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“Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. [...] You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 's legacy has been a common thread of CERI’s continued thought process revolving around community care. When we founded CERI in 2006 with less than 100 refugees, all survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide, together we created our own model of healing practice with a trauma-informed therapeutic lens, humanistic ethos, traditional food, customs and practices, and support for our community through all of life's circumstances. Now serving 1200 refugees and immigrants each year from 12 different countries, everyone who comes through CERI's doors is not just a client but another community partner in building CERI's family. Today, our most important work is led together. When one of our staff members was being threatened with deportation in 2023, over 100 CERI community members organized to accompany him to the ICE check-in. A phone tree started to spread the word; transportation was organized for our elders across Oakland; and we mobilized to stand in solidarity outside the San Francisco immigration office by 7:30am. The heart wrenching looks of hope, concern and prayers could be felt with every hug as this could be the very last time we see our dearly loved staff member as we watched him walk through the ICE doors. 90% of our staff and leadership are immigrants and refugees of color and diaspora from deeply marginalized communities. Some have resisted systems of deportation, have survived incarceration, or have experienced the traumas of forced migration. Thankfully and with gratitude our staff member in this case was released safely, and the incredible relief from our community further exemplifies our love, support and amazing shared bond that is indicative of CERI. We affirmed that this experience is not something we have to hold alone, in isolation or shame; we are in this together. Our community care is a healing that ripples out. CERI’s New Light program was created to extend this support, providing services for families facing the trauma and possible deportation of a loved one. Last week, community care took another form - a field trip to Half Moon Bay with our elders. 42 of our cherished seniors got on the CERI bus to head to the pier. For most, this was their first time visiting Half Moon Bay. We took in the ocean views and celebrated the lunar new year of the dragon and our January birthdays with flowers, traditional food, and delicious cakes. These experiences are lauded since many of our elders do not get the chance to venture outside of their communities. One elder excitedly stated, “If I had a wish, it would be to drive this bus to Cambodia for a field trip!” Such camaraderie, fun, joy and the experience of being together fills our hearts with their smiles and their appreciation!
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