Success story: Eh Doh Wah

A single father finds community through EMBARC

By Julia DiGiacomo

Eh Doh Wah, 34, and his three children have a new start in Iowa after connecting with EMBARC Family Advocate Iris Tun. Photo provided by Wah

Through the EMBARC Family Focus team’s intervention, a single father and refugee from Burma has regained stability in his family’s life after a tumultuous year. 

After Eh Doh Wah, 34, and his wife separated in mid-2019, he became the primary caregiver for three children, all ages five and under. 

Wah, a non-English speaker, lost access to a food assistance program due to mistakes made during the food assistance reapplication process. With no income, high language barriers, and three young kids to feed, Wah’s friend recognized the severity of the situation and connected him with EMBARC for urgent support. Family Advocate Iris Tun and other staff stepped in to help. 

“Everything that EMBARC helped me through over the last year has been so great,” Wah said, through interpretation from Tun. “I don’t know how to express my thanks. They helped me with everything.”

With support from EMBARC, Wah corrected his application to regain food assistance and set up medical, dental and vision exams for the three children. EMBARC’s interpretation services helped Wah enroll one child in kindergarten and enroll his other two children in a special education program near their home.

In late July, Wah secured a new job at a meat processing plant. Although the hours from evening to early morning are difficult, his job enables him to support his family. With EMBARC staff support, he also moved to a better apartment closer to Burma community members who help with childcare while he works. 

While describing the next steps for his future, Wah said he is saving up to buy a better car that functions more reliably. He hopes to realign his work schedule to better accommodate time with his children and dreams of finding a house for his family instead of an apartment.

With EMBARC’s services as a launching pad for success, Wah’s goals are increasingly within reach. From food insecurity to successful employment and school enrollment, the family’s lives are stabilizing and improving. 

“[EMBARC’s] programs are benefitting other people like me,” Wah said. “If someone has a situation like me, reaching out to EMBARC would be so helpful for them. I definitely recommend it.”