Jamala Maye, a former refugee from Somalia, works for refugee groups and Dallas schools as a translator and tutor for students like Mohamed Mohamed, 14.

By GRETEL C. KOVACH

Dallas, August 26, 2007 - Many spent their lives trapped in the limbo of tent cities and huts in places like Mae La, Thailand, and Daadab, Kenya.

Before landing in Texas, some had never used a bank account or shopped for food. Others survived war and torture.

Whatever their background, all refugees know the blessings and pain behind the long-awaited invitation to start over in a foreign country. Here in Dallas, several have made careers of helping others find their way.

With one hand in each world, these refugee caseworkers pull some of the newest – and neediest – arrivals across the divide.

Few refugees can afford to hold that job, says Bill Bernstein, chairman of the Metroplex Refugee Network. Social work "doesn't pay anything. That's just the reality," he says. "That's why the people who work here are very dedicated."

Three ambassadors of American life, 12-13A

Source: The Dallas Morning News