Happy Holiday From

The Center For Empowering Refugees and Immigrants

Dear CERI Friends and Family, 


I am writing to you as the executive director at the Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (CERI), located in Oakland, CA. For the past 14 years, CERI has been the champion of serving vulnerable refugee communities by creating a unique sanctuary space for survivors of war, torture, genocide and other forms of extreme trauma. Today I want to share Elizabeth’s story with you and ask you to support us in our journey.

When Elizabeth joined the CERI community in 2013, she did not share her story with anyone. She did not want to remember her past; the death of her husband and two toddlers during the Cambodian Genocide and the loss of her elder son in the US.

——>Read Elizabeth’s story on our website

However, In March 2019, when ICE notified Elizabeth’s only son that he was going to be detained and deported to Cambodia, Elizabeth broke her silence and joined the first Cambodian anti-deportation campaign at CERI. This time, she refused to accept the loss.

She went to the capital to speak to legislators and advocated for her son and others’ release. Her efforts helped get two Oakland Cambodian community members pardoned and two others, including her son, post-conviction relief. They are all now home in the Bay Area and safe from deportation.

Over the years, CERI has evolved to meet the needs of our community. Our anti-deportation work is one of our latest endeavors. We started this program, despite the lack of funding, because we realize that our community is in crisis. Your ongoing support of only $25 (or more) a month, would enable us to continue this program to help other survivors like Elizabeth. 


You can donate online or mail checks to CERI at 544 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94606 (written to “Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants”). 

No matter the size, all contributions are meaningful and deeply appreciated. We will not be able to continue our efforts without supporters like you. Thank you so much, and Happy Holidays!


Mona Afary

Executive Director