11/28/2024
GERA California began its fall events with a family support program attended by over 175 families and children participating in cultural program, art therapy, and needs assessment to adjust future programing to clients’ needs This event additionally included celebration of GERA California second year in operation and GERA staff and volunteers recognition, poetry, and trivia games.
Youth in attendance enjoyed the art therapy workshop with group discussion and presentation of their artwork, talking about their work, colors, and feelings it evokes for them. GERA team has recognized these programs can have a significant positive impact on traumatized youth leaving a war-torn country. Key areas the GERA team focuses on are emotional expression, trauma processing, building resilience, social connection, cultural identity, stress reduction, and skill development. GERA California plans to continue this popular and successful program in upcoming years to build on its impacts in the healing journey of traumatized youth, offering them tools to cope with their experiences and integrate into new environments.
GERA is proud to continue and enhance its popular cultural programs aimed to bring newcomers together in a culturally and linguistically relevant way. This includes offering multilingual support and resources to accommodate different language needs, as well as integrating culturally significant practices, traditions, and narratives into the program's framework. By prioritizing cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, we create an environment where participants feel valued, understood, and empowered to engage fully, fostering a sense of belonging and connection within the community. GERA cultural programs capitalizes on impacts of group programs, ethnic food and music that can have a profound impact on families dealing with trauma from war and navigating integration in a new country.
We look forward to expanding our reach and programs this coming year providing services to Sacramento and several other counties' underserved communities. Our women wellness and empowerment, job training, driving classes, conversational english STEM/robotics classes, soccer camps, and field trips are some of our other programs on agenda to implement and make a lasting impact in the community. We thank our staff and volunteers who work hard to bring these programs to our guests with care, compassion, and dedication.
GERA California is thankful for the support of those who contribute to help others with their kind donations, household goods, blankets, and warm clothes for winter. We have many families in dire need as many have recently arrived and lack basic household essentials, especially warm clothes and blankets. If you would like to sponsor one of our programs or donate please reach out to us at [email protected] or call us at 916-938-9116.