Client | Kamaria's Story

When Kamaria was just 20 years old, she fled war, poverty, and squalid camps in her homeland of Somalia. With the help of Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service (IRIS) – Kamaria, her husband, and her two small children found their way to Los Angeles.

Kamaria’s journey from violence was not over: Soon after their arrival, her husband began to physically abuse her.

Kamaria managed to leave her husband after repeated attempts to stop his violence. Determined to build a peaceful, productive life for herself and her children, Kamaria – again with IRIS’ assistance – learned English, returned to school, and earned a nursing degree. Today she has a steady job in a hospital, recently purchased a home, and is proud to be sending her daughter to UCLA.