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Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (CERI) has earned a reputation as a sanctuary for joyful and empowered community of survivors by creating a safe and comfortable space for our clients, warmly welcoming all. At CERI we share food, art, movement, and togetherness while providing a space where all can get holistic support to alleviate emotional and psychological pain. When a new client or newcomer walked into CERI’s doors, just by stepping into a space filled with so much love, joy, and a deep sense of unity and acceptance, they have told us they immediately experience a connection and feel better. They are dearly welcomed by their community members and out staff, who are the epitome of kindness, and survivors from other refugee communities. It is not only the staff, but the survivors who give out newcomers hope for a better future, meaningful relationships, and a sense of belonging to a community that feels like a second home. Our focus is on healing the traumatized who enter our doors. Our mission is to support refugees and immigrants who have endured the ravages of war, torture, genocide, political and systemic oppression, loss, displacement, diaspora and other severe traumas. CERI’s grassroots origins begin in 2006 in Oakland with a very small dedicated team serving less than 100 Cambodian refugees, all survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide. Now, 17 years later, with a team of 40 staff members and clinical interns, we serve 1200 elders, adults, youth, and children from 13 refugee and immigrant communities annually. 83% of our staff are refugees and immigrants themselves who, as trauma survivors, truly represent the communities they serve. With the support of this dedicated team, we offer: social and mental health services, workforce development, youth leadership, LGBTQ+ empowerment, anti-deportation advocacy, and activities that are culturally enriched and bring healing and joy to our community members. All services are provided in our 13 communities’ native languages and are free of charge. The pride of CERI come from the cultural richness of our collective communities and out openness to learning from each other’s ethos and lived experiences. This is what allows us to share and celebrate our differences. If you have yet to experience CERI, we extend a warm invitation to you to explore our wonderful organization in person, join our newsletter, and follow us on social media Please consider a gift now to CERI, to maintain and grow our programs in order to support the work we do every day of the year. ~ From our hearts to yours.
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