Shokrullah worried about his family’s safety in their native country. He had worked as an electrician in the US Embassy, and with the ruling party back in power, he was concerned that his service for the Americans put his family at risk.
He felt grateful when he, his wife, and their four young sons received the opportunity to move to the United States. In January of 2025, they arrived in Tennessee, preparing to make their new home in Knoxville, a place they’d never seen.
Now, new worries filled Shokrullah’s mind. How would they find a place to live? Or pay for food? And in a country where he didn’t speak the language, or know anyone, how would he find a job?
“We had a lot of struggles at first,” he shared.
But Shokrullah and his family soon learned they were not alone. Bridge Refugee Services was there to help.
Bridge helped the family find safe housing and provided rent assistance. Volunteers turned out to move them into their new home.
When it came to navigating the complex process of applying for health and financial support, Bridge remained at the family’s side, helping them complete applications for benefits. Bridge also provided the group with a donated vehicle. They can get places more easily now, and the donation opened up more opportunities for Shokrullah’s job search. “We are very thankful to Bridge for giving us this car,” he said.
Bridge helped to enroll his children in school, where his sons, ages 13, 11, 9, and 6, would gain routine and stability as they adjusted to a new country and a new culture.
The boys participated in an event through Bridge’s Refugee School Impact Program, which gives newly-arrived parents and children helpful information about what to expect and tips for adjusting. Now, all four are attending school and doing well. “They are getting great, day by day,” Shokrullah said.
The support from Bridge gave them a firmer foundation as they began their new life. But Shokrullah still felt worried. He needed to find a job to provide for his family. Again, Bridge was there to help.
Bridge’s Employment Specialist helped him apply for a job at CVS and complete the hiring process—even accompanying him on his first day to overcome the language barrier. “It was the most important thing for us to find the job, and they helped us a lot,” Shokrullah said.
In April, he started his new job at CVS, working the night shift. He worked hard, determined to do well. His employer noticed. Over the summer, he received an award, recognizing him for his excellence as an employee.
With paying work, money for food, and a place to live, many of Shokrullah’s worries have receded. After a year of immense struggle, the family now feels more settled. “We were very worried at first, because it was hard, and we were moving to a new place, a different place,” he said. “But right now, we are adjusting really good.”
His wife is finding her own way, too. A skilled tailor, she is joining Bridge’s Growing Refugees’ Opportunities and Wealth program (GROW). The program will help her to learn marketing skills that she can use to pursue income-earning opportunities.
With his feet on firmer ground, Shokrullah is making plans for his next step. He is taking English classes and enrolled in a construction training program to enhance his technical skills at the Knox County START Center. Over time, he hopes to improve his knowledge and certification so he can transition to future employment in the construction industry.
Thanks to Bridge’s support, Shokrullah spends less time worrying, and more energy looking ahead to what’s possible for his family. “I want to be a good man, and I want to … find a good job that I love,” Shokrullah said. “After that, I want my sons to study here and then go to university.”
For now, everyone is focused on making small steps forward. “We hope to get better day by day,” he said.