Vahe Tashjian is a 56-year-old mechanic with 23 years of experience. In his younger years, he worked in Kuwait, but he later moved to Aleppo, where he found employment in various companies. Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of war, the companies closed down, leaving him jobless. 

Vahe has always dreamt of owning his own workshop, but his previous attempts were unsuccessful due to the need for financial resources, in 2022, he briefly went to Dubai but got very ill. In less than a year, Vahe returned to Aleppo with great hopes and determination to establish his livelihood. Given his extensive experience, he no longer wanted to work as an employee. 

Luckily, through a friend, he managed to secure a temporary workshop without having to pay rent. As Vahe took his first steps in this new workspace, the recent earthquake impacting the already struggling job market and resulted in a severe decline in customers. This situation left him with no choice but to take matters into his own hands. In order to cut costs, he had to let go of his workers and do the hard physical work himself, which put strain on his health.

 After receiving approval for his project, Vahe felt a sense of relief. He could now bring back his dedicated workers and once again immerse himself in the job he loved. No longer needing to rely on borrowed equipment from others, Vahe was finally able to invest in his own tools and resources. He could provide for his family and generate a more substantial income.

Haytham's journey in the world of tailoring began in 1988, Aleppo, During the war Haytham faced a great loss when his workshop in Shekh Maksoud was completely destroyed and all of his sewing machines and tools were stolen. He used to work alongside his brother for a short period of time, but circumstances led them to separate and focus on their individual projects. Haytham received his share of the profits, which he had planned for his own project, but instead, his wife got very sick so he had to use the money for her surgery. Unfortunately, destiny had a cruel twist in store for him as his beloved wife passed away after a heart surgery in 2014, leaving him devastated and alone.

In Haytham's time of despair, a friend suggested that he rent a workshop. Thankfully, the owners were understanding and charged him a minimal amount of rent, which was a relief considering the financial burden Haytham was already facing. However, there were additional expenses that Haytham had to bear, especially the high monthly private electricity bills. Most of his hard-earned income seemed to disappear into these bills, leaving him with little income to support himself.

Recently, Haytham received devastating news that the owners of the workshop were planning to sell the workshop, without even considering the impact it would have on him and on his son George. Determined not to let this happen, Haytham made the decision to upgrade the workshop in an attempt to prevent the owners from selling it. He planned to replace the outdated sewing machines with new ones that consumed only less electricity. This upgrade would not only modernize his workshop but also significantly reduce the electricity consumption.

With over 35 years of experience, Haytham has mastered the art of creating a wide variety of cotton-wear clothing, to both men and women, including pajamas and robes. As for his personal life, he and his son George live in a rented house. However, Haytham strives to provide the best life possible for his son and wishes to ensure a stable and successful future for him. Haytham's determination and drive are truly admirable. Growing up as an orphan, he experienced hardships at a very young age; however, his determination and passion for his craft have always been the driving forces in his life. Today, with the new machines and support from the Hope Center that Haytham has received, he has overcome challenges and secured a better future for himself and his beloved son, George.

Dr. Houmam Khoury, a skilled dentist and surgeon, completed his military service on January 12, 2022. 

Eager to pursue his dream of owning his own clinic, he wasted no time in applying to Hope Center immediately upon hearing news of his discharge.

While Dr. Khoury awaited approval from Hope Center, he continued his practice at a rented clinic. However, the high cost of rent and electricity bills were taking a toll on his income. Being the provider for his family, he knew it was crucial to establish his own clinic but his dedication extended beyond just his career. As a devoted son and caregiver, Houmam prioritizes the well-being of his sick mother who is dealing with complications from a previous operation and joint issues. In a thoughtful decision, he chose to establish his clinic near her residence, ensuring that he would always be available to support her in her time of need, despite his demanding responsibilities as a dentist and surgeon.

Houmam shared a strong bond with his brother, who pursued a career as a lawyer. They constantly supported and inspired each other and provide for the family.

Dr. Khoury's vision is to provide personalized care to patients by utilizing the latest technological advancements. With the support of Hope Center, he fulfilled his dream and established his own clinic, allowing him to practice dentistry with love and dedication. Now, he not only contributes to his profession but also supports his family with pride and joy.

Born in Aleppo, Raffi started working as a goldsmith in 1994. Everything went well for Raffi before the war. He had rented a shop where he honed his craft. Unfortunately, in 2013 he was forced to close both of his shops. With no other options, he had to sell everything and move abroad. His workshop was located in a dangerous zone in al Midan, due to the war. Eventually, he relocated to the UAE to work there. However, in 2022, he made the brave decision to return to Aleppo with high hopes of establishing himself, only to be confronted with skyrocketing prices and inflation. 

Despite the challenging circumstances, Raffi remains determined to establish his work as a goldsmith in Aleppo, leveraging his 28 years of experience. His specific focus is on creating silver jewelry in his beloved city. Raffi's plan is to set up a home-based workshop and concentrate on crafting handmade, eastern-style silver jewelry. 

Adding to the story, Raffi's mother, a tailor and a beneficiary of a micro project that provided her with sewing machines, deeply values the importance of such initiatives. She expresses her gratitude for the opportunities it has provided, benefiting both her and others who yearn to work and remain in their homeland, Aleppo.

Thanks to the Hope Center, Raffi has reached his goal and has been able to make ends meet, eliminating the need to contemplate traveling abroad again.

George is a father of a beautiful young girl named Cynthia. In 2007, right after completing his military service, his father purchased a pickup truck for him. To support his family, George worked as a delivery driver, relying on the pickup truck as his main source of income. Tragically, during a devastating earthquake, they were forced to evacuate their home and sought refuge for the night at the churches shelter. Cynthia was so frightened that, even to this day, the word "earthquake" triggers fear in her.

The next morning, upon their return, George's pickup truck was nowhere to be found. Determined to find his stolen vehicle, he devoted months of tireless effort to the search. It became apparent that the entire neighborhood had fallen victim to car theft during the chaotic evacuation. Burglars took advantage of the situation to commit their crimes. George reported the theft to the local police station, but unfortunately, his car remains missing to this day.

The stolen pickup truck held sentimental value for George, as it was a gift from his father. It not only served as their main source of livelihood but also held cherished memories.

George's brother, Fadi, occasionally assists him, often looking out for job opportunities. Meanwhile, George's wife, a recent graduate in electrical engineering, is also facing difficulties in finding employment to support her husband. 

Thanks to the Hope Center, George's spirit was lifted as he received a new pickup truck, bringing a renewed sense of hope and motivation to him. Once again, he could provide for his family, especially his beloved daughter.