Errington honors local advocacy, outreach organizations benefitting Afghan refugees

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) today recognized Muncie-based Afghan Women's and Kids' Education and Necessities (AWAKEN) and the Muncie Afghan Refugee Resettlement Committee (MARRC) for their dedication and service to the Afghan refugees who made Indiana their home last summer.

Established in 2002 by Bibi Bahrami, AWAKEN is dedicated to enabling Afghan women and families to become literate, healthy and self-sufficient. Since its establishment, AWAKEN has provided over 700,000 patients with free health care, over 3,500 students with access to education programs and over 1,500 women with vocational training.

In September 2021, AWAKEN created the MARRC to assist in the resettlement effort as thousands of Afghan families fled to Indiana following the Taliban's takeover of their country.  The MARRC is a volunteer-run organization that works to ensure that local Afghan refugees have the support they need to thrive in their new home.

“I am proud of the overwhelming support and generosity the Muncie community has provided to our new neighbors,” Errington said.

“AWAKEN and the MARRC are fulfilling the promise of 'Hoosier hospitality.' I applaud them both for opening their hearts and offering a helping hand to the Afghan families who now call Muncie 'home.' I look forward to working alongside my new neighbors and seeing the many wonderful ways they help our community flourish.”

Click here to view photos from today's presentation.