Family Support Resource Program

Immigrant families face unique challenges around mental health and well-being. These can include:

Family separation – It is not uncommon for families to be separated during the migration process. Whether parents come to the United States first and send for their children after getting settled or send their children here first and save up money to join them later, the separation can be emotionally traumatic for the entire family. This can result in anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder which, over time, may lead to anti-social behavior and can have physical consequences, including heart disease, chronic stress and metabolic disorders.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) – Traumatic events that occur during childhood, including witnessing violence in the community and being separated from parents have been linked to chronic health problems, mental illness and substance use problems in adolescence and adulthood. They can also negatively impact education and job opportunities.

These and other problems that can affect any family, like divorce, domestic abuse, substance abuse or catastrophic illness, often hit immigrant families especially hard because of language barriers and the lack of meaningful access to appropriate care.

Our Family Support Resource Program helps immigrant families navigate challenges and learn coping skills in a comfortable, supportive environment. In our group workshops, we make sure attendees understand that they are not alone and that they are respected. We also help them find community resources to provide appropriate care.