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My Dear Friends, Destiny’s course placed me on an unexpected path to create a safe haven in Oakland for Cambodian survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide. As an immigrant Iranian woman living in the United States-- traumatized from the mass killings of opposition voices by the Islamic Republic of Iran and having first-hand experience working with Iranian ex-political prisoners and their families-- my initial vision for Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (CERI) was to provide holistic mental health services for all traumatized refugee and immigrant survivors. That vision is rapidly becoming more of a reality through the organic evolution and expansion of our initial Cambodian community to a diverse and inclusive community. It was initially our second generation Cambodian youth who brought to CERI their Vietnamese, Yemenis, Mexican, El Salvadoran and African American friends, who were at risk for gang involvement, substance abuse, underground sex trafficking, teen pregnancy and dropping out of school. With support from Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services (Prop 68), CERI expanded therapeutic and healing spaces for other Southeast Asian refugee and immigrant populations and the LGBTQ community. We further diversified our community by facilitating services for adult children of our community members who were rescued from ICE detention centers along with their impacted families and developing CERI’s Wellness in Action workforce program (reaching refugee and immigrant communities which include Nepalese, Turkish, Afghan, Bhutanese, and Rwandans, to name a few). It is now difficult for any of us to label ourselves as Khmer, Columbian, Nepalese, Iranian, Burmese, Vietnamese, Korean, etc. Our place of birth, gender, religion, and sexual identity has become only a section of our being. Our humanity has found meaning in giving voice to our intersectional identities. Earlier this year with the onset of COVID-19, CERI immediately initiated its COVID-19 Relief Project supporting those facing unemployment, economic hardship, and hunger. Our clinical director, Kate Wadsworth, developed CERI’s meal delivery program. With the enthusiastic support of CERI’s staff and volunteers, we began to distribute 400 meals a day, four days a week for anyone in need of food. CERI’s work in mental health, wellness, and healing is critical to changing social conditions. As the political climate promises healing in the year to come, CERI is dedicated to expanding its programs to secure future needs of its diverse communities. It is for this inclusive cause that I urge you to place CERI high on your Giving Tuesday list. Our commitment to heal and meet the basic needs for communities of color, which are disproportionately un and under- served, would not be possible without your partnership and generosity. All your donations will be tax deductible. You may send your checks to 544 International Blvd, Suit 9, Oakland, CA, 94606 or donate online at www.cerieastbay.org/donate Mona Afary, Executive Director
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