Editor’s Note: We are pleased to support the efforts of the Lyme-Old Lyme Refugee and Resettlement  Committee (LOLRRC) by publishing this statement from the LOLRRC seeking critical support in different ways for an Afghan family living in Old Lyme.The family need help in order to be able to stay in our wonderful community.

OLD LYME — If you have been watching the news during the past few weeks, you  may have seen that the Washington blame game over the chaotic US  withdrawal from Afghanistan is grabbing headlines once again. After  more than four decades of conflict and instability in Afghanistan, some Afghan families were able to escape the horrible persecution of the Taliban by escaping to other countries.

One such family is now living in  Old Lyme supported by the Lyme-Old Lyme Refugee and Resettlement  Committee (LOLRRC), an active community organization. The family counts themselves  to be very lucky to have been airlifted out of Afghanistan in August 2021 and transported to the United States.

The father had been working for the US Military and therefore been targeted. This young family of  seven was resettled in Old Lyme through Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS) in New Haven.  

Posting photos of this wonderful family cannot happen right now because they want to stay somewhat private for obvious reasons. The young  parents, four school-age children, and a baby girl have worked very hard to  adjust to life in our country. Being in the friendly and peaceful community  of Old Lyme has been a true blessing for them.

Our committee, the Lyme-Old Lyme Refugee and Resettlement Committee, has been supporting them  tirelessly as they all move toward adjusting and being able to live  independently. They faced unbelievable challenges in Afghanistan and so  appreciate now living in Old Lyme.

The children are thriving in school and learning to speak English. They even help to translate for their parents at  times.

The Lyme-Old Lyme Schools have been largely instrumental in helping these children settle into their new lives here. This is one of the many reasons these parents want to stay in Old Lyme for their children’s  sake. They have also seen up close what it means when women are  deprived of getting an education. 

The father, Hayat Popal is now driving for delivery services to make ends meet; he likes to cook and will be getting a full-time job at a new local  restaurant in the very near future. The mother, Bibi Popal takes in sewing  and stays at home with their baby girl, who was born at a U.S. military base shortly after the family’s arrival in the states.

Now the family faces another daunting move because it is time for them to  find permanent housing.The cost of a rental home that can house their family of seven in our area is beyond the family’s financial reach for now. 

This is why the LOLRRC is hoping for donations to help subsidize the family’s housing costs in the near term.

It would be even more special if they could find a rental property owned by someone that might give a discount so that this wonderful family, The Popals, can stay in our community.

All donations are tax-deductible and can be made online or by check.  Please make a note that your donation is earmarked for the Housing  Fund. 

To make a donation online, visit this link, then select ‘Refugee Resettlement’ on the drop-down menu under ‘Fund.’

To donate by mail, make your check payable to First Congregational  Church of Old Lyme with Refugee Resettlement Committee in the memo  line. Mail the check to P.O. Box 172 Old Lyme Ct. 06371

On behalf of the LOLRRC and the Popal family, thank you in advance for your generosity.