Representatives of the four Sponsor Circles who have helped Afghan families settle in Carbondale will speak at the Southern Illinois Learning in Retirement meeting. After the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, numerous Afghans who had assisted the U.S. in Afghanistan were at risk and fled their country. The U.S. sought sponsors who would help the Afghans transition to life in the U.S.

In Carbondale, four Sponsor Circles formed and welcomed four families. The Circles are sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church, the Church of St. Francis Xavier, the Unitarian Fellowship, and an independent Heartland Circle. The sponsors found housing and furniture; drove family members to English classes and to medical and other appointments; enrolled them in schools and public benefit programs; helped them find jobs and helped them navigate shopping and financial matters. In addition to learning much about Afghanistan and the families’ customs, the sponsors also experienced our nation and our customs through fresh eyes and ears.

The meeting, free and open to the public, will be held at Grace United Methodist Church
220 N. Tower Rd. in Carbondale. A coffee social hour will begin at 9:30. For more information, contact Jackie Welch 618-536-7751 or e-mail silir@siu.edu.