Nurturing a Community through Physical and Mental Healing
More than four years ago, Makay Aman Rahmany, originally from Afghanistan, stepped out to share her story and life experience as an encouragement to other women at The Hope Center (THC). She became one of the first mental health ambassadors as part of brand-new cultural adjustment groups funded by Care Source Foundation and Three Arches Foundation. Makay was the ideal candidate to lead the eight-week support groups for incoming refugee women as they navigated topics like trauma and culture shock. Many beautiful stories of healing and growth came out of Makay’s groups and the many others led by ambassadors from a half dozen other cultures represented at The Hope Center.
When the pandemic hit, like everything else, these mental health groups were paused, and ambassadors like Makay waited to see what the future would hold for a mission so personal and so needed for their communities. For many months, it felt like Makay’s job was over, but God was preparing her, as well as Building Hope in the City (BHITC), for what was to come!
Starting in October of 2021, hundreds of new Afghan families began arriving in Cleveland following the country’s collapse in August, and soon, Makay’s role would sprout again, blossoming with greater need and purpose than ever before, thanks again to the same generous funders.
Makay has always known what it means to care for women in their most vulnerable state. Before coming to the U.S. in 2017, Makay was a midwife, regularly nurturing women as they healed physically and mentally from the birthing process. However, after arriving in Cleveland, Makay found herself in a vulnerable situation - one she soon used for the good of hundreds of women.
Thankfully, Makay found THC and began taking English classes and connecting with valuable legal assistance. In addition, she found a community of friends as she adjusted to a new life in Cleveland and as she grew more familiar with her new context, became confident with what was necessary to flourish holistically - in mind, body and spirit. And it was only a matter of time before she fostered a safe environment for other women to do the same.
“Many women don’t know what to do. They are homesick and under a lot of stress,” Makay says. “People can come to me for help. I’m always here at THC and available to remind them they are going to make it.” Makay meets with approximately ten Afghan women every Wednesday at THC. Each woman has a name and a unique story. She reminds everyone of her own journey, validating the courage it takes to begin an English class or fi ll out a driver’s license application for the first time. She gives space for the women to share their goals and their dreams and provides practical advice about things such as going to a doctor’s appointment or how to find something at the grocery store.
“I like to do this job. It makes me happy. I like helping people and talking to people,” says Makay, who urges every woman she meets to remember, “You are never alone.”
Makay echoes the same words that God says to all of us, “You are never alone.” As God continues to use Makay to walk alongside vulnerable women, it’s a reminder that God’s plans are always bigger than our own, and He uses small, sometimes seemingly insignifi cant beginnings to do His work. Makay’s kind spirit and diligent work is at the very heart of our mission, and we love to see how God works through each person who comes through the doors of THC!