Hameeda, Our Newest American
In 2015, Kate Ayers knocked on Hameeda Noory's door to provide a bus orientation. At the time, Kate wasn’t yet Executive Director of ReEstablish Richmond. Our organization has come a long way since then, but even in our early days, ReEstablish Richmond recognized that access to transportation provides many opportunities for our newest neighbors. For Hameeda, learning to ride the bus meant the freedom to find a job and take her kids to appointments. This was her first step toward transportation independence.
Fast forward five years later, Hameeda now drives herself and her family everywhere they need to go. In addition to meeting her own family’s needs, she is empowering other newcomers as well. Each week she provides interpretation for our Dari learner's permit class as well as the Afghan Women's Wellness group. Five years is also a milestone for many of our newest neighbors because this is when they are eligible for U.S. citizenship.
It was an amazing day in which I got my citizenship. I felt peace and comfort.
Hameeda Noory, Interpreter and Afghan Community Liaison
By the time our team arrived for Hameeda's naturalization ceremony, the hallway was teeming with people dressed up and eager to celebrate their loved ones becoming American citizens. We were met by Beth Monroe, a ReEstablish Richmond volunteer who had been mentoring Hameeda for months leading up to this big day.
Although I’m Hameeda’s mentor, she’s really the one who has taught me so much about strength, perseverance, and leadership. It was an honor and a privilege to watch her become a U.S. Citizen and to see and feel the support of the ReEstablish Richmond team that day.
Beth Monroe, Volunteer
In the courtroom, it was standing room only. We were proud to be there when Hameeda's name was called and she received her citizenship. Cheers and applause were continuous as we witnessed the naturalization ceremony of 71 new Americans hailing from all over the world. Congratulations to America for welcoming our new citizens!