Hundreds of people move to Omaha to take a job, to raise their children.   United Way, Lutheran Family Services and other partners have created the International Center of the Heartland -- to help newcomers from other countries settle in, learn our laws & customs, and to contribute fully to our community.

Parents worry about their children all the time. But how many of us worry about machine gun fire? Mohammed and his wife, Hadeel, lived every day with the fear that their sons Noori and Ali would be caught in the crossfire of war in Iraq.

Stray bullets sailed over their patio. Someone fired machine guns into their home, angered by Mohammed’s work with American and international organizations. He watched co-workers die in the in the2003 bombing of the United Nations building in Baghdad, suffering injuries himself. And it was not uncommon for kidnappers to sweep into the boys’ school and take a child for ransom, or worse. Finally, Mohammed said, "it was just too much" and the yearning for safety prompted them to leave. After several stops, the family arrived in Omaha this past January.

Mohammed quickly secured two part time jobs, with a fluent command of English and good job references. They found a modest but comfortable apartment. But Mohammed and Hadeel knew they needed a little help getting the boys into school, and to learn about our laws. They found that help at the International Center of the Heartland, a United Way initiative hosted by Lutheran Family Services.

"They put us on the right track, right away," said Mohammed. "It’s not a place for hand-outs, rather it helped us with all of the small details you need to get settled."

That included getting Noori registered in high school, and Ali in middle school. "They were very warm and welcoming at the International Center and the schools. So many people told us they were glad we were finally safe," said Mohammed.

Hadeel and the boys have immersed themselves in American movies to improve their English. She’s already started volunteering her time, so she can learn more about Omaha and they contact the International Center for occasional advice. But she and Mohammed look forward to the day they have full time jobs, so they can provide for their family and give back to their new community. Hadeel’s dream for her family is simple; "Good jobs, a safe and stable life, and for the boys to graduate from college."

It was her cousin, a medical researcher who lives in Omaha, who told them the city was safe, with friendly and hard-working people. Mohammed says it’s the right place to raise their sons, who are earning good grades and getting involved in sports and other extracurricular activities. Noori says, "I remember the fear, the bullets," but he’s glad it’s only a memory now.

According to Mohammed, "It’s a privilege once again to have the chance for a good life – to work and go to school in peace." And the guidance they receive through the International Center makes the transition that much easier.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER!