ANSAR of So Cal Formed to Help Afghan Refugees

“The Islamic Shura Council of Southern California is positioned as a facilitative organizational consortium to serve the various needs of our displaced Afghan brothers and sisters. Our duty is to coordinate communicating the collective responsibility of tending to the physical, psychological and political processes arising from the arrival of our Afghan guests,” says an announcement. It adds:
“Islamic tradition refers to The Ansar, or the “helpers,” who were the local inhabitants of Medina and provided refuge to Muslims fleeing persecution. The founders of the American Network of Services for Afghan Refugees of Southern California (ANSAR of SoCal) are local organizations in the Southern California region that hope to serve as institutional helpers for new Afghan arrivals by facilitating comprehensive wrap-around services. As we establish this network in the Greater Los Angeles area, we hope to serve as a model for other regions within California and the country on how to provide comprehensive, local wrap-around services in a culturally competent way under the leadership of local Afghan and Muslim-led organizations.
“The objective of the ANSAR of SoCal is to connect new Afghan arrivals with the necessary legal, education and outreach, mental health, housing, and social services needed to reasonably adjust to life in the Greater Los Angeles area. Additionally, the organizations that make up the ANSAR network will serve as social connectors for newly arrived Afghan individuals and families. We look forward to coordinating with federal, state, and local elected officials and governments, local resettlement agencies, and national organizations to best coordinate our efforts. The ANSAR of SoCal currently includes the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California along with the following organizations:
• Afghan American Cultural Center (AACC)
• Afghan American Muslim Outreach (AAMO)
• Council on American-Islamic Relations, Greater Los Angeles (CAIR-LA)
• Muslim American Society – Greater Los Angeles Chapter (MAS-GLA)
• Qazizada Foundation
• Sahaba Initiative
• Uplift Charity
“Organizations within Southern California interested in joining the ANSAR of SoCal can sign up to join one of eight existing subcommittees, while individuals who would like to help can sign up as volunteers or ANSAR buddies.”