Project Refuge
Profiles & Articles
Client Profiles
The following true stories are presented as examples of the plights endured by refugees who can benefit from Project Refuge services. Names and identifying details have been changed to protect client confidentiality. Warning: The descriptions of hardship and violence suffered by refugee families may include graphic violence.
"Baahila" from Ethiopia
Baahila is a 22 year-old single mother from the Ogaden region of Ethiopia...the region, occupied by the Ethiopian military, was never peaceful in her lifetime...Baahila's family was not involved in politics. Yet, when Baahila was 19 years old...the military abducted two uncles and an aunt and dumped their lifeless bodies in the street. Several years later, soldiers...took Baahila and a brother...she spent the next five months in jail...
Click HERE for entire Baahila story (PDF)
"Dalal" from Somalia
Dalal is a 24 year-old married man from Somalia...he grew up in Mogadishu...family life was peaceful...When the Somali government collapsed in 1991, the majority tribe immediately began targeting minority groups and the family's clan became vulnerable to persectuion, assault, torture and murder...In 2008 the war raged on...Armed men came to Dalal'shouse and insisted that the oldest son go with them or be killed...
Click HERE for the entire Dalal story (PDF)
"Gefla" from Somalia
Gefla is a 29 year old mother of two from Somalia. At age seven, Gefla was subjected to a crude and painful vaginal circumcision, a risky procedure that is commonly imposed on young girls in Somalia...When the Somali government collapsed in 1991 a brief period of stability in her life dissolved into violence...her beautiful sister was abducted at the market...armed intruders burst into the family home. A knife welding man grabbed Gefla and hit her head against the wall...he tore at her dress and attempted to rape her...Gefla's stepfather rushed to her aid and was shot...
Click HERE for the entire Gefla story (PDF)
The following true stories are presented as examples of the plights endured by refugees who can benefit from Project Refuge services. Names and identifying details have been changed to protect client confidentiality. Warning: The descriptions of hardship and violence suffered by refugee families may include graphic violence.
"Baahila" from Ethiopia
Baahila is a 22 year-old single mother from the Ogaden region of Ethiopia...the region, occupied by the Ethiopian military, was never peaceful in her lifetime...Baahila's family was not involved in politics. Yet, when Baahila was 19 years old...the military abducted two uncles and an aunt and dumped their lifeless bodies in the street. Several years later, soldiers...took Baahila and a brother...she spent the next five months in jail...
Click HERE for entire Baahila story (PDF)
"Dalal" from Somalia
Dalal is a 24 year-old married man from Somalia...he grew up in Mogadishu...family life was peaceful...When the Somali government collapsed in 1991, the majority tribe immediately began targeting minority groups and the family's clan became vulnerable to persectuion, assault, torture and murder...In 2008 the war raged on...Armed men came to Dalal'shouse and insisted that the oldest son go with them or be killed...
Click HERE for the entire Dalal story (PDF)
"Gefla" from Somalia
Gefla is a 29 year old mother of two from Somalia. At age seven, Gefla was subjected to a crude and painful vaginal circumcision, a risky procedure that is commonly imposed on young girls in Somalia...When the Somali government collapsed in 1991 a brief period of stability in her life dissolved into violence...her beautiful sister was abducted at the market...armed intruders burst into the family home. A knife welding man grabbed Gefla and hit her head against the wall...he tore at her dress and attempted to rape her...Gefla's stepfather rushed to her aid and was shot...
Click HERE for the entire Gefla story (PDF)
Referrals to Project Refuge are made through immigration attorneys only. Attorneys can request a "Client Assessment and Referral Kit" via our CONTACT US page
Editorial Coverage
Project Refuge: Rotary Clubs Team Up with Somali Family Service to Sponsor Safe Haven for Asylees
East County Magazine, Feb 17, 2011
Click HERE for entire article (PDF)
Alone in a Strange Land: African Asylees Tell Their Stories
East County Magazine, Feb 17, 2011
Click HERE for entire article (PDF)
Desparate Somalis Pursue Asylum via "Back Door Route" to the United States
Los Angeles Times, Jan. 2, 2010
Click HERE for entire article (PDF)
Project Refuge: Rotary Clubs Team Up with Somali Family Service to Sponsor Safe Haven for Asylees
East County Magazine, Feb 17, 2011
Click HERE for entire article (PDF)
Alone in a Strange Land: African Asylees Tell Their Stories
East County Magazine, Feb 17, 2011
Click HERE for entire article (PDF)
Desparate Somalis Pursue Asylum via "Back Door Route" to the United States
Los Angeles Times, Jan. 2, 2010
Click HERE for entire article (PDF)
