PANMA Wall of Testimonials
The impact we are making is felt in the lives of our community members
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1
A Lifeline in My Darkest Hour
“I have been truly blessed to be a part of PANMA. When I lost my husband in 2014, my world was turned upside down. It was a devastating time for my young family, and I wasn’t sure how we would get through it. But the PANMA family stepped in with unwavering support. They helped with everything—from the funeral arrangements to financial assistance for rent and food. Beyond that, they provided the emotional and social support that kept us going. I will forever be grateful to PANMA for standing by my side when I needed it most.
— Fanta Fofana, Kent
2
More Than Just a community—A Family
“When I first moved to the U.S. from Africa, I only knew my best friend, Shieck Kamara. I felt alone and uncertain about how to navigate this new chapter of my life. Thanks to Shieck’s connection with PANMA, my social circle expanded, and I found a strong, supportive community that welcomed me with open arms. More than that, I met my wonderful wife, Hawa Sanoh, through the friendships I built within PANMA. The organization has not only helped me integrate into my new home but has also given me a sense of belonging. Today, I am honored to serve as PANMA’s Social Director, giving back to the community that gave me so much.”
— Mohamed Toukara, Federal way, WA
3
Finding Strength Through Community
“Losing my daughter in 2024 was the most painful experience of my life—it felt as if my entire world had shattered. In that moment of unimaginable grief, PANMA was there for me in ways I never expected. They helped with the funeral, provided financial and emotional support, and surrounded me with a community that truly cared. Their kindness didn’t stop at the burial; they continued to check in, offering comfort and assistance when I needed it most. PANMA is more than an organization—it is a family that lifts each other up during life’s hardest moments. I am forever grateful.”
— Hadja M. Camara, Feferal Way, WA
4
Community That Stood by Us in Tragedy
“In the summer of 2023, we attended a graduation ceremony for a community member at a park in Everett. It was meant to be a joyous occasion, a day of celebration with our family. But in a heartbreaking turn of events, our youngest child drowned in the lake. It was a tragedy that shook us to our core. From the moment PANMA leadership was notified, they stepped in with compassion and unwavering support. They took care of the burial arrangements, easing a burden we could hardly bear, and continued to provide emotional and social support long after. Their kindness and presence in our darkest moments meant everything to us. We will never forget that day, and we will never forget what PANMA did for our family.”
— Alhaji Zoumana, Everett
5
A Community That Meant the World to Our Family
“In 2022, we faced one of the most difficult moments of our lives. Two of our children were hospitalized, and tragically, one did not make it. During this heartbreaking time, PANMA was there for us. From assisting with the burial arrangements to providing emotional support, they made an unbearable situation a little easier to navigate. Their kindness and compassion meant the world to our family.”
— Veke Dukuly & Djene Keita, Portland, OR
6
A Community That Supported Us Beyond What we Could Have Imagined
“There is nothing more powerful than a community coming together in times of need. PANMA has become a pillar of hope in the Pacific Northwest. When we lost our newborn, they stepped in without hesitation, offering both emotional and financial support. Their generosity and commitment to helping families in crisis are unmatched. I sincerely hope that the government and donors continue to fund this incredible organization so they can keep making a difference in people’s lives.”
— Alhaji Alie Kromah & Makanssa Jabateh, Kent
7
A Community That Supported Us In Times of Dispair
“In 2017, we welcomed our third and fourth children(Twins) into the world, but they were born prematurely. Despite our hopes, we lost them both too soon. During our time of grief, the entire PANMA community rallied around us. They took care of the burial arrangements and supported us beyond what we could have imagined. Even beyond that, one of the family (Musa Konneh and Hadja Sumaoro) of PANMA volunteered to take two of our older kids with them since we were between the hospital and other things that were happening. PANMA is more than an organization; they are a family that brings comfort and hope when it’s needed most. Their dedication to helping others has brought smiles to so many in our community.”
