional networks, conversational English practice, social connection, and other support that can help newcomer families feel more rooted in their communities. The partnership reflects a simple approach: listen first, coordinate with IRC, provide flexible support, and allow families to remain in control of their own choices. 

For First Presbyterian Church, the partnership turned its commitment to service into practical support shaped around one family’s circumstances. For IRC Oakland, it shows how local organizations can complement formal services with resources, relationships, and community connections. 

As IRC Oakland continues supporting refugees, asylum seekers, survivors of trafficking, and other newcomers across the Bay Area, local organizations can play an important role by reaching out, learning what families need, and identifying meaningful ways to help. Together, local partners can help more families move toward stability, independence, and belonging in the Bay Area. 

If you are a faith-based organization and would like to collaborate on a meaningful community engagement opportunity like First Pres. please contact Tommy Wang, Volunteer & Donations Coordinator at IRC Oakland: tommy.wang@rescue.org

Learn more about how this partnership provided need-based support to this newcomer family.