Elena's Light

08/19/2026

“Five years ago, the world watched Kabul fall. Today, let the world watch Afghan women rise.”
-Fereshteh Ganjavi, Elena’s Light Founder

Last weekend, we gathered for a press conference marking the fifth anniversary of the fall of Kabul—a solemn occasion that continues to hold profound meaning for Afghan families around the world 🇦🇫

For so many, August 15, 2021, was the day everything changed.

Five years later, this anniversary reminds us why our work remains so urgent. We remain committed to expanding access to education, opportunity, and a sense of belonging for refugees rebuilding their lives across Connecticut 📚🧡

Join our movement 👉🏽 elenaslight.org

Thank you to all our speakers who stand with us:

🎥 Aunshuman Apte

08/17/2026

Science has no borders—and neither does curiosity! 🧪

We’re excited to host another Science Without Borders class for refugee and immigrant youth. In this hands-on session, students will explore the science of magnets while building curiosity and problem-solving skills alongside our wonderful educators.

📅 Saturday, August 22 | 12:30–2 PM
📍 Wilson Branch Library, New Haven

This free program is made possible in partnership with Blossom Hill Foundation and Science United Project 🧡

Sign up here: https://www.jotform.com/form/260045053387151

08/15/2026

🇦🇫 Today marks five years since the fall of Kabul—a solemn anniversary that continues to carry profound meaning for Afghan families around the world.

Yesterday, we gathered for a press conference to remember and reaffirm our responsibility to stand with the Afghan community. We are deeply grateful to every speaker who shared their voice.

Elena’s Light remains committed to expanding access to education for refugees across Connecticut. It is our honor to stand alongside Afghan refugees and allies as families rebuild their lives, and strengthen our communities.

We call on our community to keep showing up—not only on days of remembrance, but every day. Continue listening, advocating, and standing with Afghan families rebuilding their lives here in Connecticut and across the country.

We remember. We honor. We stand together ❤️

A big thanks to all our partner orgs and elected officials for standing with us:

08/12/2026

Community means everyone—and home is a human right.

Join Elena’s Light and our community partners for a press conference marking five years since the fall of Kabul. Together, we’ll honor Afghan refugees and allies, reflect on their journeys, and call on our community to continue standing with families rebuilding their lives in Connecticut and across the country.

📅 Friday, August 14
⏰ 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
📍 New Haven City Hall

This event is open to the public. We hope you’ll stand with us, listen, and help reaffirm that refugee families belong here.

08/11/2026

Today is Primary Election Day in Connecticut! 🗳️

Polls are open until 8 PM—make your voice heard and encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to do the same!

Find your polling place at MyVote.CT.gov.

08/11/2026

We’re thrilled to see Elena’s Light founder, Fereshteh Ganjavi recognized as a Gateway Community College Foundation 2026 Hall of Fame honoree! Her dedication to creating opportunities and uplifting refugee and immigrant communities reflects the very spirit of this award.

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees on this well-deserved recognition! 💛

Every student success story begins with people who believe in the power of opportunity.

The 2026 Hall of Fame honorees represent the leaders, advocates, and community partners whose dedication has helped open doors, create opportunities, and strengthen the future of our students.

Through their service, generosity, and commitment, they have made a lasting impact on our college and the communities we serve.

Join us on October 29, 2026, as we celebrate their achievements and recognize the individuals whose contributions continue to inspire progress.

https://gatewayfdn.org/hall-of-fame-2026/

08/06/2026

🌎✨ Celebrate cultures, stories, and new beginnings with us at the World Refugee & Immigrant Festival on September 19th!

Join us for a day of global cuisine, refugee speakers, live performances, and much more.

We’ll celebrate the diversity that makes our communities stronger and honor the joy and contributions of immigrants across CT.

This festival is made possible through the collaboration of incredible organizations, including Elena's Light Havenly IRIS - Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services CRIW - The Collective for Refugee & Immigrant Women's Wellbeing Sanctuary Kitchen at CitySeed CT Students for a Dream New International Hope for Refugees & Immigrants, Dixwell QHouse Junta for Progressive Action The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and more.

💛 Admission is free and everyone is welcome: https://tinyurl.com/y6nskdu8

Donations are appreciated and help support this event and the organizations working every day to uplift refugee and immigrant communities.

08/05/2026

Meet Yuanyu and Ivonne! 🧡

As interns at Elena’s Light, they’ve played an important role in supporting refugee and immigrant youth through our programs.

From helping with our Youth Speaker Series to assisting in STEM classes, they’ve worked with students of all ages, from little 3-year-olds to ambitious high schoolers.

💡Our students are growing more curious and confident thanks to our interns, volunteers, and wonderful partners who are bringing these programs to life: .sorourian
🫶🏽

08/04/2026

📦 For the past four years, NeighborWorks New Horizons has generously provided Elena’s Light with free storage space, making it possible for us to collect and distribute donated home goods to refugee families as they begin new chapters in Connecticut.

❤️ Every box represents more than furniture or household essentials. It represents a warm welcome.

Thank you, NeighborWorks, for standing beside us and helping make this work possible 🫶🏽

07/29/2026

Make a lasting impact, one conversation at a time 💛 Become a one-on-one English tutor and help refugee and immigrant women build confidence and independence in their new home.

Our Fall 2026 semester is now accepting volunteers! No teaching experience is required. Just bring your time, patience, and a willingness to learn alongside your student.

✨ Remote & flexible
📚 Training provided
🔗 Sign up: elenaslight.org/volunteer