A new beginning: How WSU and IRC Spokane are helping refugees

When Sebghatullah Noori fled Afghanistan in March 2022, he and his young family found themselves in a state of uncertainty. For nearly 10 months, the former US Embassy employee and his family remained in limbo in Pakistan, unsure of what would come next-unclear where they would call home. That all changed when Noori received a visa to travel to the United States.

Noori's journey from refugee to the U.S. ultimately landed him in Pullman, where he found a new home thanks in part to a partnership between Washington State University's Every Campus a Refuge (ECAR) chapter and the Spokane International Rescue Committee.

The journey was daunting. With no family waiting for them and only a single friend in Sacramento, the Noori family flew from Pakistan to Qatar, then to Dulles and Spokane, where they connected with the IRC. It was only after landing in Spokane and completing an initial orientation with the IRC team that they were first offered Pullman as a possible destination. The choice was theirs.

It was winter, and Noori had no idea what to expect from this small college town but decided to take a chance. When they arrived at their new home a few days later, the scene that greeted them immediately reassured them they'd made the right decision. Paul Whitney, WSU's interim vice president of International Programs, along with Afghan families living in Pullman and other community members, had decorated their apartment, creating a warm, welcoming scene to greet their new neighbors.

"It was like I had just come home to my family," Noori said. "It's a day I'll never forget."

Since that winter day, Noori has made Pullman his home, finding work as a custodian at WSU, where his hard work and dedication quickly earned him a promotion. He and his wife have since welcomed their third child, and today, Noori says he is filled with hope for the future.

"In Pakistan, I didn't know what my future would be," he said. "But here, for the first time, there was someone to take my hand. To help me. And I will always be grateful."

WSU's commitment to refugee resettlement

Founded in 2015 at Guilford College, ECAR is a national initiative that seeks to mobilize colleges and universities to host refugees on campus grounds and support them in their resettlement. ECAR chapters, like the one at WSU, leverage the infrastructure, amenities, and resources already in place to support thousands of students to provide housing, support services, and a pathway to integration for refugee families. Currently, 16 U.S. campuses have joined the initiative, but WSU's chapter remains the only one in Washington State.

Whitney and colleagues in International Programs established WSU's ECAR chapter, which is about more than just resettlement. It's about providing WSU students with invaluable learning opportunities.

"Our graduates will work in a globally connected world," Whitney said. "This effort provides students a valuable international experience without ever leaving Washington."

Empowering nursing students: A hands-on partnership

As the partnership between WSU and IRC Spokane has grown, so has the need to address some of the unique challenges refugee families face, particularly when navigating the complex U.S. health care system. In response, WSU expanded its involvement in 2023 to include the College of Nursing in Spokane, with support from the National Association of System Heads (NASH).

This collaboration provides senior nursing students with a unique opportunity to complete their clinical practicum in community health while directly assisting refugees. During their practicum, students work closely with IRC clients, helping them apply for health coverage, fill out medical forms, and even accompany them via the public bus system to doctor's appointments. Language barriers are common, but students and clients find ways to communicate through gestures or translation apps like Google Translate. The experience helps clients and students develop valuable, real-world skills that will shape their future careers.

"Even learning the process of speaking through an interpreter is a valuable experience for WSU students," said Thomas Nantz, IRC intensive case manager. "It can be extremely eye-opening."

Community impact: A clear return on investment

Since 2022, WSU has collaborated with the IRC-Spokane to successfully resettle three Afghan families in Pullman, including Noori's, by providing essential support services and housing until the family becomes self-reliant. But doing so takes financial resources. Resettling a single individual can cost several thousand dollars before the individual lands a job and can self-support.

However, this investment is ultimately a win-win for the families, the university, and the larger community.

"These folks are assets. They're well-vetted. They're hardworking. They make our communities better," Whitney said.

Looking ahead: Expanding opportunities for 2025

As the program expands, Whitney and his team hope to bring one to two refugee students to campus in the fall of 2025. The Welcome.US network is working to match highly qualified refugees who have been living in camps with opportunities in colleges and universities. However, these students need financial help, particularly in the first year, after which they qualify for federal financial aid. Philanthropic support is critical to helping these students go from a refugee camp to an educated contributor to their community.

For his part, Noori dreams of one day helping others as he was helped. "Pullman is now my home. It's a good place with good people," he said.

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