A registered Vermont non-profit dedicated to serving and building the Afghan community in Vermont.
When the United States left Afghanistan in August 2021, thousands of Afghans who helped the United States in its military and diplomatic mission were suddenly left at the mercy of the Taliban. Since 2021, hundreds of Afghans have been resettled to Vermont, often times separated from family members and loved ones and far from all they have ever known.
The Vermont Afghan Alliance (VAA), a 501(c)(3) and registered Vermont non-profit, was formally launched in April 2022 by Co-Founder and Board President Wazir Hashimi and Co-Founder and Board Vice President Dan Barkhuff with the sole mission of assisting Afghans in obtaining access to basic services and successfully resettling in the Green Mountain State.
Driving Program
Since the launch of the Vermont Afghan Alliance, the VAA has acquired vehicles and supported dozens of Afghans in obtaining access to driving lessons and drivers licenses.
For several Afghan women, the driving program offers a first-time opportunity behind the wheel as well as a new-found independence and the ability to secure good paying jobs, access groceries and appointments, transportation to for children and family members and the ability to thrive in rural towns.
Driving lessons are currently offered on a first-come, first- served basis. To learn more email us at info@vtafghanalliance.org or complete the registration form.
“I never had a chance to learn to drive in Afghanistan,”
-Farishta, First-time Afghan woman driver
“One of the differences between the American societal system and the one under Taliban rule is women’s ability to educate themselves, women’s ability to drive, women’s ability to participate fully in society. And we have hundreds of women who are very enthusiastic about their new country and being able to participate in society,”
- Dan Barkhuff, VAA Co-Founder and Board Vice President
Community Events and Cultural Celebrations
One of the biggest challenges for Afghans arriving in Vermont is building and maintaining community and retaining cultural traditions and celebrations.
Over the last year, the Vermont Afghan Alliance has worked to connect growing Afghan communities in Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Montpelier and Rutland through small community gatherings and larger statewide cultural celebrations.
In March of 2023, the Alliance partnered with the Vermont Office of the U.S. Committee on Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) to hold the first statewide Nowruz (Afghan New Year) celebration for Afghan families.
To host a gathering or volunteer at an upcoming event email us at info@vtafghanalliance.org.
(Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger)
The Year Ahead
With more than 300 Afghan refugees already in Vermont and more arriving on their own or through the refugee system each month, access to basic needs and services remains critical and in high demand. The work of the Vermont Afghan Alliance will continue to grow and expand in 2023.
In the year ahead, the Alliance aims to hire staff, grow the driving program, provide additional support to those seeking basic services and translation assistance and host more community gatherings. The Alliance will continue to collaborate and coordinate with local, state and federal partners.
The Alliance remains grateful to the volunteers and supporters who have supported the launch of the VAA over the last year and who have helped countless Afghans begin their new lives in Vermont.
We look forward to continuing our work with you in the year ahead.
Vermont Afghan Alliance
Vermont Afghan Alliance
50 Lakeside Ave Unit 118-H19
Burlington, Vermont 05401
info@vtafghanalliance.org
© 2023 Vermont Afghan Alliance
