Originally from Syria, Shahnaz and her family were resettled in Greater Hartford by the River East Resettlement Alliance (RERA) this past summer. Not long after being settled, Shahnaz enrolled in our beginner English class at LVGH.  
 
“I get upset not understanding people, so it is exciting to learn English. Now, I am learning more and able to communicate better. LVGH has welcomed me and has given me more confidence.” As her confidence grew, she decided to join our food service training program to build job skills while also increasing her language skills. “It is fun to learn new things and I enjoyed making new friends.”
 
Upon completing the food program, Shahnaz worked with our Career Navigator to create her first resume. Not long after, through a connection identified by RERA, Shahnaz was hired as a full-time seamstress at a local tarp manufacturer, Kaplan Tarps.  “Having a job makes me so happy, and I can also help support my family.”
 
Looking back on the start to her new life in the US, she said: “In America, people like to help others. I feel safe here and I know my girls are going to have opportunities. They are going to be doctors so they can help people.”
 
Shahnaz is easily one of the happiest and nicest people you will ever meet, and we are so proud of what she has accomplished in a short amount of time. Our region is lucky to have such hardworking and resilient people who now call Greater Hartford home.