This story is a two-part series from Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, one of EMM’s 12 affiliate partners
Rawaa, a 42-year-old single mother of two teenagers and a refugee from Iraq, resettled in Houston in March 2020. Both her son and daughter attend high school in Houston now. Rawaa and her family are relieved to settle into their new home in Houston. Throughout the resettlement process, the Refugee Services team at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston has been by their side to assist them with the drastic changes that come with the resettlement process.
Rawaa and her children struggled with feelings of sadness and homesickness, as many refugees often do. Refugees flee their beloved homelands due to war, persecution or violence. Through the Preferred Communities/Intensive Case Management program at Interfaith Ministries, Rawaa received mental health support and assistance navigating the healthcare system to get the care she needed.
Interfaith Ministries Volunteer, Tehmina, led a fundraising drive to help Rawaa purchase a vehicle. Tehmina collected the donations, assisted Rawaa with the vehicle selection to best fit her needs, and guided her through the car registration process. Rawaa was able to start working full-time while also supporting the needs of her children.
Rawaa has a Bachelor’s in Biology from an Iraqi university. Through our Professional Recertification Program, we are having her degree evaluated in the U.S. Rawaa is only one of thousands of refugees we have helped over the past three decades. Finding a job is the first step on the path to self-sufficiency and we are proud that over 90% of our refugees can support themselves within six months of arrival.
To learn more about Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston, visit https://www.imgh.org/.
Support the work of Episcopal Migration Ministries at 12 affiliate partners in 10 communities across the U.S.
