The Extended Case Management (ECM) often meets clients who arrive overwhelmed, unsure of what they need, where to begin, or how to make sense of the challenges they face. Many are carrying heavy emotional burdens, tangled in circumstances that feel too complex to untangle alone. That’s where ECM comes in. 

Our team has always been a place where clients bring their most complicated, deeply personal stories. We sit with them, listen carefully, and help break things down turning what feels chaotic into something manageable, step by step. 

Every now and then, a case comes along that lingers in our minds long after the meetings have ended. These are the stories that leave a mark, not just on our caseloads, but on our hearts. 

Juma’s story is one of those. He came to us with layers of challenges that couldn’t be solved with a single service or solution. Yet through his resilience and trust in the process, he reminded us why we do this work: to walk alongside people as they find their way through uncertainty—and toward hope. 

Juma Lino Lokuanya, a resilient newcomer from South Sudan, arrived in the United States in August 2024. Despite the physical challenge of missing three fingers on his right hand, he came with hope for a better future. Upon arrival, he was resettled by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Atlanta, Georgia. 

An ECM caseworker met Juma several months after his arrival during a visit to the IRC office. At the time, he was facing significant difficulties, he was unemployed, stressed, and deeply frustrated. He was even considering relocating to another state in search of better opportunities. 

After speaking with him, the ECM caseworker introduced the services available through the ECM program and shared information about local rental assistance options in the Atlanta area. Recognizing his desire to work, the caseworker referred him to the IRC’s employment team for support in securing a job. 

Juma was then assisted by one of our dedicated employment interns, who helped him update his résumé and apply to multiple job openings that matched his background and experience. 

This week, the ECM caseworker had the pleasure of seeing Juma again at the IRC office, this time alongside the employment intern. The caseworker shared, “To my surprise and joy, the client told me he had recently been hired at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, working as a wheelchair attendant. He was beaming with happiness and pride in his new role.” 

Juma’s story is a powerful example of perseverance and the impact of timely support. His journey reflects the strength of individuals who overcome adversity and the importance of community programs that help them succeed.