After losing everything while fleeing danger, refugees welcomed to the U.S. often arrive carrying the trauma of violent conflicts and being forced from their homes. As you can imagine, these challenges make it even more difficult to learn English, find work, and rebuild your life.

That's why the IRC in Oakland prioritizes the health and overall wellness of newcomers by offering access to high quality healthcare services addressing both physical and psychological needs.

Our Health and Wellness teams provide offer group and individualized psychological services for newcomers suffering from stress, anxiety, and social isolation. These efforts work in tandem with our supportive case management services, addressing food insecurity, navigating public systems, and linking to other resources. 

Keep reading to learn why this assistance is so critical from our dedicated staff making it possible.

Nooshin Abedi, Prevention Counselor

What do you love most about your role?

What I love most about my role is the opportunity to make a positive impact on individuals' lives by providing support and guidance during challenging times. Helping people navigate their difficulties and seeing their progress is incredibly rewarding.

What does mental health mean to you and why is it important?

Mental health, to me, means the overall well-being of an individual's mind, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social aspects. It is important because it affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing our ability to handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. For newcomers, maintaining good mental health is crucial as they adapt to new environments, cultures, and challenges. Supporting their mental health ensures they can thrive and integrate successfully into their new communities. 

 

Beheshta Kohgadai, Prevention Counselor

What do you love most about your role?

What I love most about this role is being able to meet clients where they’re at in their mental health journey and work with them to reach their goals. Finding practical ways where our clients can implement techniques on how to improve their health and wellbeing is rewarding not only for them but for me as their counselor as well. 

What does mental health mean to you and why is it important?

Mental health to me is one of the most, if not the most important way we can maintain our wellbeing in a hectic world. Finding ways to cope with and learn ways to overcome obstacles in our lives is crucial for everybody especially the populations we serve that have fled their home countries due to war and insecurity.

 

 

Holly Javadi, Prevention Counselor

What do you love most about your role?

I love the incredibly strong, talented and determined people whom I have the privilege of meeting and working with! As I offer them emotional support, encouragement and new coping skills to smooth the transition of building new lives, they give me hope and inspiration. Despite the terrible experiences of violence and insecurity they have often faced, their resilience and determination are amazing. I’m proud to be able to speak with them in Dari as we become friends and fellow citizens, and I hope that they feel a warm welcome to their new country where my Irish ancestors came as immigrants generations ago.

What does mental health mean to you and why is it important?

To me, being healthy mentally and emotionally means being able to build positive and supportive relationships with others, and especially with ourselves.   Mental health practices that focus attention on the breath and the sensations of our bodies, like mindfulness or meditation, can bring calm and help us get to know ourselves better.

When we know ourselves well, we know what is truly important to us. Then we can take this knowledge to align our words and actions with our values, and feel that our lives have meaning, and that we are comfortable with our place in the world. And with this we are able to contribute to the wellbeing of our friends, our families and others around us.

 

Shamim Mujaddide, Health & Wellness Promoter

What do you love most about your role?

I have the privilege of supporting the Afghan population in Alameda County, including men, women, and youth. My role allows me to facilitate discussions where individuals can express their concerns and find solace in shared experiences. I connect them with essential resources and provide valuable information, helping to foster a sense of community and empowerment. The most rewarding aspect of my job is witnessing the positive impact of these efforts on individuals' lives.

What does mental health mean to you and why is it important?

Mental health is the cornerstone of overall well-being, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is essential because it affects every facet of our lives, including our relationships, work, and ability to cope with stress. Promoting mental health awareness and providing support is crucial in enabling individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Through my work at IRC, I strive to empower individuals to manage their mental health proactively and access the resources they need to thrive.

In particular, I work with the Afghan population who have suffered significantly in their home country. Many face language barriers and various other challenges as they adapt to life in a new country. It is crucial for everyone, especially the populations we serve who have fled war, insecurity, and numerous frustrations, to overcome obstacles and build a new life. We welcome them and guide them towards a new way of life in their new home.By raising awareness and offering support, we can help build a stronger, more resilient community.