Transformed: Refugee Mothers

Photo Credits: Judit German-Heins, JGH Photography

About the campaigner:
My name is Sofia and I am a student at American University studying Public Relations & Strategic Communication and International Studies. When unforeseen circumstances brought me back to my hometown Houston, Texas I wanted to do something meaningful during my time here.

 The plight of refugees is a cause dear to my heart due to part of my family’s history as former refugees forced to flee Uganda in 1972 as a result of Idi Amin’s reign of terror. Knowing their experiences and the challenges they faced, hearing about the refugee crisis and seemingly being unable to help truly broke my heart. While on a flight, I began writing a proposal for an independent study revolving around refugee resettlement in Houston that was eventually approved.

About the Cause:
Houston is currently taking in the most refugees out of any other city in the United States. While there are many incredible non-profits engaging in the resettlement process, as part of my project, I am fundraising for Transformed, a program created by Amaanah Refugee Services. The goal of Transformed is to help refugee single-mothers transition into life in the US and achieve self-sufficiency while providing them with a long-term support group to help expand their social network. Transformed boasts a 90% success rate.

After meeting with dedicated employees from Amaanah, I learned that due to a sudden increase in program participants Amaanah currently needs money for the educational scholarship used to provide mothers with professional development classes and English language education courses. There are 35 mothers in Transformed. Due to Go Fund Me’s 5% charge and WePay’s 2.9% + $0.30 processing fee, it costs $625 to sponsor one mother’s educational scholarship. I have added Amaanah Refugee Services as the beneficiary so the funds can be withdrawn instantly, allowing immediate action for the Transformed mothers.

As a major proponent of women’s empowerment and the daughter of a refugee, this project means the world to me. I have been fortunate enough to meet the mothers in Transformed as well as their adorable children. These mothers are incredibly inspirational and kindhearted individuals. It is important to remember that these are now our fellow Americans filled with rich culture and new perspectives, yearning to give their children and themselves opportunities to succeed – something we all want for our loved ones. This is an opportunity to change many lives and empower the next generation as well.

Please consider contributing to help give these fantastic women and children the tools to achieve their American Dream. Any sized contribution is thoroughly appreciated. Thank you very much!
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