Every Story Unique

On November 14^th, Casserly House, in collaboration with Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center (GRMDC), gathered 60 Roslindale leaders for a practitioners’ workshop on community mental health and wellness in support of immigrants and refugees. An attendee noted, “I’m so glad we have the mental health and wellness workshop. It couldn’t be happening at a better time.” In addition to Casserly House and GRMDC, representatives from other Roslindale non-profit organizations, churches, government entities, food/housing/adult education/family agencies, schools, library, and business gathered at the Roslindale Community Center, a convening from many sectors across the neighborhood. The GRMDC Behavioral Health Team Lead said, “Casserly House is ahead of the curve.  Great job!”

Talk about “great job,” the GRMDC did a fabulous job with this workshop! The team began with mindfulness practice. Next, we addressed the signs and symptoms of stress and trauma. We discussed culturally-appropriate coping strategies, and outlined resources for referral, while acknowledging too few resources relative to the need. Three presenters shared their own experience with immigration, with one stressing “Every story is unique.”  Common feedback included: Great to know that there are all these resources, organizations, and people who care about immigrant mental health and wellness in Roslindale; there are so many stressors for immigrants and barriers to receive care; listening and non-judgmental interactions are key!

Each attendee is part of a larger entity who works with immigrants and refugees, so will carry their learning into their work and community. Also, they will outreach to their respective groups for participation in an upcoming “Community Workshop for Health and Wellbeing,” also with GRMDC’s Behavioral Health Team as presenter and Casserly House as convener and co-facilitator. The path ahead will not be easy, but with each step forward, there is meaning, connection, and hope.