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"When pure sincerity forms within, it is outwardly realized in other people's hearts." -- Lao Tzu Dear Community, As we enter 2022, we are appreciating abundance. In the last two years and, truly, since 2006, we have learned that it is with the generosity of the community that we don’t just survive, but thrive at CERI.
We are thrilled to share that from December 15 to 31, we raised over $23,000 from individual donations to provide direct aid for rent, hot meals and groceries, and other essential supplies to community members in need. Recently, we expanded our anti-deportation work, building our New Light program - an innovative mental health outreach program with the mission of working with Southeast Asian refugees who have been unjustly deported and those who face deportation, and their families. We also extended programming with our younger communities, providing educational and arts-based groups for young mothers, queer people, and children, teens, and Transitional Aged Youth ages 6 to 25. Wellness in Action, our workforce development program, is training the next generation of community mental health leaders. We’ve said it before, and we will say it again, we are growing in terms of populations served, with a diverse staff, who speak 15 native languages, and can relate to the lived experiences of refugee and immigrant communities and address cultural and linguistic needs of refugee and immigrant families. And, we started working with Afghan community members as well! Many times we are asked ‘what is CERI’s magic formula’? It is simply a heartfelt vision with purity of intention and holistic approach, strength of will, dedicated and caring team serving with deep understanding and compassion. Our mission to improve the social, emotional, psychological, economic, and physical health of refugees and immigrants affected by war, torture, genocide or other forms of extreme trauma would not be possible without you. It is with trust and faith from community members, partners, and funders that we are blessed with abundance, with the relationships and resources to bloom and flourish in our work. Thank you for being a part of our community! We want to wish you joy, health, and prosperity on this Gregorian New Year and look forward to cultivating abundance alongside you in 2022! With Gratitude, Marjan Nourai Board Chair, CERI
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