"Each time I try to establish my life, something bad happens," Fadi said. He lost his mother when he was still a kid, and his father passed away two years ago, he had to borrow some money because he couldn't afford the funeral expenses.

Fadi worked hard to manage his financials but unfortunately, he had an accident that caused him two skull fractures, thus he spent much money on the treatment costs. He was serving in the army when his father passed away so he didn't get the chance to spend the last days with him, later, Fadi settled in Aleppo where he worked and lived in a small apartment, sleeping on an old couch, away from the city center, he chose this place because of its affordable rent, and its location near his workplace, so he can save the transportation expenses.

Fadi has to work all day long, trying to ensure his livelihood and send some money to his siblings at Zaidal "their village", so after his working hours, he borrows his friend's taxi and drives it until late hours at night.

He applied to the micro project to help him with purchasing a taxi so he can have a stable job and save the renting fees.

This aid made Fadi very emotional, "This is the first time I own something, all thanks to your support".

Rami is a married man who served in the army for about nine years. He was driving during his military service when a bomb exploded next to him and caused many injuries including damage to his vocal cords, and he started stuttering ever since.

Rami belongs to a humble family that has suffered financially for ages; his paralyzed father couldn't work due to his disability, so Rami's mother cleaned houses to provide the family livelihood. Rami started working at a young age as an office boy in a studio, then when he turned 18, he joined the army. 

Rami had to work as a porter to secure an income for the family, especially after getting married. Unfortunately, this work caused him severe back pain, so he quit and started working long hours in a restaurant.

The livelihood conditions are getting harder to adapt to; the father's medicines are expensive, and his mother needs to rest and quit her tiring work. That's why Rami looked forward to buying a mini pick-up to work on and increase his income, without having to quit his night shift at the restaurant. 

Rami applied to the Micro Project program hoping that his plan would come true, this vehicle will secure him a stable source of livelihood for the whole family. 

There is no doubt that war left many hard stories to read, no one ever wants to lose their home and be displaced to another city, but sadly, many were forced to since 2012.

Sevag and his family were from those people; They lived in Qamishli city before the war began, but the loss of their home during the crisis was heartbreaking, their lives turned upside down when they were obliged to leave everything behind and move to Aleppo.

Despite all the hardships, Sevag didn’t give up and still had hope. He worked in several places as an accountant, sales representative, and in the field of embroidery with the help of his father’s friend, he learned this career in a garment printing workshop for two years in addition to making the designs for the clothes. His father quit his job in interior design because of the difficulty of transportation to Qamishli, and his sister works as an employee with the church to secure her living expenses.

After gaining great experience, Sevag's relatives helped him to start his own workshop and now, he has lots of customers, but he still needs some important equipment for the designing process. 

With the Micro Projects funding, Sevag can help his parents and secure his independent future by making good profits from the clothes prints business. 

Low-income families struggle from the negative effects attached to the stigma of being poor, this doesn’t solely affect the family as a whole, but it affects every single member as well. 

Antonio is a 32-years-old man, who lives in his mother’s house, since he was young he worked hard to face the financial burdens of his family and secure a decent living for his wife who is still studying at the University of Fine Arts, and his elderly mother. He had a job in an exchange company in 2010 for two years, then he had to serve in the military for more than 9 years.

After being discharged, Antonio had no idea what to do with his future. He rented a taxi to work on because he was the only provider for his family. Then he started working in a bank as an employee, but due to his low income, he still needed a second job to be able to face the harsh economic condition. During the war, the family's house was damaged and they had to repair it. 

"My current job is providing a very little and unstable income. That’s why I need this taxi to have a good source of livelihood for my family.” Antonio is looking forward for the next chapter of his life. 

“losing my dad just two months before I was born and growing up without him is one of the most challenging things I have to face every day, especially that I was named after him”. 

Joseph faced the difficulties of life with his small family, he started working with his brother who owns a sewing workshop for about 7 years, but the workflow during the years of war dropped a lot that's why he started searching for a part-time job.

Joseph's life changed when he decided to start over by traveling to Lebanon to find better opportunities. He worked there as an accountant in a restaurant to secure his expenses, and after two years he returned to Aleppo with an ambition to restart the sewing workshop with his brother after they had to sell all the machines. 

Giving Joseph the chance to have his own workspace for tailoring and cotton clothes production will make a positive impact on his life, as it will help him be independent once again, increase his income, and consequently enhance the lifestyle of his family.

Many people struggled with the remnants of the harsh war that the country witnessed, Fadi was one of those who were directly affected by those battles. He lost ten years of his life serving in the military, in addition to many physical injuries.

Before the war started, he worked as a blacksmith for two years, gained modest experience in that craft, before he had to serve in the military until he was discharged with injuries in his back that prevented him from going back to his old profession. Fadi recently finished his service and began to recover from his injuries; it became difficult for him to work in a job that would be physically demanding, which prompted him to become a taxi driver so he can secure his family's livelihood and needs.

The war -despite its cruelty- couldn't stop Fadi's determination to work and be productive. Today, the father of two sons (one is a newborn) and his wife face the daily life struggles to survive in the difficult conditions of the country.

The taxi will give this young couple new hope, and a stable source of income for a dignified living.

Sevag was well known for his unique jewelry designs, especially that silversmiths involved working with very small pieces of metal and shaping them in intricate ways which require high skills and the ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands.

In his youth, Sevag started his own Silver crafting shop after practicing this craft for more than 14 years. But when the war began, Sevag took his family and went to Lebanon searching for a better work opportunity. He completed his work career there with a partner for 7 years, gaining new experience, while most silversmiths specialize in making limited pieces, he specialized in diamonds. Sevag's work was going well, Unfortunately, the economic conditions in Lebanon deteriorated in a fast track, so he had to return with his family to Aleppo.

Now, the family lives along lwith Sevag's mother and sister in the same house and he is the only provider for them. The workshop is currently empty because he sold the equipment before he traveled to Lebanon and gave some tools to his friends. 

The lovely family were living off their old savings, but with the support of Micro Projects, Sevag was able to purchase all the machines and tools needed to regain his beloved business and start his work in an independent shop.

Women have always been an essential part of society, especially during war conditions that forced a lot of them to work side by side with men regardless of their age. That’s the case with Lucy's family, where she and her brother Joseph had to start working at an early age to support their family and secure the medical costs of their father who is suffering from cancer.

Joseph worked as a private teacher, and Lucy became a make-up assistant; she was only 13 years old at the time when she started gaining experience in this profession, and she improved her skills by taking many courses, the last one was in Lebanon with a specialist in skincare which will give her an advantage over her competitors here in Aleppo.

Due to the high living expenses, Lucy didn't have the capability to rent a salon, so she started working from her aunt's house with some basic old kit. This domain's techniques keep upgrading quickly, but unfortunately, Lucy can't purchase the needed equipment by herself under the harsh financial situation.

Her lovely grandmother encouraged her to apply for the micro project program, and now with this support, Lucy took her first step to becoming a professional make-up artist and also supporting her family with their livelihood.

Khachir is a humble man who lives with his wife and three lovely boys.

He has always practiced car body repair since he was young because he was the only provider for his mother. He had to handle heavy responsibilities from the early age of twelve-year-old, so he left school and started working in this profession.

When he became 18, he had to join the army service for three years, then he decided to travel abroad looking for better job opportunities; he spent two years in Saudi Arabia, and later settled in Lebanon where he worked in a car repairing workshop and gained great experience. But due to the economic crisis there, Khachir and his family moved back to their hometown where they lived in his mother's house and took care of her until she passed away, leaving him heartbroken.

Khachir's main purpose in life is to secure his kid's education, so they won't be forced to quit school as he did, that's why he started to work without having any equipment, moving between workshops to secure the livelihood of his family.

His vast experience encouraged him to open his own workshop. So, he applied to the Micro Project to help him purchase the needed tools and equipment to improve his income and hopefully improve his business. 

Saad has a very creative mind that led him to enter the world of design. Through his computer skills, he was able to develop in this profession and rented an office in 2006, his work was doing well and he was able to purchase all the required devices in addition to the necessary printers.

Both Saad and his wife worked hard to secure a decent livelihood for their two sons, one of them decided to continue his studies abroad and the other stayed here and is also a student, Saad even took a second job as an employee in the morning shift with a small salary to face the difficult financial hardships.

Losing the family properties in the village was the biggest loss for Saad, the whole area became unreachable and to this day he doesn't know if he will ever see his home again or get back there. The deteriorating economic situation of the country put a lot of pressure on his shoulders and he was forced to sell all the designing equipment just to afford the daily basic needs. 

After losing all he had, Saad decided to work in designing from home using only his laptop. But to overcome his loss he needed support which he found after applying to the Micro projects to get all the necessary devices that will make a huge difference in his financial situation and in developing his business.

Roupen opened his dental clinic back in 1988 with the best equipment available at the time, he worked in this clinic for over 28 years using those same tools until they finally became outdated and useless despite the maintenance. 

This married man lives with his wife and two children in his sister's house who lives abroad.

As the war started, the dentistry equipment became very expensive, and Roupen couldn't afford to purchase new ones, which reflected drastically on his work for about 5 years. He volunteered at the parish to maintain the hardware and software electronics, while his wife, who works with him at the same clinic as a physiotherapist, became the only provider for this family.

the couple spent most of their savings on the family's living expenses and couldn't recover their financial state.

Roupen wants to get back to the career that he loves, so after searching for a way to regain his work he applied for the Micro Projects initiative hoping to get the support he needs to reequip his clinic and thus secure a good income for his wife and beloved children. 

“Set a goal, and don't give up until you achieve it” This is the motto that Samar follows in her life.

For more than 19 years, Samar tried to develop herself constantly by setting plans to reach what she wants, she worked in a factory as an employee, but unfortunately, in 2010, she lost her job after the company closed due to war.

Despite the lack of opportunities, she didn’t give up and started working in a clinic as a receptionist for more than seven years and while the economic situation was getting worse, Samar and her brother barely managed to cover the family’s increasing needs. After all those years of hard work, she found an opportunity in a stationery store while her brother worked as a salesman in the field of car spare parts.

To improve her income, Samar decided to take a course in nail care, hoping to start in this domain as a second job until she can make it the main source of livelihood. 

Samar wants to support her family and alleviate their financial burdens. She gained some customers, and she will take steady steps to improve her profession in nail care. With this support, she will be able to get the needed requirements, and at the same time keep developing her skills which will reflect significantly on her income.

Talaat, a hardworking farmer from Qattinah village, faced adversity when thieves stole his irrigation network. This setback left his water pond and well, equipped with a pump, useless, limiting him to planting only wheat on his land. As a husband and father of two university students, he felt the weight of providing for his family. With the stolen irrigation system, he struggled to cultivate a variety of crops to improve their livelihood.

However, with the support of a new irrigation network, Talaat's hopes blossomed anew. Now equipped with everything needed for a well-watered farm, he eagerly began planting potatoes and a variety of vegetables without worries. This stability not only transforms his farm but also holds the promise of changing his family's future, ensuring them a dignified life. 

Alaa, a devoted family man from the village of Qattinah, faced the trials of sustaining his family through farming and seasonal fishing. 

He works in his father-in-law's land, entrusted with its care while his father-in-law traveled abroad. In this land there was a partnership between his father-in-law and someone else and this partnership had once thrived, when they equipped the land with essential irrigation tools.

In 2022, Alaa's world shattered as his father-in-law's partner sold their shared assets, leaving him deprived of the crucial equipment and water access. 

With no recourse, his farming activities were paused, casting shadows over his family's livelihood.

Yet, hope flickered in the form of the Micro Projects Program, where he sought aid to restore his dreams. He applied for a solar power and irrigation systems, envisioning a future where his land flourishes once more.

Amidst the olive trees and vegetable crops, Alaa's resilience bloomed. With the installation of solar panels and an efficient irrigation system, his land came to life. 

Fadi is married with two children, he cherishes the simplicity of life alongside his aging parents. Enduring a two-year struggle with liver inflammation and diabetes, he found stability, embracing gratitude for his family and health.

Specialized in pastry making, a skill acquired in Lebanon, he operates a modest shop with his wife. He also works in farming with an arable land. He worked hard to enhance productivity year-round. However, lacking a water pump and motor hindered his ambition, limiting cultivation to winter season.

Despite efforts to rent equipment, the high costs hindered the progress. His cultivation during the summer was limited to wheat, due to the water scarcity. 

Hope flickered when Fadi applied for the Micro Projects Program, through the program's intervention, he received vital irrigation equipment, transforming his agricultural prospects. Now, empowered by efficient water management, he became able to secure a dignified life for his loved ones. 

Sami, the head of a family of four in Qattinah village, struggled with the financial burden of farming. As both a dedicated employee and a farmer with olive and almond trees, he faced challenges plowing his land and providing essential treatments due to high equipment rental costs. Undeterred, he sought help from the Micro Projects Program.

He secured a mini-cultivator and a spraying pump. This invaluable support not only alleviated the strain of expensive tractor rentals but also empowered him to tend to his land effectively. 

Now, Sami cultivates his land with ease, saving costs and ensuring a bountiful harvest. The support has not only transformed his struggles into success but has also paved the way for a brighter future, promising his family a more prosperous and secure livelihood.

Khalaf Al-Bshara, 51, is married to Shireen Qabalan and lives in a humble house with his parents in Al-Tabbaleh neighborhood.

Despite being a skilled painter since 2003, life had not been kind to Khalaf.

At the beginning of the crisis, his painting work decreased so he started working on transferring vegetables and fruits between his village in Daraa and Damascus until the security conflicts reached the area and it was no longer safe, but he decided to challenge the situation and keep working until he was exposed to kidnapping by the armed groups, the three days he stayed in abduction shattered his stability so he relocated to Damascus to live with his family at his parents’ house.

With opportunities scarce, Khalaf found himself shuttling between different jobs: painting, construction, and even restaurant cleaning, he opted to do any available work to put food on the table but his situation was getting worse and the weight of responsibility pressed down harder in addition to having financial hardships, all of that led his marriage to collapse, as his wife took his daughter and moved to live at her parents’ house while he had to put his son at an orphanage.

Tears welled in Khalaf's eyes as he spoke of his kids, his dream of reuniting his fractured family stirred a deep resolve within him, making him apply for the pick-up car with one goal ahead, the reunion of his family.

The support that he gained from Hope Center isn't just about financial assistance; it symbolizes the promise of reunification, healing fractured bonds, and restoring Khalaf's family. 

Samaan Ashkar, a blacksmith whose life tells the tale of resilience against all odds.

From his humble beginnings in Kashkoul, Samaan started working as a blacksmith where he faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints and the loss of his beloved family members, but Samaan's spirit remained unbroken.

In 2003, he decided to relocate to Dubai and try his luck there, he worked in various capacities and experienced both triumphs and tribulations. However, with all the setbacks and financial strains that he went through in Dubai, Samaan managed to preserve, handle his livelihood, and save for his future, then after several years of working hard, Samaan decided eventually to return to Syria and start a new chapter of his life. 

Unfortunately, upon his arrival, he had to endure the loss of his mother, brother, and sister, which left him heartbroken and in poor financial condition as he bore the burden of their medical expenses and funeral costs from his previous work savings. 

With the limited tools and resources, he had, Samaan was not able to start his own business; he had to work at other blacksmithing workshops to get income and afford his living expenses.

Samaan longed to become independent and have his own blacksmithing workshop, which was achieved after getting support from Hope Center to buy electricity generators and necessary equipment and machines.

Today, Samaan is so grateful because having this project marked a pivotal moment in his journey, enabling him to overcome his adversities, and lightening his path toward self-sufficiency and decent living.

Elias Al-Ghabra is one of the minorities who are still interested in preserving the family profession as he began working in the field of manufacturing convection ovens with his father at a young age in a rental workshop in Jaramana and continued in the filed alongside his study.

The main field of work is manufacturing thermal ovens based on gas after the electric ovens stopped being demanded due to the terrible electricity situation in the country, their work increased and they also started to receive ovens maintenance orders. 

In 2010 Elias was called for military service and the war began shortly after he joined, so he was transferred to serve in Al-Hasakah Governorate until 2019, during which he went through difficult circumstances and faced many dangers. However, on his vacations, he used to return home and help his father in the workshop.

However, as a result of the significant increase in prices in addition to his mother’s battle with cancer and her treatment in Al-Biruni Hospital, their business deteriorated and the expenses became higher than the income forcing them to sell some of the equipment to cover the mother’s treatment expenses.

After Elias was discharged from service in 2019, he returned to work with his father, but the remaining equipment and materials were not enough to strengthen the work and have a proper income to cover the living expenses.

With the help of Hope Center, Elias was supported to purchase new machines to enable this intrepid young man to expand his work which will positively impact his living circumstances and help preserve the family's profession.

Hanna Al-Ajoury 31, resides with his parents and brother Jack, their father, who was employed at the Gas station for 13 years but is currently without work. His brother works as an employee while their other brother, Marhaf, has relocated to Germany.

Before the war, he had worked at his cousin's beverage shop in Zabadani for two years until 2011 when he was called for military service for the next nine years. however, during his military service, he also worked alongside his father at the gas station, to secure his expenses and save some money for the future.

After his discharge from the service, Hanna embarked on a new journey in his life, as he started working as a taxi driver, with the money he saved from his previous work,  got engaged seeking to establish his own family but he was shocked by the huge burdens of living and his endeavors started to vanish.

Seeking assistance from Hope Center in Damascus, Hanna was granted support to purchase a taxi, which significantly improved his life. The newfound independence and stability brought by this taxi helped Hanna support his family and nurture his dreams.

Despite the challenges he faced, Hanna's story exemplifies the human spirit's ability to rise above adversity and create a better reality, one step at a time.

Anastasia Haddad born in 1998, was working diligently as a makeup artist and nail technician, living with her sister Taj in a rented flat in Jaramana after the divorce of her parents as they found solace in each other's company, forming a bond of strength amidst adversity.

Anastasia and Taj's childhood was marked by tumultuous family complications leaving scars that only time could heal. Yet, their determination to carve a brighter future fueled their aspirations and their talents blossomed despite all the challenges they faced.

Anastasia managed to overcome the obstacles by working long hours daily at a Salon in the neighborhood, but the income didn't cover the living expenses and she wanted to expand her work and customers which wasn’t possible with the tools she had, so she decided to apply at the Micro Project program to start her own project.

Supporting Anastasia with a make-up kit including all the necessary tools to start, was a turning point in her life because it enabled her to become independent and enhance her living condition.

George Eskeif, 33 is living alone in a sparsely furnished house in Jaramana while his heart remains tied to his family in Lebanon.

His family's relocation from Idlib to Damascus due to his father's health issues marked a turning point in their lives. George, then a student, saw himself shouldering the responsibility of their household while his father pursued medical treatment in Lebanon.

After completing his military service in 2019, George found himself with no education or experience, so he started working as a taxi driver, hoping to secure a stable income for himself and support his family who was residing in Lebanon as his father was working at a small coffee kiosk, while his brother was working diligently at a snack restaurant. Yet, the harsh realities of life in Lebanon lingered, driving George to ensure his family's well-being by sending them vital medications each month.

full of faith, George applied for the pickup car project at Hope Center seeking financial stability and sustainable livelihood.

the support he got, didn't just offer George financial assistance; it restored his sense of purpose and dignity. It empowered him to support his family while carving his own path to self-reliance and success.

Murhaf Al-Maher 62, is married to Nada Sankari, and the father of two daughters and son. Despite his age and recent health issues, including lung inflammation, Murhaf remained determined to work. His dedication stemmed not just from financial necessity but from a sense of pride in providing for his family and with no hesitation he also supported his daughters; Souryana, while she was pursuing a medical degree, and Rima, who became a music teacher.

In recent years, with his wife's medical expenses and his daughter's university fees looming large, Murhaf had found himself dipping into his savings more frequently. Yet, he remained steadfast in his commitment to their well-being, he kept supporting them through thick and thin, especially during his son-in-law's military service, and had even exhausted his savings to ensure their living. 

Now retired, Murhaf sought to continue working, not just out of necessity and lack of income, but out of a desire to maintain his independence and dignity.

With limited options available due to his age and health, the support he received from the Hope Center to purchase his own taxi, was crucial in ensuring his family's financial stability and allowing them to live with dignity. Despite the challenges he faced, Murhaf remained resolute in his determination to provide for his loved ones, one ride at a time.

Despite life's challenges, Elein Zghaib 28, remained steadfast in her pursuit of a better future. She lives with her family in Jaramana, her father is employed at the Ministry of Education, her mother tends to the household, and her sister, born in 2002, is skilled in nail care and beauty care. Their familial bond was a source of strength as they faced life's adversities together.

Before the crisis, Elein and her family were living in their ancestral home in Dweileh, but circumstances forced them to sell it and relocate. During that period, she graduated from the Faculty of Business Administration then she started working at Syriatel from 2016 to 2020 in marketing and sales. However, the income she got was barely enough to meet her own expenses without being able to provide for the house. Elein sought new horizons in the field of hairdressing and beauty care then she decided to travel to Lebanon in early 2022 seeking better opportunities but low salary and harsh conditions prompted her return after eight months.

Upon her return, Elein continued working as a freelance at various salons, often alongside her sister. She honed her skills through self-teaching leading to undeniable expertise in hairstyling.

With a vision for the future, Elein dreamed of opening her own salon, a joint venture with her sister, and with the help she got from Hope Center, this dream turned into reality.

Today, both sisters are determined to shoulder responsibilities and contribute to their family's expenses, facing life's challenges with unwavering resolve and great hopes.

Mufeed Hejazy, 28, lives with his family in a rented house in Dwallaa. His household consisted of his parents, his elder brother, who works at a goldsmith workshop, and his unemployed sister. Mufeed himself had volunteered for a charitable project in 2020 then he worked at a cosmetic company for two years until it closed. 

Mufeed and his family faced numerous hardships during the crisis in Syria, including his father suffering with chronic bronchitis which was very costly so they sought help from a local charity for the life-saving oxygen machine. Additionally, during the conflict in Maaloula in 2013, his father was kidnapped along with their car, requiring a hefty ransom of money for the release.

Despite the challenges, Mufeed persevered, seeking employment after the closure of the cosmetic company. However, finding stable work was difficult, especially since he didn't have the chance to gain any experience or education degree during his 9 years of military service.

With support from Hope Center, Mufeed was able to purchase a taxi, which formed a fresh start for him, a pathway to financial independence, and a means to navigate life's challenges without relying on others.

Alaa is a talented young man in his twenties, he lives with his parents and sister in Jaramana after being displaced from their home in Harasta due to the armed conflict in the area at the beginning of the Syrian crisis.

Alaa was always passionate about photography so he trained at a young age at a Clacket studio to learn more about this career, then he got employed at the communication department at SSSD as a photographer until 2018 trying to find better income to match the increasing costs of living.

Soon after, he started working at an event planning office as a photographer and videographer, but at the same time he was dreaming of having his own equipment that would enable him to establish private work and develop his career.

With the help of Hope Center, Alaa was supported to purchase a camera which was a dream coming true for him as he is able now to have his own photography session, and at the same time add his own signature which will empower his name in the field and open the chance of developing his work and improving his living conditions.

In the heart of a bustling area nestled a home where dreams brewed and aspirations soared. Dhyaa Al-Btros, his wife, and his family members lived within its walls, each floor holds a part of his close-knit family.

Since 2004, he delved into the field of confectionery, honing his skills by working at various pastry shops. In 2008 he was called for military service until 2010. Upon discharge, he returned to his roots in Khabab, opening a pastry shop until 2014 when adversity struck, so he relocated his shop to the Al-Dukhanieh area in Damascus, but the situation wasn't any better there as violent incidents and armed conflict took place in the area which resulted in the loss of his shop.

Undeterred, he adopted a novel approach, distributing goods via electric bicycles until 2019 when he was called again for the reserve service for three years before resuming the distribution of goods and biscuits, using his brother's electric bicycle.

Presently, Dhyaa toils in the morning as a warehouse worker, and by dusk, continues his work on a bicycle, aspiring to have a pick-up truck for efficient distribution, which would improve his income and release him from the hard morning work. 

considering this tapestry of trials and challenges, Dhyaa was supported by the Micro project program to purchase his own pick-up truck hoping to empower his unwavering spirit in the face of adversity, improve his living conditions, and preserve his dignity.

Karin Jbeil, a woman of remarkable courage and determination, born in 1989, lived a journey of strength and self-discovery that shaped her life forever.

Married to Wissam Al Ramahin, a dedicated hospital employee, Karin’s life revolved around her family. With two precious children, Sharbel born in 2010, and Christelle in 2013, her days were filled with love and purpose.

Karin's entrepreneurial spirit ignited in 2008 when she enrolled in a nail and waxing course at the European Institute. From 2012 onwards, she began her journey offering her skills to the community. Her home, became her workplace, with a room dedicated to her craft.

The echoes of war that ravaged their area in subsequent years did not deter Karin. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, she persevered, balancing her career aspirations with the safety of her children so she started to work in a nearby childcare center for two years, ensuring stability for her family during tumultuous times.

As peace slowly returned to Dowella, Karin resumed her passion for beauty, working part-time at local salons but the low salary wasn’t worth the long hours she spent far from her kids. She yearned to establish her own beauty salon, equipped with nail and waxing services.

Having support from Hope Center to have her own salon not only empowered her to become financially independent, but also assured her that dreams can flourish, and lives can be transformed.