From Heartbreak to Hope: Building a Future for Srey Oun’s Family

Today, we want to share the story of a brave little girl named Srey Oun* and the incredible transformation that has taken place for her family.

At just 7 years old, Srey Oun* was welcomed into the SHE Rescue Home after surviving human trafficking and sexual exploitation by someone who had gained the family’s trust. Her mother—who we call the true hero of this story—immediately took action when she noticed changes in her daughter’s behaviour. She bravely got the authorities involved, ensuring her daughter’s safety and setting a powerful example of a mother’s love and strength.

Srey Oun’s* journey of healing is ongoing. She’s receiving counseling, loving care, and education at the SHE Rescue Home, and she dreams of becoming a teacher one day. But healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it takes a village. And it takes practical support for the entire family.

Srey Oun’s* mother is a widow, raising five children on her own by selling fried freshwater shellfish at the local market. They lived in extreme poverty with no stable home or protection, and her mother is currently recovering from cancer with a critical surgery on the horizon.

Because of generous supporters like you, we’ve been able to change that. This year, we purchased land for the family, and thanks to a team of volunteers, we built a brand-new, flood-safe house in just four days. A bathroom and electricity were installed before the team arrived, and the home was built high to withstand seasonal flooding. The team also gifted the family a moto to help with transport—and even installed a swing to bring joy to the children.

This home is more than a structure. It’s a foundation for a safer, more hopeful future—a place where Srey Oun* can one day return and thrive with her siblings. It’s a reminder that restoration doesn’t end with rescue; it continues through every wall built, every loan paid off, every meal shared. We are so grateful for everyone who made this possible. And there’s still so much more to do.

Your continued support helps us meet the individual needs of every girl and family we serve—whether that’s through counselling, education, or building a safe home from the ground up.

Thank you for being part of Srey Oun’s* story—and the story of so many others just like her.

*Name changed for privacy.