Foreword

This is the foreword to the QARAVAN Annual Report 2024, written by Yelena Goltsman, Founder and Board President.

As we reflect on another year of growth, resilience, and impact, it is with great pride that we share this annual report under our new name: QARAVAN.

This milestone is a reaffirmation of who we are and what we stand for. QARAVAN is a powerful symbol of movement, strength, and the shared experiences that hold our community together. It reflects our deep commitment to inclusivity and honors the incredible diversity of those we serve, spanning languages, cultures, ethnicities, and countries of origin.

For me, QARAVAN means close community, chosen family, and mutual care, especially for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) immigrants from Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. So many of us have no one but each other to rely on as we navigate the complex journey of rebuilding our lives in the United States.

Our mission has always been clear: to welcome all LGBTQ+ immigrants who've faced persecution and discrimination, sometimes even from their own families, and to offer a space where they can feel safe, supported, and free to be fully themselves.

For 17 years, we've been building that refuge. We've created safe spaces, provided peer support and emergency aid, and embraced over 15,000 LGBTQ+ immigrants across New York City and far beyond with love, care, and solidarity.

Our community is vibrant, growing, and deeply rooted in resilience. I'm truly honored to continue this journey under our new name.