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The Universal chime ‘life being an echo; what you sow, you reap’ rings true for two of our community members, who at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, came to CERI daily to make masks for others. Through their service, they have found meaning in life, their purpose, and a better state of mental health. They want to share their personal journey with you, our dear friends and supporters . “I love to sew. It’s what keeps me from feeling depressed and anxious. It makes me happy to see community members wearing masks I made. It makes me feel that I can do something in my community during the hard times.” - Vinna, CERI community member Vinna is a survivor of the Khmer Rouge genocide. Sewing saved her life, as she was forced to make clothes for the Khmer Rouge soldiers in exchange for food. When she came to the United States, Vinna worked in different service and assembly jobs; her skills in sewing continued to support her livelihood. In 2018, she joined CERI and quickly bonded with other community members. Although it has not been easy separating from her friends during the COVID-19 pandemic, Vinna is grateful for the opportunity to contribute her skills in sewing to the community-- and she is not the only one. ***
“… making these masks gave a whole new meaning to my life. I know there are people out there who need these masks and I can help them.” - Saveth, CERI community member Saveth is also a genocide survivor suffering from serious health issues. Losing her parents during the Khmer Rouge genocide, she moved in with different families as a maid and was emotionally and physically abused before coming to the United States from Cambodia. “Prior to CERI, I was hospitalized and I did not walk for 10 years . Every day I was thinking about taking my own life and I would ask the doctor to give me a lot of medication so I can end it. Since attending CERI, I want to live. I’m glad that I didn’t kill myself.” Starting in mid-March, Saveth came to CERI several hours each day to cut fabric and sew masks.We have never seen her this happy! Later, she continued her project from home, along with Vinna and other community members. *** Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, CERI staff and community members have worked together to meet the moment. We quickly adapted to a telehealth model for mental health service provision and addressed material impacts of COVID-19 through providing rent assistance, food distribution, back to school supplies, and masks. CERI’s Mask Project brought together community members, elders and youth, to create and deliver masks not only to our clients but to other community groups and people who are currently houseless. CERI purchased five sewing machines and provided stipends to community members for their help in making masks. We have distributed more than 1,500 masks so far. Through the story of Saveth, Vinna, and others, we have seen the meaningful impacts of this project on the individuals who contribute as well as recipients in the community. *** This Holiday Season, we invite you to echo the gift of giving. Become a Member of CERI with monthly tax-deductible donation by December 31, 2020, and we will send you a beautiful hand-sewn CERI mask. Your contribution will go towards continuing our Empowered Khmer Women’s Group, a space that supports Saveth and others involved in CERI’s Mask Project.
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