When Josephine Kayal arrived in Sacramento nearly three years ago, she carried more than just luggage—she carried the weight of displacement, the uncertainty of starting over, and the hope of a better future for her young daughter, Marita. Fleeing the unrest and violence of Lebanon, Josephine and Marita found themselves in a new country, without family, friends, or a familiar support system.
“I came with my daughter alone,” Josephine recalls. “We had no one here. But I was determined to find a school for her. In Lebanon, children start school at three, and I wanted to give her that same opportunity.”
That determination led her to SETA, a decision that would transform their lives. Within days of applying to SETA’s Head Start program, Josephine received a call from Jessica Rainey, a family worker at the center. “Jessica became my first American friend,” she says. “She was patient, kind, and made me feel at ease during a time when I was filled with anxiety.”
Marita began attending the Sharon Neese Head Start Center shortly after, and what followed was two and a half years of growth, support, and community. “From the very beginning, the staff at SETA treated us like family,” Josephine says. “They answered our questions, celebrated our milestones, and stood by us through every challenge.”
As Josephine began working, the center extended Marita’s hours to accommodate Josephine’s schedule, allowing Josephine to pursue full-time employment. “That flexibility meant everything,” she says. “It gave me the chance to build a new life while knowing my daughter was in a safe, nurturing environment.”
Marita flourished at the center—learning, making friends, and creating memories that would shape her early years. Josephine credits the teachers—Mrs. Hamida, Mrs. Alice, Mr. Steven, Mrs. Elany, and Mrs. Minda—for playing a pivotal role in her daughter’s development. “They gave us more than education—they gave us love, stability, and trust.”
Now a kindergartener, Marita continues to thrive, and Josephine has taken on a new role as a substitute teacher. “Whenever I’m assigned to a SETA Head Start location, I share our story,” she says. “I try to give back the same kindness and respect that was shown to us.”
Josephine’s journey is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the profound impact of early childhood education. “SETA didn’t just help my daughter—they helped me become part of this community,” she says. “For that, I will always be grateful.”
