José: A Journey of Miles, Emotions, and Hope
In 2024, José was informed by his parents, “We need to go.” This 14-year-old’s world completely changed when he was forced to flee Cuba. He left behind his friends, his family, his dog, and the life that was familiar to him — carrying the weight of loss alongside the hope of finding a dignified life, opportunities to fulfill his dreams, study graphic design, and simply live a “normal” adolescence.
From Survival to Healing
While coping with his reality, José began facing emotional changes that felt completely out of his control. Sudden outbursts of anger caught him off guard, and he found himself spending long hours isolated in his room, confused about where these feelings were even coming from. It was hard for him to make sense of it — especially because his parents had always given him a loving and stable upbringing.
Over time, José came to understand the value of therapy and yoga as tools to help him navigate his emotions. This year, José and his family joined World Relief Memphis’s Hope Groups and AMAL Groups, trauma-informed programs designed to support refugee and immigrant families and kids, as they heal from high levels of vulnerability, including forced displacement, migration, trauma, public health crises, natural disasters, and the adjustment process to life in the United States.
More Than a Group: A place to Belong
In the context of refugee resettlement in the United States, these groups offer an additional layer of support as families face challenges like adapting to a new way of life, a new language, and a new culture. Many participants arrive having experienced profound loss, with their lives completely changed, with no way of going back.
Within Hope Groups, adults develop practical skills that strengthen emotional well-being and resilience. Sessions include stress and anxiety management, adapting to a new country, positive parenting, emotional support for children, strengthening family communication, building healthy routines, and practicing self-care.
Within the AMAL Groups, children learn coping skills like breathing, relaxation, and emotional regulation through stories and guided activities. The program uses a series of videos to build resilience and help children feel safe and supported.
For José, the hardest part was simply starting. The idea of attending these meetings made him deeply uncomfortable — he would have much rather stayed home. But when he finally walked through the door, he found something he wasn’t expecting.
He met a group of 10 other kids going through the same life experience he was going through, coming from the same country. He found a team from World Relief staff who spoke his language, and a space where he belonged — where he could talk about things he actually wanted to talk about, surrounded by people who truly understood him.
“Participating in this program helped me meet new people and have a space to talk about experiences, emotions, and perspectives — both my own and those of others. I had the opportunity to speak about feelings and things I don’t usually talk about at home. What I loved most were the breathing exercises. I practice them all the time now, and they help me calm down.”
Today, José feels more confident using the tools he has learned to manage his emotions. He practices the breathing exercises he learned in the program regularly, and he looks ahead to the future with genuine excitement.
“I would tell people to try coming to these classes — just try. I would tell others in my situation not to give up, to always keep their heads high, and to keep moving forward. I am learning English, and I am working toward a future where I can help my parents and live a happy life.”
Healing Through Hope Groups
José’s story is one of resilience — and it is not unique. We celebrate him and the many individuals who, despite the weight of transition and loss, continue to press forward with courage and hope. Their journeys remind us why spaces of belonging and support matter, and what becomes possible when people are given the opportunity to heal, connect, and thrive.
If you want to be part of these stories as a volunteer, donor, or employer partner, reach out to us. Together, we continue to believe in more
“To protect his privacy and safety, the name used in this story has been changed.”
We are so thankful to our client for sharing his journey as an immigrant in this country and allowing us to share it with you. Through all of the current hardship, it is still so clear to see God’s love for the foreigner and his perfect plan, bringing people from all the nations together. Here at World Relief Memphis, we have seen God’s faithfulness through the support from people like you. We thank you for joining us on our journey in making Memphis a more welcoming community.
Writer: Maria Seijas
Communication Coordinator at World Relief Memphis.
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