Myriam had parents that loved her and her brothers and sisters while living in East Africa. But her happy life ended when she was 18 and her entire family was killed by the “police” in her country.

Myriam endured a nightmare in the months to follow, that led her to Sudan, Central America, and, finally, Baltimore. Once arriving in the U.S., Myriam’s struggles continued when forced into domestic labor without food or the freedom to leave the house.

But, Myriam is a survivor.

She was finally referred to Asylee Women Enterprise (AWE), who helped her attain safe housing, the comfort of basic needs and the opportunity to build a life in supportive, empowering community.

Each year hundreds of thousands of individuals flee their homeland to find safety in a country that will offer them asylum. AWE works to build a broad community for the asylum seekers so that a network of individuals and organizations can meet their living, educational and professional needs.

AWE and GiveCorps are working together to provide basic necessities, housing, and educational resources to more asylee women this year.

More women like Myriam, who learned English through ESL classes and is now living on her own with full-time employment. She is often heard telling new women who join AWE, “Welcome, you can now start breathing again.”

Your gift to AWE will help asylee breathe easy in their new homes and help them to thrive, not just survive. You can make it happen!