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12 years has passed since Thee Da moved with her family to Minnesota from a refugee camp in Thailand. She is originally from Burma, born in 1970.
Most in her shoes would describe the change from a tropical monsoon climate to the snow-globe freezer box that Minnesota is for half the year as extreme. Not Thee Da. She was hardly fazed. In fact, she was eager to participate in the wintry holiday festivities when arriving in 2013. It continues to be an aspect she cherishes most about Minnesota.
Shortly after moving to the states, Thee Da learned of KOM through her relatives and from other local refugees who had just settled in the Twin Cities area. Looking for support, Thee Da and her family turned to KOM as the organization initially helped her translate mail, other important documents, and applications for social programs.
Since then Thee Da has become a special part of the KOM community and its client base, regularly participating in the organization’s Peer Support group. One of her sons is also a client and attends KOM youth programs educating about drug prevention.
While the transition from life on one hemisphere to the other is incredibly difficult in its own right, Thee Da has endured additional challenges that have tested her resiliency.
During her interview for this newsletter, Thee Da shared that her husband passed away three years ago. For a mother of four kids, including two under the age of 18, Thee Da’s loss not only leaves an emotional toll, but a need for more support as she works hard to raise her two children who remain under her care.
Thee Da appreciates the support she receives from KOM describing her journey with the organization as positive. She emphasized the organization helps a lot with filling out forms, teaching her the nuances of American culture, and providing a supportive environment where she has made friendships.
Published: November 17, 2025
