Nourishing Body and Spirit in Lebanon
May, age 54, has faced the challenges of poverty throughout her life. She lives in the Tripoli region of northern Lebanon.
With little money or education, May often had to rely on external assistance for financial support. She not only needed to buy her own medicine, but she was also supporting her sister, who has diabetes.
Then one day, May found work in a community kitchen through IOCC that provides food assistance, mental health services, and opportunities to earn income.
The hours are long. The job can be strenuous. But it has given May a sense of dignity and purpose. It has helped her build a network of friends from a variety of backgrounds. And her $200 monthly income enables her to buy medicine for herself and her sister.
“As soon as I get paid,” May said, “I buy the medications. I was unemployed for years, so now I am grateful for this opportunity which is helping me earn money and be part of such a kind group of ladies.”
The community kitchen where May works provides hot nutritious meals to 600 refugees and Lebanese individuals (120 families) in the area. This project is part of IOCC’s broader humanitarian effort to continue helping Lebanese families struggling amid a deepening socioeconomic crisis, and to assist refugees from Syria and neighboring countries.
