Iyman’s Story
11 years ago, Iyman, his mother, and siblings were forced to flee their village in South Sudan because of war. In the midst of the chaos and fighting, they were separated. Each found their way, by foot, to a refugee camp in Uganda.
For several weeks Iyman did not know if his mother or siblings had survived the long trek.
They were fortunately reunited, but then faced the harsh conditions of the refugee camp - eight people in a mud hut, living on a small subsistence of rice and beans. They applied for asylum in the US, but had to wait 10 years until they were called to be interviewed.
With renewed hope, they arrived in St. Louis in 2024, but faced their next set of challenges after being dropped off in an airport hotel with a small amount of cash and a promise of future assistance. They waited until their cash ran dry.
When Welcome Neighbor STL finally found them, they had been without cash or food for three days, and were wearing summer clothes and sandals in subzero January temperatures. Our response team immediately supplied them with Schnucks and Aldi gift cards donated by local partners at St. Vincent De Paul. We supplied shoes, socks and winter coats provided by the Jewish Women's Council, as well as toiletries and other emergency supplies.
After a month of living in temporary housing and waiting on necessary documentation from the Government, they were permanently assigned to an apartment they could call home. Through WNSTL’s partnership with Home Sweet Home, they received an entire house full of donated furniture and kitchen items.
After one month, Iyman and his three siblings found employment at a factory working the 3rd shift. They traveled to work via a sometimes dangerous 1.5 hour bus trip.
After one year, Iyman received his driver's permit and Welcome Neighbor STL provided driving lessons through our Transportation Program. Iyman learned quickly and passed his license test in February of 2026. A car was donated to his family through Welcome Neighbor STL, and Iyman started driving his siblings to work!
Iyman and his family have participated in many WNSTL-sponsored events with other refugees such as sledding on Art Hill, enjoying the STL Symphony Orchestra, ice skating, and attending a STL CITY2 game!
Iyman’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of community, but it’s also a reminder that no one rebuilds alone.
Families like his arrive with strength and hope, but they need a support network to take those first steps toward stability - warm clothing in the winter, food on the table, a safe place to sleep, and a path to opportunity.
Because of generous donors and our network of supporters and collaborators, Iyman and his family are no longer just surviving, they’re building a life.
