By Zain Masri | Mental Health Program Manager
In Nablus, the Hamdan family has found comfort and safety through TYO’s Mental Health and Family Support Program.
They are a family of seven and have faced numerous challenges over the years. The father works as a street vendor to provide for the whole family, while the mother, Rana*, is a homemaker and dedicated to caring for their five children - two of whom have special needs.
Their eldest son suffers from a severe intellectual disability and a life-threatening heart condition. He has undergone dozens of surgeries, and each brought a lot of stress to the family who feared for his health and life. The youngest daughter has a motor disability due to a severe spinal curvature, and relies on a wheelchair, which severely limits her mobility within their small, poorly equipped home.
The doors were narrow, and the hallways were obstructed, making movement between rooms a daily challenge, especially for the daughter who constantly required assistance to enter the bathroom. This had a negative impact particularly on the daughter’s mental well-being, but also the family as a whole. “Watching her struggle every day affects all of us. I know how strong she is, and thank God, but we felt trapped living like this,” Rana shared.
Despite their limited resources, Rana has always worked tirelessly to provide the best care for her children, ensuring they receive specialized treatments. The daughter also showed remarkable perseverance and determination - against all odds, she continued her education and graduated with honors in Psychology.
However, the deteriorating economic situation in the country, exacerbated by ongoing violence and instability, has made it difficult for the family to meet even their most basic needs or fix issues in their house. This all added to the hardships and stress of their daily lives.
At this point, Tomorrow’s Youth Organization (TYO) intervened to help. TYO’s social worker visited the family and began psychological counseling and emotional relief sessions for the mother and children. But it quickly became clear that a more comprehensive approach was required to address the root causes of their stress — the home environment itself.
TYO initiated a home rehabilitation project, addressing critical structural issues that had long been neglected. Leaks were repaired, obstacles were removed, and the bathroom was renovated to accommodate the daughter’s special needs. TYO’s intervention and support created changes that brought them safety and comfort for the first time in years. “It was a feeling of relief. I mean, it wasn’t easy to hear how sad my children felt, but as we came together, I felt proud,” Rana said.
The story of the Hamdan is one of resilience, and how TYO’s programs help change lives for the better. The psychological intervention and home rehabilitation has improved their wellbeing and provided them with a brighter outlook for the future.
And this was made possible thanks to your generosity and continued support. Your contributions offer hope and healing. By donating today, you enable us to reach even more families in need, helping them rebuild their lives and giving them the chance to thrive.
By Razan Herzalla | TYO Social Worker in Balata Refugee Camp
By Waed | Beneficiary at TYO, from Balata Refugee Camp
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