Meet Zuhurullah S. a refugee from war-torn Afghanistan, whose life took an unexpected turn for the better when he discovered the life-changing power of HOPE.

Zuhurullah’s journey began when he was introduced to Operation HOPE through an organization called World Relief. After attending a series of workshops in 2022, he saw a glimmer of hope amidst the challenges he faced. In January of 2023, he took a courageous step forward and began the Credit and Money Management program through a local HOPE Inside, seeking to rebuild his life in the United States.

After joining the program, Zuhurullah faced daunting hurdles—no credit score, no savings, and little understanding of the economic landscape in his new home. But he refused to be held back by his circumstances. In Afghanistan, he was a well-respected businessman, and he held on to his dream of opening a small grocery store in Winston Salem, NC, a place he could call his own.

With the guidance and support from Operation HOPE, Zuhurullah began an incredible transformation. In just a month, his credit score rose to an impressive 714, a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work. Not stopping there, he managed to save an impressive $11,000 in a savings account—a beacon of hope for his future aspirations.

Operation HOPE’s Credit and Money Management program and the guidance of his Financial Wellbeing Coach, Alisa Dunn, opened new doors for Zuhurullah. He learned how to increase his credit score and confidently made strides in securing a line of credit, paving the way for a brighter financial future.

As Zuhurullah shared his story, he couldn’t help but express his gratitude for finding Alisa and Operation HOPE. He described it as a divine intervention, a profound encounter with something he didn’t know he needed—the beacon of hope that had eluded him until that moment.

But this is only the beginning of Zuhurullah’s journey. With the completion of Credit and Money Management, he now eagerly anticipates transitioning to the Small Business Development program. Armed with newfound knowledge and skills, he is well on his way to turning his dream of owning a small grocery store into reality.