We are CERI

Mission

CERI cultivates the healing, advocacy, and empowerment of refugee and immigrant communities affected by war, torture, genocide, and other life-altering traumas, weaving together their intergenerational resilience into a holistic model of community mental health care.

History

In 2006, CERI came to life through the vision of Dr. Mona Afary, an immigrant from Iran, and the commitment and guidance of 10 extraordinary individuals—most of whom were refugees and immigrants serving on the board. This vision found its heart and strength in the partnership of CERI’s participants—survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide—who, for over 20 years, carried the heavy burden of PTSD and decades of silence. Though they had lived in the Bay Area, they remained on the margins, denied access to trauma-informed care and culturally grounded services, with the essential tools of interpretation and translation. It was the courage and determination of these Cambodian refugees, led by the strength and leadership of the women survivors, that transformed this vision into a powerful reality and laid the foundation for CERI’s journey.

What started as a lifeline sparked a movement —one rooted in healing, community, and empowerment. Inspired by the resilience and leadership of the Cambodian survivors of genocide,  CERI became a sanctuary, not just for survival but for connection and liberation. Initially established as a haven for Cambodian genocide survivors, CERI evolved into a community foundation for Southeast Asian immigrants and refugees to reclaim their voices and find their strength together.

Over time, the organization’s mission grew, embracing intergenerational mental health care, advocacy, and social services alongside training, education, and cultural enrichment. Each program fosters not only individual healing but collective empowerment, creating a space where community members lead the way toward systemic change and inspire others to do the same.

For 18 years, CERI’s holistic, community-based model has bridged generations, transformed lives, and built pathways to wellness and self-determination. Thousands of youths, adults, and elders have found solidarity and support within its embrace. Today, CERI proudly serves over 1,200 refugees and immigrants annually, celebrating the vibrant diversity of Cambodian, Vietnamese, Laotian, Burmese, Afghan, Tibetan, Nepali, Rwandan, Iranian, Eritrean, Rwandan, and Indonesian communities across the Bay Area.