Empowering May Zin’s Mom
by: Lay Phoprasobchok
October 2024
Ma Pan was already a mother to an 11-month old, May Zin, when she discovered that she was pregnant again. After Ma Pan was left by her husband, she and her daughter were forced to move from place to place, seeking refuge with relatives and acquaintances.
Ma Pan worked as much as she was able throughout her pregnancy, but after delivering her new baby, she found herself unable to work and facing homelessness with an infant and a newborn.
Ma Pan became increasingly desperate and reached out to her community for help when she realized she had nowhere else to turn.
Thankfully, someone in the community knew to contact GCA…
…and our local team responded immediately to this mom’s vulnerable circumstance.
GCA’s practice is always to address the whole situation; from providing tangible support to families in need like housing and food support, to ensuring that emotional familial needs are met through counseling and education on parenting and child development. GCA was able to secure a safe place for Ma Pan and her children to stay and made sure they had access to regular meals. Then, GCA counselors began providing emotional support to help Ma Pan heal and develop the resilience she needs as a young mother of two.
As Ma Pan experienced improvements in her emotional well-being, she felt ready to begin working. GCA was able to help her find a job in a safe environment, one where we knew she would be able to thrive with dignity and continue to grow: Sojourn Studio! Ma Pan has begun custodial work at Sojourn twice a week where she is gradually becoming more independent, earning fair wages, and growing in confidence through her efforts. Ma Pan has much to be proud of and we celebrate with her!