In 2020, Elina ’s life was abruptly torn apart when the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh forced her family to flee their home. Just after the war, they began to rebuild their new lives in Stepanakert, when the tragedy struck again in September 2023. This forced Elina to flee again, and this time, she and her children settled in Masis, a town in Armenia’s Ararat region, hoping for stability but knowing that the road ahead would not be easy.
Elina’s family faced many challenges in their new environment. Her oldest child had to put university studies on hold due to financial constraints and started working to support the family. This added to the strain Elina was already feeling — not just emotionally, but financially as well.
Finding a New Path to Self-Reliance
For Elina, the road to recovery wasn’t immediate. She struggled to navigate the complexities of displacement while also dealing with the emotional burden of leaving behind everything she had known. But she wasn’t alone in her journey.
Elina was connected to the Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) in 2020, and over the years, the support she received helped her stay afloat. However, it was in 2023, through the RENEW program funded by the European Union (EU), that Elina’s path took a transformative turn.
Her case manager, a compassionate and dedicated professional, took the time to listen, understand, and tailor solutions to Elina’s specific needs. This personal approach marked a turning point in Elina’s journey. Together, they assessed her skills, experience, and aspirations, and from there, a plan began to take shape.
A New Beginning
Through the EU-funded RENEW program’s support, Elina’s case manager helped her create a professional CV that reflected her strengths and career potential. With this new profile, Elina applied for a position at Masis Tobacco Company, a local employer with an opportunity that matched her background and the family’s needs.
Elina’s application was successful. She was offered stable employment at a company that was conveniently located near her new home in Masis. With this job, she found more than just financial security; she rediscovered her confidence and sense of purpose.
Visible Progress and Renewed Confidence
Elina’s new job was more than just a paycheck. It marked the beginning of her new life — one where she could provide for her children, rebuild her sense of independence, and plan for the future.
Through the support of the ARCS and the RENEW program, Elina is not just surviving; she is thriving.
She regained financial independence.
She re-entered the workforce, where her skills were valued.
She is now able to support her children’s education and well-being.
Her sense of hope for the future has been renewed.
Elina’s story is a testament to the power of personalized, compassionate support — how one person’s belief in another can ignite transformation. From being displaced twice to finding a job that empowers her family’s future, Elina is a shining example of resilience and determination.
From Survival to Empowerment
Elina’s journey shows that while displacement brings great hardship, it is possible to rebuild with the right support. Thanks to the RENEW program and its tailored assistance, Elina has been able to shift from simply surviving to thriving.
Today, she is optimistic about her family’s future, and determined to continue supporting her children’s education and well-being, paving the way for long-term stability and integration into her new community.
The RENEW project, implemented with the support of European Union Humanitarian Aid, aims to improve the living conditions and psychosocial well-being of 16,020 women, men, girls, and boys displaced by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which escalated in 2023 and led to a massive influx of over 100,000 individuals seeking refuge in Armenia. Implemented in the regions of Ararat, Armavir, and Kotayk, the project focuses on supporting displaced persons in rebuilding their lives and fostering stability and resilience within their new communities.
