Zayna

40 years old

Middle Eastern (Iraqi) female
Single mother of five

About Zayna

Zayna, a 40-year-old Iraqi refugee, has spent over a decade building a life in Indianapolis for herself and her five children, aged 8 to 17. Her journey has been marked by immense challenges—adapting to a new culture, financial struggles, and the lingering trauma of war that claimed several family members. Each week, Zayna visits the local food pantry, ensuring her family has halal food and essentials.

She carries quiet pride, often reluctant to ask for help despite the hardships. Her children are her greatest priority, and she sacrifices her own needs so they can access education and opportunities she never had. Language remains a barrier, making daily tasks like appointments and grocery shopping overwhelming. Zayna attends ESL classes when she can, determined to learn English and pass the U.S. citizenship test.

At home, she holds onto her cultural roots, ensuring her family observes their traditions and faith, which provide comfort amidst change. Financial stability feels distant, but Zayna dreams of starting a small business—perhaps selling homemade food or handmade goods—to gain independence. Her physical health is declining under the weight of stress, and the emotional scars of her past resurface in moments of isolation. Counseling sessions have begun to help her manage PTSD and anxiety, but progress is slow. Despite everything, Zayna remains resilient.

She leans on support from the local mosque and community organizations, finding strength in her faith and in the small victories: her children excelling in school, a kind word from a food pantry volunteer, or the chance to connect with extended family abroad. For Zayna, each step forward is a testament to her dedication and hope for a better future—a future where her children thrive, she finds stability, and her family feels whole again.

resources

Zayna’s resource network is a critical system of support that helps her navigate the challenges of single motherhood, financial instability, and cultural adaptation.

These resources address her core needs for food security, mental health, housing, transportation, education, and community connection, providing both immediate relief and long-term opportunities for growth.