Sunshine After the Rain: Tina’s Transformation Journey

Some encounters go beyond mere coincidence—they are divine interventions. Our journey with Madam Augustina Afoley, affectionately known as Tina, began in the most unexpected way. Yet, it became a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and hope.

Tina, a widow and mother of five, was struggling with unstable housing. She owned a small property in Teshie, Accra, but had rented it out to afford a more manageable living space. When she could no longer afford rent, she returned to her home, only to find her tenant critically ill. Without hesitation, she rushed him to the hospital.

By chance—or perhaps by fate—this tenant was known to one of our MOM Foundation team members. As we stepped in to provide support, we met Tina—the woman who had selflessly cared for him since his admission. As we listened to her story, we realized she, too, was in urgent need of assistance.

Tina’s property – Teshie, Accra

Through our SLICE (Sustainable Livelihood for Community Empowerment) project, we provided Tina with start-up capital to revive her street food business. She brought her sister on board, and together, they made quick progress. Seeing her determination, we extended additional support. However, we soon discovered another urgent issue—her home.

For Tina and her children, rain brought distress. Their home flooded frequently, disrupting their lives. To ensure their safety, we secured funds for rent, helping them move into a better home. This marked a turning point, allowing the family to heal from past struggles. Tina’s youngest son, conditioned by years of hardship, panicked at the sight of gathering clouds, fearing another flood. But his mother reassured him, “Our days of flooding are over.” Witnessing the joy and security this brought to the family reaffirmed why we do what we do.

Providing stability was only the first step—reuniting the family was just as important. Due to financial struggles, Tina’s second-born, Mary, had left home, while her third daughter (fourth-born) had been sent to live with relatives. With stable housing, we encouraged Tina to bring Mary back to help with the business, reuniting the family.

Tina’s eldest daughter, Patience, a bright senior high school student, battled mental health challenges and had once gone missing for days before being found. Understanding her needs, we arranged for her to stay with a trusted family friend to prepare for the WASSCE, ensuring she had school materials, food, and a stable environment.

Things improved, but only briefly. Their new landlord failed to uphold agreements, making living conditions difficult once again. After repeated attempts to resolve the issue, we stepped in once more, covering the costs for a new apartment. In a heartfelt surprise, we moved Tina and her family into their new home on her birthday, marking a fresh start.

Tina’s last born enjoying his new bed in their new apartment

With a thriving business and stable housing, Tina is now working toward property ownership. Meanwhile, Patience excelled in her exams, though some of her results were withheld due to school-wide issues. We are exploring alternative education opportunities for her, while Mary has agreed to begin vocational training.

At MOM Foundation, we believe in long-term solutions that transform lives. If Tina’s story has touched you and you’d like to support her journey, we invite you to reach out. Together, we can continue making a difference.