Zakia is a 42-year divorced woman with two children. She lives with her extended family which consists of her parents and three married brothers and children. Her parents are both ill, and her brothers are jobless due to the difficult economic conditions. Also, one of her brothers, who used to be the breadwinner for the whole family, died

Zakia finished the preparatory school, which does not qualify her to obtain any job in the community. Moreover, she does not have any source of income that may assist her in raising her children or her family. She feels that she is a burden on her family and feels as if she is an undesirable member in the society who brings agony and grief to her family. Zakia stated; "I hated myself and my children and I cannot get along with my children; I am always nervous and bored; I can't see any positive side in my life. I feel worthless and I wish to die together with my kids in order to comfort our family from us."

After a public meeting which took place at the Women Activities Center in her camp which was carried out by GCMHP's Women Empowerment Project (WEP), Zakia disclosed her problem to the social worker, and was advised to visit Deir Al-Balah Community Center. Responding to that, Zakia visited the Center and met with a WEP professional who listed to her problem and gave her psychological support, short term therapy, and family counseling as well as follow up through home visits.

Additionally, she was referred to the vocational program of WEP in order to enhance her vocational knowledge. She was given vocational training in different areas including; making knitting, flower arrangements, and embroidery. After few months, she gained some skills in knitting and embroideries. The WEP team helped her in marketing her products in the local market. Gradually, she became more independent and was able to produce more products and sell them by herself, which secure some income for her and her family. Furthermore, Zakia was able to contract with the Women Activities Center in order to carry out training courses for other women in the skills of knitting and embroidery.

Aiming to enhance her living conditions further, the WEP social worker coordinated and intervened successfully with Ministry of Social Affairs in order to secure financial aid for her and her kids. Accordingly, she became a permanent beneficiary of the financial relief program.

Upon the last follow up visit to Zakia, she stated that she is much more satisfied with her life and she feels that she is a productive member of her family. She feels that she has re-gained her life and feels very optimistic about the future of her children.