Safe Spaces, Strong Communities:
One Mother’s Journey Toward Healing and Belonging
Center for Immigrant and Refugee Health (CIRH) and Cypress Resilience Project, both programs of Public Health Institute (PHI), in partnership with California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and Office of Refugee Health (ORH), are proud to highlight the efforts of our dedicated grantees in addressing the mental health needs of refugees across California.
From Displacement to a New Beginning
In August 2021, Fatima, a 28-year-old mother of four, arrived in the U.S. carrying the emotional weight of war, loss, and uncertainty. Like many newly arrived refugees, she faced long months on military bases and the complex challenges of resettlement.
Though enrolled in ESL classes, depression, anxiety, and isolation made it nearly impossible for her to attend.
“I was scared to leave my house. I spent my days thinking about my family back in Afghanistan, feeling guilty and overwhelmed.”
Unable to care for her children as she wanted, Fatima became reliant on medication that left her even more drained.
Finding Safe Spaces
Her turning point came when a classmate told her about Safe Spaces, a community-based support group offered by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Nervous yet encouraged by the possibility of help for both her and her children, Fatima attended her first session.
“I wasn’t sure if I could open up...At first, I wasn’t even honest in answering some of the questions from RHS-15 because I was afraid of the consequences”
But as the weekly sessions continued, she began to feel safe. Each weekly session offered practical tools focused on mental health, self-care, and community-building, resources that helped her feel seen and supported.
“I realized I wasn’t alone. There were others like me, and we learned ways to feel better”
The following stories reflect the real experiences of Afghan clients. Names and identifying details have been changed to protect their privacy.
Healing Through Connection
By the fifth session, the shift was visible. Fatima’s husband, moved by her progress, started driving her to each session. Small signs of self-care, like wearing her wedding ring again, brought back joy to her family. She said:
“He was so happy to see me taking care of myself again.”
After 12 sessions, Fatima had regained her energy, hope, and emotional strength. She looked forward to rejoining ESL classes and exploring more IRC resources.
“This program changed my life, and I am so grateful for the support.”
The Power of Culturally Responsive Support
The impact of Safe Spaces reached far beyond individual healing. At Highland Charter School, where the group met, teachers noticed improved attendance and behavior among students, clear signs of strengthened family engagement and well-being.
Fatima’s story is a testament to the impact of culturally responsive mental health support. Through collaboration with partners like IRC, we continue to create safe, healing spaces where individuals and families can rebuild their lives with strength, connection, and hope.
Centering Culture to Build Connection
At CIRH, we are proud to partner with the International Rescue Committee in advancing culturally responsive mental health services that meet clients where they are, with empathy, respect, and understanding.
Through the Refugee Mental Health Initiative (RMHI), our partners provide holistic, linguistically appropriate care that supports the mental health and well-being of refugee communities.
