Rebuilding with Purpose: Nadia’s Story

Pain shot through Nadia’s body as she curled up in bed, too afraid to seek help. With no insurance and mounting emergency room bills, she feared one more hospital trip would plunge her into debt she could never repay. But the pain grew unbearable. 

This was life for Nadia three years after fleeing Egypt and seeking asylum in the U.S. During the peak of the pandemic, her health had deteriorated, but with no job, insurance, or understanding of the American healthcare system, she felt trapped and alone. 

Everything changed when Nadia found AsylumWorks. Her case manager quickly connected her to a free clinic, where doctors discovered she needed urgent surgery to address a serious reproductive health condition. Unable to pay, AsylumWorks stepped in and covered the costs, ensuring Nadia received the life-saving treatment she needed. She said, “AsylumWorks saved my life.”

As Nadia recovered, she began to dream bigger. She had worked survival jobs as a cashier, waitress, and babysitter in the U.S., but carried years of experience from Egypt, where she managed programs and planned events for nonprofit organizations. Through AsylumWorks’ Employment & Education program, she worked with a job coach to tailor her resume, sharpen her interview skills, and apply for positions that matched her expertise. 

Today, Nadia is an asylee and works as a nonprofit case manager, helping others overcome the same challenges she once faced. She stays involved with AsylumWorks, attending community events and mentoring other asylum seekers. Now, Nadia is not only thriving personally but giving back to the community she proudly calls home. 

“I started with so many challenges, but so much has changed. Now, my family and I can do things we never thought possible. AsylumWorks creates miracles in people’s lives.”