Our mission is to improve the social, emotional, psychological, economic, and physical health of refugees and immigrants
Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (CERI) is a nonprofit organization based in Oakland with a mission to improve the social, emotional, psychological, economic , and physical health of refugees and immigrant from Southeast Asia affected by war, torture, genocide or other forms of extreme trauma.
Founded in 2005 by a group of bilingual/bicultural mental health professionals, CERI provides culturally relevant mental health and other social services. CERI is dedicated to transforming the lives of refugees and immigrants and their families, who suffer from weakening intergenerational relationships, layers of complex needs and exposure to violence and trauma both in their current environment and in their native countries.
Adult and Older Adult Program
CERI offers a holistic array of culturally-sensitive bilingual services that support the mental health and well-being of refugee and immigrant clients who have multiple layers of complex needs.
Wellness in Action
Wellness in Action (WiA) is a workforce training and development program for para-professional community mental health advocates from unserved and underserved refugee and new immigrant communities in the Bay Area.
LGBTQ Community
CERI is proud to be expanding services to LGBTQ refugees and immigrants of color, with a focus on the Southeast Asian population. The lack of recognition for the very lives, experiences, …
Youth Leadership
CERI’s Youth Leadership Program offers a safe space for young folks to develop community organizing skills, explore mental health issues, and promote personal wellness and self-esteem. CERI believes the youth are part of the solution and with the partnership of adult allies will create positive social change.
The Next Generation of Southeast Asian Leaders
TBD
Our Impact
Over the last two decades, CERI has gradually built deep bonds of trust among its client population, encouraging clients to take an active role in their own healing and in supporting others in their community to heal. Specific benefits include:
Reduced symptoms of trauma and PTSD
Increased sense of wellness and enjoyment of life
Reduced need for psychiatric medications
Reduced social isolation and greater sense of community
Increase involvement in local politics
Greater involvement in the wider community through off-site activities
Emerging leadership behavior demonstrated by adult and youth clients
Improve intergenerhtoinal relationship
Financial and housing stability
