“Being targeted for racism, facing downward mobility and struggling to provide for their families often caused low self-esteem, especially with men, which can retrigger memories of war,” the news article states.
Yes! In 2000, the Hmong Cultural Center nonprofit organization was established in Butte County, California. The aim of this organization is to “support and empower [Hmong-American families] through culturally sensitive education, support, and advocacy.” Four years ago, when the center created the “Zoosiab” program, which translates to “Happy People,” it added improving mental health to its mission.
The Zoosiab program brings together Hmong elders (over the age of 50) every Wednesday for activities and discussion. Typical activities include arts and crafts, exercise, or getting help with English. Employees at the center pick up and drive home the elder participants as needed. The Zoosiab program has also created a safe place for elder community members to discuss what they have endured.
“’When they’re together in a group of people their own age, I think they’re more open to share,’” a local social worker is quoted in the news article. “’We have a lot of them that do share their stores, whether that’s their post traumatic stress from the war, or whether it’s just problems in their relationships or marriage. And we all cry together when they share those stories, because we’ve all been affected.’”
But the Zoosiab program has done something more.
