AFGHAN SUPPORT NETWORK
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Mission Statement
ASN's mission is "To enable the well-being of Afghans through community, advocacy, and support", which deeply rooted in providing culturally specific and linguistically tailored services that address the critical challenges faced by Afghan individuals and families navigating trauma, displacement, and systemic barriers related to racial identity, language, and cultural integration. This mission is both personal and communal, reflecting the lived experiences and leadership of our team.
About This Cause
The Afghan Support Network (ASN) founded in 2021, is the first culturally specific nonprofit organization that has been formed to target the needs of Afghan refugees & immigrants, and the Afghan-American community (who are part of the larger BIPOC community and have been historically underserved) in the greater Portland area, Oregon & Southwest Washington. Our work focuses on fostering equity and inclusion by addressing the unique needs of Afghan families as they rebuild their lives in the U.S. ASN provides culturally relevant programs, including health and wellness initiatives, Education, Employment, and Career Mentoring programs, emergency assistance (Housing, Food, case management) and skill-building workshops, housing assistance, and career mentoring. Rooted in the Community We Serve: ASN was established by Afghans, for Afghans, with the goal of creating a safe, inclusive, and culturally relevant support network. Our staff and leadership—many of whom are former and current Afghan refugees themselves—bring firsthand understanding and empathy to the work we do. This foundation allows us to connect authentically with the community, ensuring trust, respect, and culturally responsive service delivery. Our entire staff is fluent in Dari and/or Pashto, the primary languages spoken in Afghanistan, enabling us to break down linguistic barriers and advocate effectively for our clients. Internal and External Operationalization of Our Mission: Internally, we (ASN) prioritizes community-driven and culturally responsive programming by engaging regularly with Afghan elders, youth, and families through surveys, discussions, and gatherings. This collaborative approach ensures that our services—ranging from housing assistance, educational programs, and women-centered initiatives to legal and immigration services and cultural integration programs—reflect the community’s voice and lived experiences. Our programs, shaped by continuous feedback, foster a sense of belonging and address the evolving needs of diverse Afghan ethnic groups. For example, our Strategic Plan 2025-27 emphasizes culturally specific services, including nature-based activities for healing, learning, and community building. Externally, ASN’s mission comes to life through leadership in advocacy and partnerships with community organizations to combat systemic inequities faced by Afghan immigrants and refugees. By participating in policy advocacy and collaborating with local coalitions, we promote equity and improve access to resources for Afghan community. While centered on serving Afghan refugees, our programs are inclusive, creating a sense of community and shared prosperity for all. We reduce stigma around service access by creating welcoming spaces that honor cultural traditions and promote healing. Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion: • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): At the heart of our mission, we strive toward a future where all Afghans in Oregon, particularly in Multnomah County, can prosper and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of the community. This commitment is operationalized through our DEI policy and ongoing efforts to build equitable access to resources and opportunities. • Community Engagement and Policy Advocacy: ASN regularly participates in policy advocacy efforts aimed at eliminating systemic oppression and increasing equity for Afghan and BIPOC communities. Our external communication plan prioritizes building awareness around issues affecting Afghan refugees and promoting inclusive solutions. Since its inception, ASN has served over 1,700 households, reflecting our deep-rooted commitment to community empowerment and inclusion. • Strategic Planning: Our Strategic Plan 2025-27 outlines specific goals for improving outcomes for our community by reducing barriers to health, education, and economic opportunity. This includes leadership development initiatives and targeted outreach to ensure Afghan voices guide service planning and delivery.