The Positive Impact Refugees Bring to Our Local Economy
Indiana is home to over 400,000 immigrants, who make up nearly 8% of the state’s labor force. Among them, almost 10% are entrepreneurs, contributing to the variety of food we eat and the goods we buy.
One such story of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit belongs to Mohammad Behar and his wife, Amani, who were resettled in Fort Wayne nearly a decade ago.
MOHAMMAD AND AMANI SELLING HAND-CROCHETED ITEMS AT WORLD REFUGEE DAY 2024
Originally from Sudan, Mohammad fled to Egypt, where he was granted refugee status. After being resettled in Fort Wayne, he met his now wife, Amani, also from Sudan. Together, they began to build a new life, seeking safety and opportunity. Life brought them both challenges and joy; while they both live with disabilities, they were determined to build a steady income for their growing family.
Amani found her passion in crocheting. What began as a hobby soon blossomed into a small business, with her crafting bags, purses, clothing, and custom items from her home. She enjoys taking on complicated projects, often drawing inspiration from online designs and tailoring her work to fit her customers’ tastes. Despite current health issues, Amani continues to crochet, committed to her craft and customers.
Meanwhile, Mohammad turned his skills toward troubleshooting and repairing cell phones and other tech devices, particularly within the African community in Fort Wayne. His tech repair service and Amani’s handmade goods are deeply rooted in the entrepreneurial culture they grew up with in Africa, where people often trade and sell homemade products.
Their business is more than a source of income — it’s a meaningful contribution to the rapidly growing Fort Wayne community.
If you’d like to support Amani and Mohammad, they offer custom items and services available by request via email: gergeera2019@gmail.com.
Cultural Bites
When Omar and his family were resettled in South Bend in January 2022, they were faced with the challenges of starting over. By February, Omar began working at Catholic Charities as a Refugee Services case manager. Fast forward, his family of seven have built a wonderful life in South Bend. His brother is also working at Catholic Charities while in his second year of college. His sister, once in her fourth year of medical school in Afghanistan, had to restart her education in the U.S., now pursuing her pre-medical degree. His other sister recently graduated from Indiana University South Bend with a degree in computer science.
Seeing economic opportunities everywhere, Omar’s entrepreneurial spirit kicked in. His first venture was selling items on Amazon. But an unexpected opportunity soon emerged, one that would tie his family’s Afghan heritage to their new life in South Bend. It all began with his mother’s cooking.
CULTURAL BITES SERVING DUMPLINGS AT CARITAS SOCIETY EVENT
When the family first arrived, she prepared traditional Afghan food for volunteers who were helping them acclimate. The volunteers were instantly hooked. The turning point came when they participated in South Bend’s local Fusion Fest, showcasing their traditional Afghan dishes. To their delight, they sold out both days. After catering at a few community events, the overwhelming response showed them there was a genuine demand for Afghan cuisine in the community, sparking the idea to turn their passion into a business.
“Refugees are so excited to do something when they come to the U.S. because they’ve never had the opportunity before,” Omar explained. “So many countries don’t have the economic opportunities that the U.S. provides.”
Now, the family shares a commercial space in South Bend, bringing authentic Afghan food to the local community.
For Omar and his family, food is not just about sustenance — it’s about hospitality.
“Afghans love to feed people and be hospitable,” Omar shared. “My mom wouldn’t let volunteers leave without feeding them first.”
Omar believes their business is more than just a place to eat, it’s a bridge between cultures, introducing Afghan traditions and flavors to the people of South Bend.
The family-run business is a true team effort. Omar’s mom is the heart of the kitchen, while his sister helps with serving. Omar manages the legal and business side of things. Their restaurant, Cultural Bites, is located at 210 S. Saint Louis Blvd. South Bend, IN, and is open on Fridays and Saturdays. Contact culturalbitessouthbend@gmail.com for more information.
*first name changed to protect individual’s privacy