World Refugee & Immigrant Day

“No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark…”

• Home by Warsan Shire

Refugee is an identity that carries dignity. At the same time, the label refugee is a forced identity that holds the tragedy of loss – loss of homelands and a sense of belonging. Despite violence, racism and xenophobia, what we’ve found in our work at CERI is that refugees enrich culture and embody rituals that build meaningful, intergenerational communities. Our communities show us how to be with the truth – that pain and beauty exist together. As we navigate frightening unknowns, we laugh, dance, feed each other, and #practicehappiness for the everyday joys — with our refugee communities leading the way. 

One place where we see this at CERI is through our CalHOPE counseling and referral program created to address the impacts of COVID-19. One of our two great Afghan staff is Weeda, who arrived as a refugee from Afghanistan nine months ago. Weeda helps Afghan newcomer families to arrive and settle, with a deep understanding of culture and language. Because she herself recently walked the process, she knows the importance of taking time to listen to stories and build trust with community members in order to help in effective ways. Through the CalHOPE program, Weeda has helped Afghan newcomer families connect to public benefits, food, housing, school, and job opportunities. One week ago, Weeda was delighted to welcome her younger sister, who escaped Kabul, and is now here as a refugee as well. The two sisters are ecstatic to be together, and to be able to help their family back in Kabul.

In addition to Weeda, CERI’s diverse and dedicated CalHOPE team of 10 offer individual and group support to refugee and immigrant families in 15 different languages. Here are just a few examples of the groups we offer: a support group for those who have loved ones living afar and feel isolated, a teen art group, a Nepali mother's support group, a father's support group, a Grief and Loss group, a Filipino activist support group, a group for receiving stimulus checks and case management, our Laughing Out Loud group, a trauma survivor support group, and many more.

CERI is humbled to do this work and grateful that our CalHOPE program has also been a site for workforce development – among community leaders who identify as refugees and immigrants themselves. It’s an honor to be a part of building a community mental health workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the Bay Area. 

On June 18th, we will join Alameda County’s 2022 World Refugee and Immigrant Day Festival, where we, alongside our amazing partner organizations, will celebrate our diverse communities with art, live music, children’s activities, and food. Please join us!

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