INDIANAPOLIS — In September 2021, thousands of Afghan refugees arrived in Indianapolis as the United States pulled out, leaving them to flee their home country.
Since then, a local organization has dedicated its time to helping the evacuees have a successful next chapter since their move to Camp Atterbury.
Bibi BahramI got to work as soon as the 7,000-plus Afghan refugees arrived.
“I reached out to my entire committee to help with this dire need and people have come to this rescue,” Bahraml said.
She founded the Muncie Afghan refugee resettlement committee (MARRC) with a focus on providing support and services to refugees starting a new chapter.
“(I) just cannot describe the gratitude and the feeling that I have,” Bahraml said. “And I’m proud of my community (and) how this all came together.”
Since last Fall, 117 evacuees, including 37 families and more than 60 children, have resettled through the committee in Muncie.
Bahraml says the evacuees and thriving, noting most have jobs, all have a home and children are enrolled in school.
“The refugee families are very hard working and dedicated,” Bahraml said. “They’re not only able to help themselves and the community, but they are helping the family they left behind.”
Bahraml is no stranger to the path the thousands of Afghan refugees continue to walk. She herself fled Afghanistan in the 1980s, eventually resettling in Muncie after living in a Pakistan refugee camp.
“Each and every one of them are so inspired,” Bahraml said. “They call me mother and they’re so grateful.”
Bahraml says come October, MARRC will no longer be around. Instead, “Awaken”, another organization she started nearly two decades ago will become the main focus.
Awaken focuses on providing healthcare, education and vocational training for women and children in Afghanistan.
According to the researchers Indiana University’s public policy institute, there are more than 28,000 refugees living in Indiana. While most are Burmese, Afghans are a predominant group.
-
Texans win 38-30 over Colts, clinch No. 5 seed in AFC playoffs
It’s the seventh straight loss for the Colts (8-9), who were eliminated from postseason contention with Houston’s win last week.
Colts: Ballard and Steichen Will Return for 2026
The Colts made the decision to bring back Head Coach Shane Steichen and General Manager Chris Ballard for 2026.
Bloomington boil water advisory issued after main break
Several Bloomington residences are impacted by a boil water advisory. Click to see a full list of addresses.
Holiday debt adding up? Expert advice on how to bounce back
Holiday shopping may be over, but for many Americans, the bills are just beginning to arrive. New data shows consumers spent more this season and took on more debt in the process.
