For Jenny, fleeing Pakistan was not just a choice—it was the only escape she had. Thirteen years ago, she arrived in Thailand with her two young daughters, carrying nothing but hope for a safer life. As an asylum seeker in a country where she could not work and had no legal status, she faced overwhelming challenges, including financial hardship, cultural barriers, and trauma from her past. Yet, through perseverance and the support of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), Jenny has found a way to rebuild her life.

Arriving as a single mother with limited resources, Jenny struggled to provide for her daughters. “Whatever money I had was soon gone, and then survival became a daily battle,” she recalls. The stress of financial insecurity was compounded by the trauma she carried from her past. “Even now, the voices and faces of those I left behind still stay with me.” Unable to work legally, she relied on sporadic aid and the kindness of others while dealing with health issues and an unfamiliar language.

Despite these struggles, Jenny never gave up. JRS stepped in to provide the crucial support she needed. “They helped me with financial assistance, food, and transportation, which was especially important because I have high blood pressure and needed frequent hospital visits,” she explains. JRS also recognized the need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), offering counseling sessions that changed Jenny’s outlook.

One innovative approach by JRS was providing creative outlets for emotional healing. “My counselor taught me to put my emotions on paper—drawing the faces of those who hurt me and then tearing the paper apart. It helped me release the pain.” Group therapy and mindfulness activities also helped her regain a sense of control over her emotions.

One of the turning points in Jenny’s journey was her participation in World Refugee Day activities. “JRS invited me and my daughter to display a stall where we made and sold greeting cards. That experience boosted my confidence and reminded me that I had talents to share.” The ability to contribute, even in small ways, gave her a renewed sense of purpose and helped her connect with others in similar situations.

Language barriers were another major hurdle, but JRS provided opportunities for her to learn Thai. “I knew some English, but Thai was difficult. JRS gave me activities to help me learn, and now I can communicate with locals much better.” This support enabled her to become more independent and navigate daily life with greater ease.

JRS’s assistance has significantly impacted Jenny’s life. Through the JRS-supported Urban Education Project (UEP), her eldest daughter completed vocational courses in beauty and graphic design, opening doors for future opportunities. Since its inception, UEP has supported hundreds of refugee students, providing them with the skills to build a better future. Additionally, JRS has provided financial aid to over hundreds of families, ensuring that they have food, shelter, and access to medical care.

When asked about her dreams, Jenny’s response is simple: “I hope to move to Canada and start anew.” But her hope extends beyond her own future—she also dreams of continued support for refugees like herself. “I want to tell donors: please keep supporting JRS. They are our family. Without them, children won’t have education, families won’t have shelter, and many will go to bed hungry. Your help changes lives.”

Looking back, Jenny sees how far she has come. “At first, I was isolated, afraid. Now, through JRS, I have met so many people from different nationalities. I feel part of a community.” Though her journey is not over, she faces each day with greater strength and resilience. Her story is one of courage, hope, and the power of support in rebuilding a life.

Name changed to protect identity of the person