CRIS Staff Spotlight | Taq Aziz

Before coming to the United States, Taq dedicated his skills to serving with USAID in his home country of Afghanistan. Due to the shifting political climate and safety concerns for his family, he made the difficult decision to leave his homeland in search of a better, safer life. In 2015, Taq and his family were officially resettled to Columbus under the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program.

He fondly recalls the first person he ever met at the airport as his family arrived in their new home. It was Cat Gossman, who was his resettlement case manager at that time with World Relief, who resettled Taq and family.

Starting over in a new country presented major hurdles. Taq shares that navigating the initial resettlement process was incredibly tough, with employment and learning how to drive posing major immediate challenges. Recognizing his stress in these challenges, Taq remembers that Cat once drew him a simple diagram. She showed him that while his initial expectations might have dropped sharply upon arriving in a completely unfamiliar environment, it wasn't permanent. She assured him that with time, he would gradually build his life back up. Her encouragement gave him the perspective and comfort needed to push through those demanding first few years.

True to Cat's encouragement, Taq adjusted, thrived, and built a wonderful life in Ohio. In 2022, his journey came full circle as he was hired onto the CRIS team. Serving in various roles since then, he now works with the Refugee Health & Wellness team under the leadership of his former resettlement case manager, Cat, who now manages the CRIS Refugee Health & Wellness Program.. At CRIS, Taq uses his lived experience to serve as that same pillar of support for new arrivals, helping them navigate their own transitions with dignity, patience, and hope.