Asha’s Refuge Apprentice & Heart of Our Frontline Team
Zakia is a passionate advocate for refugee communities, with years of experience serving vulnerable populations across borders. Originally an immigrant in India, Zakia eventually made her way to Kentucky, where her dedication and multilingual abilities (speaking four languages fluently) opened doors for her to serve at organizations such as Kentucky Refugee Ministries and in the field of International Refugee Law as an interpreter.
Her deep empathy and unwavering commitment to helping newcomers navigate complex systems have made her an invaluable resource to those she serves. Since April 1, 2023, Zakia has been faithfully working with Asha’s Refuge, a nonprofit organization based in Memphis, Tennessee, where she provides interpretation, medical coordination, and immigration support for newly arrived families. Her role is more than a job—it’s a calling. Zakia’s heart for refugees shines through in every interaction, and she continues to be a vessel through which God’s love and compassion are extended to the displaced and marginalized.
Zakia remains devoted to her mission and looks forward to continuing her work of empowering and supporting refugees as they rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
Once a newcomer herself, Zakia now leads on the frontlines of Asha’s Refuge. She interprets in Farsi and Pashto, guides families through medical and immigration services, and warmly welcomes every newcomer who walks through our doors.
Today, Zakia is not only learning—she’s leading. As an essential member of our Apprentice Program, she provides on-the-job training, mentoring, and critical support that helps newcomers build stability and dignity as they rebuild their lives.
Your gift empowers apprentices like Zakia—newcomers-turned-leaders—who turn their own journey of survival into service for others.
“Her role is more than a job—it’s a calling.”
What Zakia Does for Asha’s Refuge
- Interprets in Farsi and Pashto, ensuring families are understood and supported in their own language.
- Welcomes clients, trains front office staff, and leads our front office with warmth and efficiency.
- Completes vital documents and schedules appointments for legal, medical, and community services.
- Supports our medical and immigration services departments, helping clients move forward in their journeys.
- Guides families through health service systems with clarity and care.
- Keeps operations running smoothly with administrative support.
- Assists with fundraising and videography, helping us share our mission with the community.
For Zakia, this is more than a role—it’s a calling. Every day, her compassion and leadership reflect God’s love for those who are displaced, turning her own journey of survival into one of service and hope.
Why We Need Your Help
Zakia’s part-time role is vital to keeping our doors open and our programs thriving. But like many nonprofits, we rely on the generosity of people who believe in the power of transformation.
It costs about $127 per day to cover:
- Her wages and employment taxes
- The tools, materials, and communication resources she needs—like her phone, internet access, and office supplies—to serve clients effectively
That’s:
- $508 for one week (part-time)
- $2,032 for one month
When you sponsor Zakia’s role, you’re not just funding a position—you’re making it possible for a newcomer-turned-leader to keep serving and inspiring others.
Be One of the Few to Keep Zakia on Our Team
It costs $2,032 each month to keep Yare in her part-time role—including her pay, taxes, and the tools and materials she needs to serve clients.
We’re looking for just a handful of sponsors to make this possible:
- 3 sponsors at $678/month
- 5 sponsors at $407/month
- 10 sponsors at $204/month
- Or 30 sponsors at $68/month (about $17/week)
Whether you cover a day, a week, or a month, your gift will directly fund Zakia’s work—helping hundreds of refugees and newcomers each year.
💙 Join Zakia’s support team today—and keep hope alive for our community.
Asha's Refuge 