Jewish Family Service, Refugee Mental Health Program

The Refugee Mental Health Program began in 2006 to help those who had fled their countries because of war, oppression, religious persecution, or ethnic conflicts. These refugees struggle with acculturation, language barriers, unfamiliar surroundings, financial stressors, and loss of identities, homes, and professions. Many were victims of torture or gender-based violence. A team of six dedicated mental health professionals has worked with more than 200 clients in the past year. According to JFS, the clients “gain confidence and life skills, learn to smile, laugh, socialize, find employment, acculturate, and integrate. It is not an easy or fast process, but it is expedited with the support of this talented team.”