Jinishian Jottings - A Struggling Teen’s Journey to Hope and Empowerment

Fifteen-year-old Shoushan is far from a typical teenager. She doesn’t daydream about school, new clothes or hanging out with friends. Instead, she lays awake at night worrying about her family’s struggle with inadequate food, clothing, hygiene and medical care.

Shoushan’s life has always been tumultuous and unstable. She and her parents continually relocated because of their inability to pay rent. Her parents’ tense relationship led to separation, with her father, who had a history of alcoholism and domestic abuse, being largely absent from her life. Shoushan’s mother, a victim of the abuse, lost sight in one eye at the hands of her father, ultimately forcing Shoushan and her mother to flee for their safety. They now live with her grandparents and uncle, the former suffering from their own health challenges.   The heavy weight on Shoushan’s young shoulders led her to spiral into depression, affecting her education and leading her to drop out of school. Desperate for her daughter’s well-being, Shoushan’s mother sought help from JMP. After a comprehensive assessment by the social worker, Shoushan was enrolled in the Teenage Program for Girls, and her transformation began.

Shoushan’s journey was not an easy one. Her lack of educational foundation, her introverted nature, her absence of friends, and struggles with depression and loneliness required intensive efforts from the social worker to facilitate her integration into the school system. Now, Shoushan is studying graphic design and aspires to become a successful designer. Joining the program gave her a sense of belonging, enabling her to make friends, attend school regularly and cultivate hope for a brighter future. Shoushan has recently expressed profound gratitude and credits JMP for being “a beacon of light amidst the so much darkness.” Donors like you allowed Shoushan to receive financial assistance and psychosocial support, allowing her to attend a technical school, boost her self-esteem and work toward realizing her dreams.

Please consider making your best gift to help JMP serve the most vulnerable teens in Lebanon. Your gift can make a difference for teens like Shoushan, giving them the gift of dignity and hope for their future.

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.”  -- (Jeremiah 17:14)

Eliza Minasyan,  Executive Director Jinishian Memorial Program Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

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