Women Behind The Wheel
The Women Behind the Wheel Program enables female new comers to the U.S. to become independent in terms of transportation. This program offers 14 hours of paid, behind-the-wheel, expert driving training and education to refugee and immigrant women. Coupled with our case management support, this program will ensure that participating women not only learn how to drive, but that they are comfortable driving and obtain their driver’s licenses in a timely fashion.
Why do refugee and immigrant women need access to behind-the-wheel training and driver’s education?
Many refugee and new immigrant women in Georgia do not have their driver’s licenses, which severely limits their ability to work, continue their education, learn English, keep appointments, as well as support their families. The inability to drive not only stifles their transition to life in the U.S., but also creates stress on the immediate family.
Benefits: Education, Equal Access to Services, Employment Opportunities, and Individual and Family Wellness
Ethaar’s Education Empowerment program
At Ethaar, we understand the transformative power of education, especially for high school students who have arrived in the U.S. as refugees. Our Education Empowerment Program (E3) honors and supports their commitment to academic success. With E3, we offer incentives every semester to celebrate hard work and dedication, recognizing the potential within each student to excel and achieve greatness. E3 stands as a testament to our belief in the vital role of education in fostering progress and opportunity.
Fostering Independence and Self-Reliance
Aligned with Ethaar's overarching mission, the Education Empowerment Program enables students to overcome obstacles and unlock their potential. Through academic success, E3 participants build a brighter, more secure future for themselves and their loved ones.
Contributing to Community Prosperity
Investing in education transcends individual achievement; it sows the seeds for a thriving, dynamic community. The E3 program nurtures young minds that will inevitably contribute to positive societal change, driving innovation and development within our neighborhoods. By supporting educational pursuits, we're fostering a generation capable of leading transformative community growth.
Welcome Home Program
The Welcome Home Program is designed to provide new families with a dignified and comfortable transition. This includes our Welcome Home Amazon Wish List, designed to provide new families with items necessary to furnish their new homes, our Welcome to the World List, which provides a list of essentials for the family's first baby, and our Convenience Initiative, which provides necessary bulky items such as Washers and Dryers.
What makes this program unique?
👉 As refugees, asylees, and immigrants move to the United States, they must adapt quickly to their new lives. Those resettled here are provided with very basic needs based on donations available at the time and the amount of money allotted to each family.
👉 At Ethaar, we believe in “loving for others what you love for yourself.” Our Welcome Program consists of the following components: Welcome Home wishlists and Convenience Initiative. We design Amazon Wish Lists based on families’ individual needs and share the list on social media platforms.
👉 All items are hand-delivered by our volunteers and duplicate items are reserved for other families in need. This gives volunteers the opportunity to greet and engage with the newcomers.
Crisis Intervention
Crisis intervention is an immediate and short-term emergency response to emotional, physical, mental, and behavioral distress. The Crisis Intervention Program serves to help families in their time of crisis and reduce the potential for permanent distress or trauma.
Why might families we serve need crisis intervention?
👉 Prior to being resettled, refugees may face a wide variety of traumatic events. They may witness destruction, observe violent acts perpetrated against loved ones, and endure torture and persecution. Most have lost their homes, livelihoods, many of their possessions, and even loved ones. Although a large number of the refugees adjust well, it takes years to get there. Many continue to suffer significant psychological distress as a result of the hardships endured.
👉 In addition to the hardships endured prior to being resettled, refugees and immigrants have to learn how to acclimate to their new lives in the U.S. Although resettlement agencies play a vital role in this process, it is a temporary one usually lasting 3-6 months. The families are then left to fend for themselves, with minimal language fluency and cultural adaptation. Many struggle to maintain employment, assist their children with schooling, or adapt to their new lives.
👉 The lack of language fluency, coupled with the financial struggles that families have makes it even harder when a family suddenly loses a loved one, has to deal with long term illness, is faced with an eviction notice, or can’t pay the bills.
👉 Ethaar strives to help these families in their times of crisis by addressing their immediate and evolving needs including emergent health issues, funeral arrangements, psychiatry evaluations, translation services, and financial assistance.
Big thank you to Roswell Community Masjid for their partnership with the Crisis Intervention Program
Case Management
Ongoing comprehensive management of families, on a case-by-case basis, that involves Intakes, Needs Assessments, Service Planning, Evaluation and Follow Up.
Why do refugee and immigrant families need case management?
👉 Although most of the families we serve share common hurdles, all of them have unique needs.
👉 Some have disabled children who may need help with their school’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP); others may have chronic or terminal illnesses. Some may need help finding their relatives who were not able to immigrate with them.
👉 Our experienced case manager helps families renew their food stamps, apply for social security benefits and unemployment, and works intimately with clients’ respective resettlement agencies to serve the families best.
👉 Families in need of case management must meet with Ethaar staff and follow an intake process. Once completed, the family’s needs are addressed and services are planned. Evaluation and periodic follow-up are then crucial to make this process a successful one.
Life Skills
Based on the needs of various families served by Ethaar, we will organize a series of training sessions aimed at helping families attain self-sufficiency. Topics include work ethics, family health, time management, personal finance, caring for the newborn, and navigating the public school system, among others. These and other “life skills” workshops will help families build a firm foundation as they embark on their new journey of life in the U.S.
Community Benefit Drives
Community-driven seasonal initiatives tailored to the needs of the families we serve.
Why are Ethaar Benefit Drives Important?
👉 Ethaar is committed to easing families’ transition to life in the US. By meeting their immediate needs, be it blankets, winter jackets, back-to-school supplies, hygiene products, diaper and baby essentials, holiday gifts, food or more, we bring a smile to their faces.
👉 Ethaar empowers youth of established communities to take on leadership roles in not only coming up with these project ideas, but implementing them as well.
👉 By collaborating with partnering organizations on such initiatives, we can help families on a large scale.
Community Service Program
For those looking to fulfill court-ordered community service hours or students seeking volunteer hours, we offer a range of opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
Eligibility and Application Process
Whether you're looking to contribute to the community, fulfill court-ordered community service hours, or are a student in need of volunteer hours, Ethaar welcomes you.
Please note:
Court-Ordered Volunteers: Ensure your court recognizes Ethaar INC as an approved organization. Remember, some courts may require volunteer hours to be completed within the county or city of your charges.
Students Seeking Service Letters: We support your educational journey by confirming your volunteer work.
To receive volunteer/community service letter
Join our whatsapp group and keep track of upcoming volunteer opportunities.
👉 Commit and show up to the service event.
👉 Let the staff on the ground know you’d like your service hours to be recorded and are seeking a volunteer letter.
👉 Sign in at the event- remember to clock in and clock out and include your contact/email address.
👉 If needed, follow up with the staff member with the letter request.
Why Volunteer With Us?
👉 YOU make a Difference: Directly impact the lives of individuals and families in our community.
👉 Gain Experience: Build valuable skills and experiences contributing to personal and professional growth.
👉 Community and Connection: Join a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to service and creating positive change.
Stay Updated via Our WhatsApp Group
Join the Ethaar WhatsApp group to receive real-time updates on volunteer opportunities, connect with fellow volunteers, and be part of our community.
Your participation and input are what make Ethaar a special place.