Our Mission
A safe space for Afghans in the US
The mission of the Haven is to reach out to the Afghan community of Lancaster with the love of Christ. We provide a comprehensive program of educational, emotional, and spiritual resources these families need for successful and fulfilled lives.
More than 600 Afghans are now located in Lancaster. They come from a wide range of tribal groups and language backgrounds. Our focus is providing a safe space for Afghans to build a community here in the US where they can receive healing and develop the tools they need for cultural adaptation.
Our Team
Rose Cardenas
Program Director | MEd/MSW
Serving as director for The Haven, Rose is a strong advocate for supporting Afghan refugees in transition. With a professional background in social work, coupled with experience directing an English as a Second language (ESL) program in Afghanistan, she provides specialized insight into the needs of the Afghan community. Serving with The Haven, Rose shares “it’s exciting to use this experience to help new Afghan refugees adjust to life in the United States.”
Kim Pulliam
Women’s Programs | MSN/RN
Kim’s passion for the Afghan people developed through “years of work God gave me in Afghanistan.” Those years overseas equipped her to help both Afghan families and individuals settle into new environments. Kim oversees the development of the Women’s Programs, employing her expertise as a medical professional and love for the Afghan people to continue doing the work God started in Afghanistan.
Juan Cardenas
Men’s Programs | DMin/MSc
What first drew Juan to the Afghan community was their culture of friendliness and hospitality. With his Masters of Divinity and Science, Juan has a strong appreciation for Afghan literature and the country’s deep historic roots. As he serves The Haven, Juan considers it a “privilege to play a role in meeting their [the Afghan community’s] physical and spiritual needs as they make new lives here in Lancaster.”