CFNA and HumanKINDSTL Car Program

Charlie foster with Nazir and his son

Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) and HumanKINDSTL have come up with a creative and collaborative way to provide vehicles to St. Louis immigrants.

When the immigrants arrive in St. Louis they focus on getting a place to live, a job, kids in school, food stamps, Medicaid, clothes, and shoes. They rely on volunteers and new friends to get them to/from work, the grocery store, and their job.

CFNA started a driving school to teach immigrants how to drive in America. The program is run by volunteers and staff who prepare the students for both the written and driving test. Oasis International donated a vehicle to their program to be used for driving instruction.

The next challenge for the newcomers is finding an affordable and reliable car.

HumanKINDSTL has partnered with John Sinclair Nissan in Cape Girardeau. Executive Manager, Matt Birkenmeier calls us when they get a car trade-in valued at around $5,000.

CFNA has a scholarship fund and will provide $2500 to a graduate of their driving program and HumandKIND STL pays the remaining $2500. The car is titled in the immigrant’s name.

Charlie Foster,from the Sinclair dealership, then drives the car from Cape Girardeau to St. Louis for us! He loves being part of this car program and we love him!

So far, we have purchased 4 cars through the CFNA / HumanKindSTL partnership! And HumandKIND STL has purchased 6 cars from the John Sunclair Nissan team.

If you are interested in bring part of this program, you can help in several ways:
1. Volunteer to be a driving instructor for CFNA
2. Volunteer to provide transportation to and from the peace center

https://www.cfna-stl.org/volunteer

2. Donate money to HumandKIND STL to be used for the purchase of cars
3. Contact us if you have a vehicle donation or a reliable, affordable car

https://www.humankindstl.org/

Submitted by

Ann Whitman of HumanKIND STL

Sue Fiehler, Volunteer of the Month

A ministry such as CFNA requires the hands, feet, voices, minds, and smiles of many volunteers to fulfill its purpose. Susan Fiehler is one such volunteer. She is originally from Altenburg, Missouri. She retired several years ago after a career as an OB/GYN ultrasound stenographer and was seeking a place where she could devote a few hours of her time in addition to serving alongside her congregation, Trinity Lutheran Church, Soulard. There was a need for volunteers to serve meals to children at the CFNA After School Tutoring program and she thought “I can do that.” She feels it is important to give the kids a warm smile, something good to eat, and a safe, warm place for them to be that also provides help with schoolwork. She has even discovered the childrens’ affinity for ranch dressing and ketchup and plans to keep the Peace Center kitchen well-stocked. When she is not volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her brother, reading, hiking, and kaffeeklatsch with her neighbors.

You used to think to be a missionary you had to get vaccinated, and you had to get a passport and visa and all that, but now all you need is a pair of good shoes. Strap on your shoes and get to work because people in need are all around us, she said.

Thank you to Susan and to all the volunteers who help CFNA in its mission to connect with and serve New Americans in the St. Louis area and beyond. For more information on how you can help, visit cfna-stl.org/volunteer.