Vermont Afghan Alliance

Vermont Afghan Alliance A registered Vermont non-profit dedicated to serving and building the Afghan community in Vermont.

The death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, 41, a special forces soldier who fought alongside the U.S. military in America's...
09/03/2026

The death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, 41, a special forces soldier who fought alongside the U.S. military in America's longest war in Afghanistan is more than tragic. It is a travesty. He was detained in March by ICE -- and died 24 hours after being taken into custody.

Nazeer was in the U.S. legally, provided with a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), which was created to ensure that those who served alongside U.S. forces and diplomats would be provided with protection in the U.S. After the fall of Afghanistan, he and his family were evacuated by the U.S. in August 2021.

He leaves behind a wife and six children, who are mourning his loss.

The U.S. made a promise to men like Nazeer -- that we would stand with them if they stood with us. We broke that promise to him.

Sometimes support means interpreting at an appointment, answering a big question, or celebrating together. đź’šAs we wrap u...
09/01/2026

Sometimes support means interpreting at an appointment, answering a big question, or celebrating together. đź’š

As we wrap up our 2025 Annual Report Spotlight Series, we are highlighting the everyday support that helps Afghan community members navigate life in Vermont and build lasting connections.

In 2025, VAA assisted 250+ people through case management, provided interpretation services to 155+ community members, and welcomed 250+ people to Eid celebrations across Vermont.

Thank you to our community, partners, and supporters for making this work possible. Read the full 2025 Annual Report through the link in our bio.

Week two of our 2025 Annual Report spotlight is all about connection, well-being, and knowing your rights. đź’šThis year, V...
08/25/2026

Week two of our 2025 Annual Report spotlight is all about connection, well-being, and knowing your rights. đź’š

This year, VAA expanded health navigation and case management, completed a first-ever health assessment with Afghan women in Chittenden County, and created new educational resources based on what women shared.đź’Ş

We also helped more than 125 community members access immigration legal assistance, hosted four Know Your Rights trainings, and welcomed more than 120 people to community forums with local and state leaders.

These programs help Afghan Vermonters feel informed, supported, and connected—while building stronger communities across our state.🇦🇫

Swipe to learn more, and read the full 2025 Annual Report through the link in our bio!

Our 2025 Annual Report is here—and this week, we’re sharing a few of the stories behind the numbers. 💚In our first spotl...
08/18/2026

Our 2025 Annual Report is here—and this week, we’re sharing a few of the stories behind the numbers. 💚

In our first spotlight, we’re celebrating the work that helps Afghan community members build stability and opportunity in Vermont:

This work is possible because of our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners. Thank you to our legal service partners -- , , , and . đź’Ş

We would also like to thank the many Vermont employers who help create opportunities for our community members, such as Rhino Foods, Precision, City Market, Dollar Tree, Walmart —among many more—who help make meaningful work and new beginnings possible.

Swipe to learn more, and read the full 2025 Annual Report through the link in our bio!

🎉 Happy Birthday to Aman!Today, we are celebrating our Program officer, Aman, and the kindness, energy, and dedication h...
08/14/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday to Aman!

Today, we are celebrating our Program officer, Aman, and the kindness, energy, and dedication he brings to the Vermont Afghan Alliance community. We are so grateful for all that you do to uplift Afghan community members across Vermont.

Enjoy your special day, Aman! 🎂💙

🎙️ In case you missed it: listen now!Vermont Afghan Alliance Executive Director Ellen Yount joined Mikaela Lefrak on Ver...
08/13/2026

🎙️ In case you missed it: listen now!

Vermont Afghan Alliance Executive Director Ellen Yount joined Mikaela Lefrak on Vermont Public Radio to reflect on the upcoming five-year anniversary of the Taliban takeover of Kabul and discuss the experiences and ongoing needs of Vermont’s Afghan community.

Listen to the full conversation from Vermont Public Radio through the link below:

https://www.vermontpublic.org/show/vermont-edition/2026-08-12/afghans-in-vermont-reflect-on-5-year-anniversary-of-taliban-takeover

Your voice matters. 🗳️Voting is an opportunity to help shape the future of your community. Take the time to learn about ...
08/10/2026

Your voice matters. 🗳️

Voting is an opportunity to help shape the future of your community. Take the time to learn about the candidates, understand the issues, verify the facts, and make your voice heard.

Stay informed. Get involved. ❤️💚

🤝 Thank you to Democratic candidate for governor Aly Richards for visiting the Vermont Afghan Alliance this past Thursda...
08/03/2026

🤝 Thank you to Democratic candidate for governor Aly Richards for visiting the Vermont Afghan Alliance this past Thursday!

We appreciated the opportunity to introduce our work, share the stories and needs of Vermont's Afghan community, and discuss the importance of continued support for refugee families. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our mission and the communities we serve. đź’™

🇦🇫 New bipartisan legislation aims to protect Afghans in the U.S.Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), alongside Reps. Sam Licc...
07/29/2026

🇦🇫 New bipartisan legislation aims to protect Afghans in the U.S.

Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), alongside Reps. Sam Liccardo (D-CA), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Maria Salazar (R-FL), introduced the Afghanistan TPS Act of 2026.

The legislation comes after the Trump Administration terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan in 2025, ending protections for thousands of Afghans in the U.S.

The new bill would provide TPS for eligible Afghans already in the U.S. through July 2029, protecting them from deportation and allowing them to live and work safely while conditions in Afghanistan remain dangerous.

This bipartisan effort is an important step toward honoring our commitment to Afghan allies and families. 🇦🇫🤝🇺🇸

Our office is always happiest when it's full of visitors. 🏡💛This beautiful drawing from one of our younger visitors is n...
07/19/2026

Our office is always happiest when it's full of visitors. 🏡💛
This beautiful drawing from one of our younger visitors is now one of our favorite decorations!

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