Hellen grew up in a village with neither of her parents working, so they sometimes lacked basic needs such as food and decent clothing. Her father was a polygamous man and had three wives. Hellen is the youngest child of his third wife.

Hellen didn’t have the easiest life growing up, but she was blessed to go to school up to university because her step-brother paid her school fees. He stood by her and educated her despite family differences, had a large impact on her life. His actions led her to be a blessing to others regardless of her life’s hardships. Hellen does not have a spouse or children, but she is now able to support her father, mother, sister, niece, and brother with her income from Neema. 

“Getting education empowered me as a woman with knowledge and skills which I also use to empower the young girls at Neema.”

Hellen actively contributes to Neema’s mission through offering quality counseling for the students, their families, and the community at large. She also teaches the students social skills that are key for living good lives. Prior to working with Neema, Hellen worked with Glogg Mind Care Centers, which provides professional counseling and psychiatric services throughout Kenya. Her experience with a diverse client population greatly influenced her counseling approach and methodology and has helped her with her work at Neema.  

She says that out of everything, her favorite part of working with Neema is “conducting home visits/field work in addition to also having individual sessions with the girls.” Hellen hopes to see Neema expand and transform more vulnerable girls, and also their families and the community at large. Through Neema’s three key pillars of skills training, counseling, and discipleship, she hopes to see Neema’s impact continue to spread and grow. 

“It is my relationship with God that motivates me to offer the best services to the girls. [I know] that transforming lives brings glory to God.”

Her relationship with God has helped her make incredible progress in life, and it helped lead her to Neema because it is a Christian organization. Hellen has a “passion to see young lives transformed through helping the young individuals/girls figure out their lives early enough and live a quality [and] fulfilling life.” She believes hope is the fuel these young women need to continue striving in life without giving up. Having healthy self-esteem, according to Hellen, will help them believe in themselves and strive to be their best selves in whatever they do. Hellen’s hard work and dedication in counseling the students is a huge step in helping the young women believe in themselves and find hope once again.