08/15/2026
Five years ago, on August 15, 2021, Kabul fell to the Taliban, marking a devastating turning point for Afghanistan and millions of Afghans around the world. In just a few hours, the Afghan government collapsed, President Ashraf Ghani fled the country, and thousands of Afghans rushed to the airport in desperate attempts to find safety. Families left behind homes, careers, schools, loved ones, and futures they had spent years building. For those who reached the United States, the journey continued with uncertainty, grief, and the enormous challenge of beginning again.
But alongside this heartbreaking chapter, another story began. One of compassion, welcome, and community.
As Afghan families arrived in Greensboro, they found a community ready to welcome them with open arms. Through CWS and its network of local partners, volunteers, schools, faith communities, employers, and organizations, families received support as they navigated housing, healthcare, education, employment, English language learning, and everyday life in a new country and city.
Greensboro created pathways for Afghan families to rebuild with dignity and independence to become neighbors, coworkers, students, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and active members of the community. In return, Afghan families have enriched Greensboro with their cultures, talents, and resilience.
Five years later, we remember the heartbreak of August 15, 2021, while also honoring the incredible strength of families who built new lives from an uncertain beginning.
We remember what was lost. We celebrate what has been rebuilt. And we continue working toward a Greensboro where every Afghan family has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and truly feel at home.
