Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants

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 i...mmigrant 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

CERI is proud to offer the Wellness In Action workshop, Reground Self Care Groups. A full description of the series can be found here: https://docs.google.com//1ZP-9G2_ZvvagYobdeiOgvVTG1Ql/edit And there is a video description as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVu8czTTJUo... To register, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/regroundselfcare

Did you know that CERI hosted a free COVID-19 testing event in November of 2020? Efforts such as this are made possible by CERI members. Visit https://ceri.givingfuel.com/donation to become a CERI member and see more from our COVID-19 testing event here: https://youtu.be/z0T9RB9rZZY

A big thank you to Monster Pho & Monster Pho 2 for continuing to support our community members!

major cuteness alert T'was the night before Christmas, the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce team did its part to ensure that the last of the kids on ou...r list received their gifts! Over 500 toothy smiles / 7 days! "When I see today's newcomers, I'm reminded of my experience with small children more than 30 years ago-- both scared and excited to be in a strange country, uncertain about the future. I feel like it's the right thing to do to help refugees because we know what it was like..." - OVCC Board member Vietnamese (former) refugees paying it forward with newcomer refugees & immigrants-- In partnership with CERI - Empowering Refugees and Immigrants @AfricanAdvocacyNetwork Burma Refugee Families & Newcomers Refugee & Immigrant Transitions Franklin Recreation-Center Manzanita Rec Good Good Eatz Eat Learn Play Foundation @ofrandomactsofkindness #refugeestories #oaklandstories #covidchristmas

#GivingTuesday Dear CERI's Community, We would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation for all of the support you have provided to the community in the past few months that enabled us to provide mental health services and support for our vulnerable refugee and immigrant families. ... As you know, the current administration’s hostile approach toward refugees and immigrants resulted in massive funding cuts for agencies that work with these communities. Your ongoing support enable us to continue our programs that otherwise would not be available for these families. To donate, simply go to this link and choose any amount you can afford. No amount is too small. Because you are our community's true heroes, we are taking this Thanksgiving to say thank you for support. Today and every other day of the year, we at the CERI are so grateful for your support. Thank you.

Photos from our recent scarf giveaway. Big thank you to Kim Leang Tork for making them by hand!

I vote because I want more people to work and make the country go in the right direction -Kaoeun, 70, a community member and survivor of Khmer Rouge genocide Today is election day! Make sure you vote for our communities and our country. #CERI #community #vote #oakland

Even though the times are tough, there are many bright spots, like all the joy we get to experience with our youth!! Pumpkin carving was part of the social distancing zoom Halloween party for CERIs youth . We also had a monster mash dance party, candy scavenger hunt, on-line games and do your own face painting and dress up. Party supplies were dropped off at homes so kids could be safe and have fun!! #CERI #youth #community #oakland #halloween

Merry Christmas from CERI to all of those that celebrate!

Our next immigration clinic focused on citizenship application assistance is on Nov 11th! Let us know if you need this support. Contact Min Thein at [email protected] or 510-355-5214 #community #CERI #oakland

Make my voice heard. Make a difference. That’s why I’m voting. - Sovann, 78, a community member and survivor of Khmer Rouge genocide We hope you will take the time to vote! Read more about why our community members vote in our newsletter this month: https://www.cerieastbay.org/monthly-newsletter... #community #CERI #oakland #vote

We vote because unless we have a government that cares about its people, nothing will change. -Sim and Sin, 65 and 62, community members and survivors of Khmer Rouge genocide. We hope you remember to vote this Halloween! Read more about why our community members vote on our newsletter this month! https://www.cerieastbay.org/monthly-newsletter... #CERI #community #oakland #vote

"I vote because I love democracy and I want it to last." - Lann, 65 yr. old community member, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge genocide and first time voter In the past couple of weeks, CERI staff supported over 60 community member’s registration to vote, while educating families on Propositions, measures and candidates through small group discussions, a town hall event, and one-on-one meetings. Our community members are committed to active citizenship and wish to contribute to... change. We asked community members, Why do you vote?" Along with Lann, many community members shared why with us. Read about it on our newsletter this month: https://www.cerieastbay.org/monthly-newsletter #community #CERI #oakland #vote

This Halloween make sure to get food and any essential items you might need. Check out this awesome resource from Narika. #community #oakland #october #halloween

We will have free COVID-19 testing NEXT Friday, Nov 6th! If you are a community member of CERI, please let us know if you would like to get a test. Contact us to schedule an appointment: [email protected], 510-846-1641 [email protected], 510-355-5214 [email protected], 925-436-7665... #community #CERI #oakland

Happy happy birthday to our very own Elijah Chhum & Trang Tran! You are both so amazing and we appreciate all that you bring to CERI community. Hope all October babies are having a beautiful birthday month! #community #oakland #CERI

A new school year is starting! Need tutoring support? Reach out to Virtual Tutoring Center! #community #CERI #oakland

Over the past two years, the San Mateo County Sheriff's office handed over 100 people directly to ICE when they were released from jail instead of letting them go home to their families and communities. This includes at least six San Mateo County residents that were transferred to ICE during the pandemic, risking people’s lives and worsening our public health crisis. Here's how you can respond: Sign up to get ready for San Mateo County's Truth Act Forum on 10/27 and RSVP at: ...bit.ly/iceoutofsmc. SMCCIR will share a toolkit to help guide participants with public comment. Share this message and invite community partners to participate! When: Tues, October 27, 2019 from 6-8 pm (forum may last longer) Where: The forum will be virtual (video link will be shared when available) Interpretation: The County will be providing interpretation into Spanish #community #oakland

We continue to demand that @GavinNewsom #LeadWithMercy! When Charles was 15, his father was deported to Fiji, and his mom struggled to make ends meet. Losing his father put Charles on a path of anger +instability. He completed a sentence for a crime he committed at age 22 but still faces deportation @GavinNewsom grant #ClemencyNow! Sign & share Charles’ petition: bit.ly/FreeCharles. Charles Joseph is a Indo-Fijian community leader, father, husband, & musician facing deportation after 13 yrs in prison. @GavinNewsom can pardon him & stop his deportation! #LeadWithMercy #KeepCharlesHome #ClemencyNow

We continue to demand that @GavinNewsom grant #ClemencyNow. Danny Thongsy, is a Laotian refugee who is also facing deportation after serving over 20 yrs in prison. Danny has transformed his life & since his release has advocated for the freedom of many incarcerated ppl. @GavinNewsom #Stand4Danny grant #ClemencyNow. Sign + share Danny’s pardon petition: http://bit.ly/stand4danny. Danny Thongsy is a beloved Laotian community leader facing deportation after 20 yrs in prison. @GavinNewsom #LeadWithMercy grant #ClemencyNow for Danny. #Stand4Danny.

Patricia Wright is a 68-year-old Black mother and grandmother and a survivor of domestic violence who is serving Life Without the Possibility of Parole (LWOP). She has been incarcerated for 23 years and is currently at the California Institution for Women (CIW) where she lives in the Honor Unit. Patricia is battling a recurrence of Stage III ovarian cancer and is at extremely high risk for infection and death from Covid-19 as she undergoes chemotherapy. Her doctor says she has 6-12 months to live, even if she is not infected by Covid-19. We call on Governor Newsom to show mercy and compassion to Patricia by granting her request for commutation and immediate release, allowing her to spend her remaining months with her loving family. Sign petition: https://www.change.org/p/blind-inmate-with-terminal-cancer- #CERI #community #oakland