After moving from Kenya to the United States in search of a better future, Chep dedicated her life to caring for others while quietly carrying the weight of trauma, motherhood, and survival. Through years of hardship, healing, and self-discovery, she found the strength to rebuild her life and rediscover her purpose. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and the power of starting over.
Chep’s journey is one of resilience, healing, and quiet strength.
Originally from Kenya, Chep moved to the United States in 2006 with her family, including her young son, hoping to build a more stable future. From a young age, she was drawn to healthcare after experiencing severe asthma and witnessing the care and compassion of medical professionals who helped her through it. That early experience became the foundation of her long-standing passion for nursing and helping others.
She went on to build a career in healthcare while raising her growing family and navigating the responsibilities of life in a new country. Along the way, she demonstrated persistence, adaptability, and deep commitment to her children’s well-being and her professional growth.
She spent several years in an abusive relationship that deeply affected her and her children. Throughout that time, she focused on keeping her family together, often carrying the responsibility in silence while trying to maintain stability in their daily lives. Over time, the sustained emotional strain, fear, and isolation began to take a serious toll on her mental health.
In 2020, during an especially difficult period, Chep made the decision to step back, focus on her well-being and her children’s safety, and move forward with a divorce. With the support of therapy and trusted support systems, she gradually began the process of rebuilding her life and redefining what safety and peace meant for her family.
As part of her healing and professional journey, she returned to education in 2025 to continue growing in the healthcare field through phlebotomy training at American Indian OIC. Despite her previous clinical experience, she embraced the opportunity with humility and dedication, rediscovering her confidence and passion for patient care.
Today, Chep speaks with pride about the progress she and her children have made. Her focus is on healing, stability, and creating a supportive environment where her family can continue to grow. She also looks ahead with purpose, hoping to continue her work in healthcare and eventually contribute to community and global health initiatives that support vulnerable populations.
Her story reflects resilience, recovery, and the strength it takes to rebuild a life with intention, care, and hope for the future.
Kyla’s journey is shaped by resilience, determination, and a passion for helping others. As a Youth Career Counselor at American Indian OIC, she is dedicated to empowering participants and connecting them with opportunities to achieve their goals.
The American Indian OIC has released a statement addressing the intersecting crises of homelessness, addiction, and community safety affecting our Urban Indigenous community. The statement outlines our commitment to supporting our unsheltered relatives through culturally responsive services while also protecting the safety and well-being of our students, clients, staff, and neighbors. We invite you to read the full statement to better understand our perspective, our values, and our ongoing commitment to our community.
With graduation now behind him, Aureliano “Ray” is stepping into an exciting new chapter while reflecting on the experiences that helped shape his journey. His story is one of growth, self-discovery, and finding the environment where he could thrive. Through perseverance, meaningful connections, and a strong sense of identity, Ray built the confidence and foundation to pursue his goals. Read his story to learn more about the path that led him to this milestone and the future he is working toward.
