My Nonprofit Reviews

Samia Alajlouni
Review for OBAT Helpers USA, McLean, VA, USA
I am a big believer that mental wellness is essential for individuals to reach their full potential and happiness. This is why I am very concerned for the refugees who are living in protracted traumatic conditions without the blessings of resources and support that we enjoy in the US. We all have seen countless horrific images of Syrian mothers and fathers desperately trying to save their families in the worst of conditions. I cried many times after watching the PBS Frontline report on the Rohingya crisis, Myanmar’s Killing Fields! I couldn’t believe the magnitude of pain and trauma the Rohingya refugees are going through. I had never seen or heard of such atrocities! I kept telling my self I need to do more for them. Those parents and their children carry those experiences with them into their next set of challenges and they don’t have any of the resources I have, to take care of themselves or families! For refugees, these memories are still there as they try to deal with unimaginable loss, shattered families, and constant uncertainty about their present and future. A whole generation could be lost!
Thank god OBAT is there to help. OBAT’s efforts gave me hope! They were the first ones on the ground, to build shelters and provide humanitarian relief. I met with their leadership team with the goal to develop a mental health program for the Rohingya refugees. I worked with other non-profits before to help refugees but this organization is unique, OBAT’s staff truly cares! They are always looking for innovative, low-cost, sustainable and holistic approaches to help refugees. Their commitment and dedication to the cause are impressive. Their hearts and minds are in the right place. I am a proud supporter of OBAT helpers and all that they do.