Annual Appeal 2022

A Mother’s Fierce Love

Family Reunited
Hakima welcomed her son home to Western New York with the help of the Immigrations Legal Services Program at Journey’s End Refugee Services.

Family separation is a heartbreaking reality for many new Americans.

It took 14 years for Hakima to be able to hug her son again.

They were forced to flee Somalia because of war. Kalis stayed with his grandmother. After she died, Hakim and Kalis longed to be together even more, but it was impossible with the 2017 Muslim Ban.

Safe in Buffalo, Hakima never gave up hope her son could experience the same freedom. 

She reached out to Journey’s End Immigration Legal Services for help.

Over six years, Hakima’s fierce love for her son was matched by the tenacity and dedication of her attorney. Finally, in 2022, Hakima and Kalis were joyfully reunited in Buffalo on the same day she became a U.S. citizen. Hakima and Kalis finally have a place together they can call home.

Family separation is a problem exacerbated by the ever-increasing numbers of refugees worldwide and the difficult decisions made on whose resettlement should be prioritized. It is overwhelming, but you can help.

When you support Journey’s End Refugee Services, you give refugee families like Hakima and Kalis’ a new beginning. You share resources to build the life they envision - free from war, violence and persecution.  You welcome refugees!