Nazila

SAFE Client

Nazila arrived from Afghanistan to the U.S. in September 2021 as part of the Operation Allies Welcome Evacuation efforts. After several months of processing at a U.S. military base, she moved to Northern Virginia, where there was active in the Afghan community. Soon after, Nazila began working full-time to support herself. In September 2022, she reached out to the SAFE project with the goal of becoming financially independent. She wanted to learn how to manage her finances better to pursue her goal of owning a property management business and help support her family back home in Afghanistan. Her immediate need was to purchase a car to help her commute to work, which she was able to do with access to IRC's Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO) reduced-rate auto-loan product. Following her car loan, Nazila continued to meet with her coach, developing a savings plan to assist with start-up costs for her business, and opened a secure credit card to build her credit further. She also opened a higher yield certificate of deposit account with her coach's assistance for higher returns to her savings. In the last few weeks, Nazila met with her coach to discuss the home buying process, including first-time home buyers programs and attended the SAFE program's home purchase class. After eight months in the program, Nazila's credit is in the good-excellent range, and she's saved 75% of what she will need for a down payment on her first investment property.

She has started looking at homes to purchase and was referred to a business counselor to develop her business plan. She aims to buy her first investment property by September 2023, one year after joining the SAFE project. With her current progress, we are confident that she'll reach that goal!

"I am an Afghan refugee living in the U.S., determined to build a new life and help others in my community do the same. I started using an IRC program that provided assistance with financial matters- SAFE Project. During this program, I was connected with a financial coach who helped me navigate the process of securing a car loan. Although I ultimately obtained financing through Toyota Financial Services that offered a better financing option, consultations with my coach were strongly helpful."

"As I continued to work with my coach, I discovered that his guidance extended far beyond just car loans. He provided support and advice as I launched my own business in the design and build industry for residential properties. Through his suggestions and connections, I was able to identify new opportunities for growth and development, ultimately positioning my business for long-term success."

Thanks to the support of the IRC program and my dedicated financial coach, I am now able to see a better route to financial stability and business ownership. I continue to use the IRC program to provide support and guidance to other Afghan refugees in my community, helping them navigate the challenges of starting anew in a foreign land. My story is a testament to the power of community and the importance of seeking out resources and support when pursuing your dreams."