Dedicated for Women and Families in Need
The Ethio-Eritrean Women Support Organization (EEWSO) is a grassroots initiative committed to supporting vulnerable individuals—especially single mothers, immigrants, and low-income families—as they navigate life in a new country. Many of the organization’s beneficiaries are newcomers from Ethiopia and Eritrea who find themselves without support networks, struggling to adapt to unfamiliar systems and societal norms.
EEWSO provides various kinds of tailored assistance depending on the specific needs of each individual or family. These services include: guidance for newcomers who don’t know how to access job opportunities or navigate government systems; support for single parents, especially mothers who are raising children without a partner or extended family; help for the elderly, who often require access to services but don’t know where to start; resources for parents of children with special needs, including referrals, training, and direction on how to access services; training and skill-building opportunities for those without formal qualifications; and also form-filling and documentation support for government benefits and social services.
In addition to formal assistance, EEWSO organizes community events, workshops, and gatherings where they provide resources, distribute vouchers, and most importantly, create a safe space for emotional connection and support.
“Many underestimate emotional support,” one staff member shares. “But when you’re new in a country, overwhelmed by change, finding someone who listens can be life-changing.”
Beyond the Office — Meeting People Where They Are
Unlike many formal support agencies, the women behind EEWSO don’t wait for people to walk into their office. They actively go out into the community—visiting homes, checking on families, and offering personal support where it’s needed most.
They provide a human connection that’s often missing in modern systems: listening to people’s problems, helping them find solutions, and doing it all with compassion and cultural understanding. Many newcomers find comfort in talking to someone who shares their background, language, and life experience.
Another key feature of the organization’s work is the creation of informal community networks. If one family has an extra stroller and another needs one, EEWSO connects them. If someone knows of a job opportunity, they’re encouraged to share it with others in similar situations. It’s about mutual support—a principle deeply rooted in both Ethiopian and Eritrean cultures.
While EEWSO primarily operates in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area, their reach goes beyond these borders. They help people connect across state lines, linking those in need with those who can help—whether that’s through guidance, resources, or simply a listening ear.
“This isn’t just about charity. It’s about community-building,” says one volunteer. “We are creating a safety net that many of our people simply don’t have when they arrive.”
New environment – starting from the scratch
When Hanna and Samson came to the US with their three children who have special needs, the new environment was overwhelming for them in multiple angles. Their hard-earned degrees, which they spent more than half of their lives working toward, were not recognized, forcing them to start over and seek new trainings just to survive in the workforce. At the same time, they were navigating an unfamiliar lifestyle, and a demanding system that felt confusing and inaccessible. Caring for children with special needs while trying to secure housing, employment, and stability left them emotionally drained and uncertain about their future.
The challenges Hanna and Samson faced were not only financial but deeply emotional. They struggled to understand where to find help for their children’s special needs, how to access healthcare, education services, and basic resources essential for daily living. Without guidance, every task—from filling out paperwork to attending appointments—felt overwhelming. Isolation added to their burden, as they lacked a community that understood the complexity of raising children with special needs in a new country. Despite their resilience, the pressure of doing everything alone was heavy.
Everything began to change when Hanna and Samson connected with the women in Ethio-Eritrean Women’s Support Organization: Birtukan and Eden. The women paid them a visit in their home and communicated with them with compassion, understanding, and practical support at a time when they needed it most. They provided financial assistance during critical moments, offered emotional encouragement, and walked beside them through a time that felt unpredictable. Beyond immediate help, the organization became a bridge to long-term stability—showing them where to access essential resources, special-needs services for their children, job trainings, and employment opportunities. They connected the family to networks of people who could guide them, advocate for them, and help them grow. By embracing Hanna and Samson into their community, these women did more than offer support—they restored hope, eased their burden, and reminded them that even in a new country, they did not have to face life alone.
Real Stories of Resilience — Ruth and Meseret
Ruth’s Journey: From Crisis to Confidence
Ruth came to the United States from Ethiopia feeling lost and isolated. She didn’t have a family network, and her economic situation was dire. Through EEWSO, she found not only guidance and practical help, but also emotional support that helped her regain her footing.
“I received support whenever I needed it,” Ruth shares. “Without them, my life was down to earth. Now, I am back to my professional life. The emotional and professional help I got helped me regain my confidence. I deeply appreciate their commitment—they continue to support me today.”
Meseret’s Story: A Mother’s Fight for Her Son
Meseret left Ethiopia at a young age, lived abroad, and eventually settled in the United States, where she built a good life for herself—working hard, holding a professional job, and thriving. But life changed drastically when her young son was diagnosed with level 3 autism just after the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“In one’s journey of life, falling unexpectedly is something that can happen,” Meseret says. “I was doing everything I could, but it was overwhelming. I had to leave my job. I was alone, without family support, and trying to care for a non-verbal child.”
She was emotionally and financially drained. The system was hard to navigate. Caregivers weren’t trained to support her son’s specific needs, and language barriers added to the complexity. Unemployment benefits weren’t an option due to her job history.
“Then I found Birtukan,” she says. “She didn’t know me. But she helped me—added me to her family plan, connected me with resources, helped me explore business options like selling on Amazon. She listened. She cared.”
Meseret sees Birtukan, a key member of EEWSO, as a leader. “She empowers women. She got me connected. We need more people like her,” she says.
A Call for Collective Action and the Future of EEWSO
Meseret is now advocating for EEWSO to expand its work even further—to single parents with children with special needs, single dads, and families in crisis, regardless of their background.
She emphasizes that access to information is one of the biggest gaps within the Ethiopian and Eritrean immigrant community.
“Many don’t know the language, the system, or where to start. They need structured guidance: lists of resources, goals, follow-ups. Follow-up is key. That’s what makes the difference.”
Meseret believes that there is no dedicated space for Habesha women raising children with disabilities in the U.S.—a gap that EEWSO is helping to fill.
“In this country, the budget and resources are there. But people don’t know how to access them. Organizations like EEWSO can be the bridge.”
A Journey of Transformation: From Struggle to Empowerment
When I first arrived in this country, I was a single mother facing an unfamiliar world with no support system, no financial stability, and no clear direction. It was one of the most difficult and uncertain times of my life. Each day brought new challenges, and I often felt overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of how to move forward.
Then I met Eden—and everything began to change.
From the very beginning, Eden extended compassion, generosity, and unwavering support. She helped me when I had nothing, providing financial assistance during times of great need and offering emotional encouragement when I felt lost. Her presence gave me hope at a time when I had very little of it.
What truly set Eden apart was not just her willingness to help in the moment, but her commitment to helping me build a better future. She introduced me to educational opportunities, walked me through resources I never knew existed, and inspired me to pursue my goals. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to believe in myself.
With her support, I began taking classes and working toward professional development. It wasn’t easy—there were long nights, setbacks, and doubts—but Eden never stopped encouraging me. Her mentorship became a steady foundation in my life, one that helped me transform fear into resilience and hardship into purpose.
Today, I am proud to be working with a nonprofit organization, supporting individuals and families facing similar struggles. The work I do is a direct reflection of the help and inspiration I received from Eden. Every day, I strive to offer others the same compassion and guidance that she gave to me.
Eden didn’t just offer temporary assistance—she changed the course of my life. Her impact is something I carry with me in every step I take, and in every life I now have the privilege to touch.
For all of this and more, I will always be deeply grateful.
The Vision Moving Forward
The Ethio-Eritrean Women’s Support Organization is more than just a support group—it’s a community movement. It unites individual efforts into a collective force that uplifts, empowers, and restores dignity to those who need it most.
As they continue to grow, EEWSO is focused on: expanding its network to other cities and states; partnering with other immigrant and women-focused organizations; and developing training resources, job placement programs, and mental health support initiatives.
Their message is clear: No one should go through hardship alone. Especially not those who’ve already made the brave journey to start a new life in a new land.
“We are our sisters’ keepers. We are our community’s voice. We don’t wait for change—we create it.”
— The Women of EEWSO