Stories

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Now He Can Say, “I am Shimoy!”

Saying Goodbye to Shimoy the Rancher In another life, Shimoy was a rancher of goats, camels, and cows. He insists that he loved all the animals equally, keeping no favorites. The land was beautiful and green, situated between the two largest rivers in Somalia....

Small Steps Become Big Strides

Addiction Grabs Hold at an Early Age Lisa* was nine-years-old the first time she tasted a sip of beer. “I have been an alcoholic, I would say, since that first drink. I shared a beer with my sister and one of our friends. I immediately wanted a second beer. I remember...

Ferhan Is Redefining Limits

As a child growing up in Somalia, Ferhan says he was “an ordinary kid,” going to school and doing “regular things.” Then, when he was just 15 years old, his life changed forever. “My school was attacked [during the war]. I was injured. This changed my perspective on...

Cereal Superhero Recognized on National Stage

Thirteen-year-old Ella Madison is out to change the world – and she's off to a pretty great start. That's why Justice, a tween girls clothing company that "promotes a positive sense of self and the celebration of every girl," recently honored Ella at their annual Live...

Khadra Discovers Her Independence

At 25 years old, Khadra left her home in Somalia, seeking safety and better access to medical care. Her options in Somalia were limited. “I stayed at home mostly. For one, I’m disabled, and people tried to limit my ability. Two, there was a war going on, and I was...

Finding Genaysia

“Homelessness is not fun. You have sad days. You have days where you just, you don’t even worry about your emotional well-being or self-care.” “It messes with your head,” says Genaysia, when she talks about being homeless. “Homelessness is not fun. You have sad days....

Wilfrido’s Next Step Forward

Wilfrido was walking down the street more than two years ago when he saw the sign: English Learning Center. He walked inside, down the stairs to the school basement, and enrolled that same day. When asked why he feels that learning English is important, he laughs as...