A tireless team of four St. Lukers includes Bob Dillingham, Teresa Towriss, Debbie Davis, and Steve King. This team continues to support the family that St. Luke's helped to sponsor in 2022 through Exodus Refugee. From school supplies to tutoring, from odd jobs to after-school activities, these four friends are helping this family not only survive, but thrive in the U.S. The lives of the seven children involved will be forever changed.

But for the past year, there has been another initiative underway. Our team has supported four Afghan women through the process of obtaining their driver's licenses. There are only a handful of BMV branches in the state that are set up to accommodate testing with a translator. And only one driving instructor who would give them behind-the-wheel instruction.

These women do not read, and do not speak English. For most of their lives, they have not been allowed to leave their homes without an approved chaperone. Imagine the independence they have received with this one document — the ability to go to the store, to visit a friend, to transport their children, to go to a doctor appointment, and even potentially to get a job. These four women enthusiastically embraced the opportunity, and studied and practiced for hours upon hours. We are so proud to have been a part of this empowering experience. Thank you, Teresa and Debbie, for all your efforts!

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