Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants - CERI

Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants - CERI Our mission is to improve the social, psychological, and economic health of refugees and immigrants affected by genocide, war, and extreme trauma.

CERI is a community-based mental health, non-profit organization founded in 2006 by bilingual/bicultural mental health professionals. We are dedicated to providing culturally competent mental health and other social services to refugee and immigrant families with multiple layers of complex needs, exposure to violence and trauma both in their current environment and in their native countries, and w

eakening intergenerational relationships. CERI's focus is on individuals of Cambodian, Burmese, Lao, Vietnamese, Nepali, Tibetan, Bhutanese, Afghan, Indian, Rwandan descent. We currently serve about 400 families and 300 individuals yearly. Our staff provide services in 15 languages.

“Our trip to Alcatraz was certainly a physical challenge, especially for our elders, but they never gave up! Together, w...
08/22/2026

“Our trip to Alcatraz was certainly a physical challenge, especially for our elders, but they never gave up! Together, we climbed the hill to the top of the Island to visit the famous former maximum-security federal penitentiary, which operated from 1934 to 1963. Because our group had to be divided into smaller groups, I was not able to capture everyone in my photos. Nevertheless, we made it, supported one another, and most importantly, we had a wonderful time together. For many of us, it was our first time visiting the island; it was a day filled with determination and unforgettable memories!”
Roger Remera, CERI Staff & Photographer

Meet David Dobras, Board Chair of the Center for Empowering Refugees & Immigrants. David helps support CERI's mission an...
08/21/2026

Meet David Dobras, Board Chair of the Center for Empowering Refugees & Immigrants. David helps support CERI's mission and the work we do to empower refugee and immigrant communities.
Let's hear what David has to share about the Stories of Home event, the stories he heard, and how the evening made him feel.

Stories of Home08/20/26What does home mean to you?For many immigrants and refugees, home can mean safety, family, cultu...
08/21/2026

Stories of Home
08/20/26
What does home mean to you?
For many immigrants and refugees, home can mean safety, family, culture, community, belonging, or the memories we carry with us.
Yesterday, CERI brought together supporters, volunteers, staff, and community members for Stories of Home an evening dedicated to honoring the stories and journeys of immigrants and refugees in our community.
Through personal stories and reflections, we were reminded that home can take many forms, and sometimes, home is something we create together.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make space for these stories to be heard and celebrated.
Thank you stories of home for helping us create an amazing videos and help us with the process.

So very grateful to Maitri and our wonderful collaboration for a successful and empowering youth event.
08/20/2026

So very grateful to Maitri and our wonderful collaboration for a successful and empowering youth event.

CERI celebrates Oakland PRIDE with our communities and Holding Sotha group! “I love to support my Cambodian Community an...
08/19/2026

CERI celebrates Oakland PRIDE with our communities and Holding Sotha group!
“I love to support my Cambodian Community and the LGBT Community because I grew up loving one another for who they are and what they believe in. 🏳️‍🌈♥️” Ravy Mey

Are you interested in building a strong college application while also advocating for justice in your communities?Join u...
08/19/2026

Are you interested in building a strong college application while also advocating for justice in your communities?
Join us at Clinton Park for our new Fall 2026 Semester workshop series Roots to Rise! *+

Build community while strengthening your resumes in a fun, interactive, and strength-based setting with other 1st and 2nd generation AAPI youth from the Bay Area!
Activities include campus tours, deep conversations on identity, and creative storytelling.

Tuesdays, September 22-December 16,
4:00-6:30PM
• Clinton Park, 655 International Boulevard
il Dinner and Stipends Provided!
FREE for Youth Aged 14-19
We have a focus on 1st and 2nd generation youth from the Asian diaspora but allies of all identities are welcome to apply!
• Scan the QR Code for registration and more information

08/19/2026

CERI’s beautiful elders receive fresh grown chayote squash from Thavery and the community! So grateful!!

08/18/2026

The response speaks for itself.
What started as a workshop for a small group of registered youth grew into a room full of young people ready to learn, connect, and engage. Our Healthy Relationships Workshop was a powerful reminder that when we create meaningful spaces for youth, they show up-and they make an impact.

CERI is grateful to provide training on Health Care access in Contra Costa County in a Parenting and Know Your Rights Wo...
08/18/2026

CERI is grateful to provide training on Health Care access in Contra Costa County in a Parenting and Know Your Rights Workshop at the Nepali Center on Saturday, August 15th. Thank you to all our participants and to Maitri for collaboration.

08/12/2026

Happy Happy Birthday Dear Sophal who heads our Women’s Group and Elders on wonderful adventures & field trips; all the while healing and advocating for wellness, happiness and happiness in their lives. CERI is so proud of Sophal’s contributions to CERI and our communities with LOVE!
Celebrating today with Holding Sotha too! ♥️

Address

554 Grand Avenue
Oakland, CA
94610

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15104441671

Website

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