As we welcomed new families into our Family Empowerment Program this July, we also begin learning about their unique needs.
Just one month later, one of these stories quickly came to light.
Amanuel, a first-grade student, had been absent from our programs at the Family Empowerment Center. When our staff checked in, they discovered he had been bedridden with the flu for three days. His condition was worsening, with a high fever and vomiting.
When asked why Amanuel had not been taken to the clinic, his father, Kaleb, explained that the family had no money and no Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) to access medical care. Before his condition declined further, we were able to step in and provide the support needed so Amanuel could receive medical attention.
That one conversation opened the door to learn more about the family’s reality. Kaleb shared that they once lived a stable life in another part of Ethiopia, but conflict forced them to flee with nothing. He himself is seriously ill and in need of surgery, which he cannot afford.
At home, several of the children were also sick with the flu, and the mother had recently given birth. Food was scarce. Most of the children were relying on meals from the center, while Kaleb often went without, drinking only water so his wife and children could eat.
Their struggles extended beyond health and hunger. The family was already one month behind on rent and facing possible eviction. With Kaleb’s illness and his wife recovering from childbirth, they had no source of income.
In the midst of these challenges, Addis Jemari is walking alongside them. We are working to secure CBHI coverage for the family and have added them to our vulnerable families list, ensuring they receive vitamins, protein powder, and additional food support. Their monthly stipend through the Family Empowerment Program is also helping to bring stability.
This experience is a powerful reminder of why our case management approach matters. When we take the time to truly know each family, we uncover the deeper struggles they face. Our social workers are vital in this process—because often, what begins as a conversation about one child reveals the root challenges affecting the entire household.
Here’s what makes our approach unique:
- We are collaborative and relational. We know each family and every child, and we know their stories.
- We are whole-family-oriented, creating a sense of belonging between our staff and those we serve.
- We are holistic, addressing root causes of generational poverty through counseling, relationship-building, and support.
- We are intentional. Every training session, every meeting, and every interaction has a purpose.
You can help families like Kaleb’s:
- For $40/month, you can provide medical care and Community-Based Health Insurance for a family.
For $8/month, you can provide nutritious meals for a child.
Monthly giving keeps families together, healthy, and moving toward a brighter future.
When you join with Addis Jemari, you become part of the story, helping parents like Kaleb provide for their children, ensuring kids like Amanuel get the care they need, and breaking the cycle of generational poverty one family at a time.