Catholic Charities Starts Women’s Refugee Support Group

After walking away from a community women’s wellbeing event last fall, three Catholic Charities’ refugee services staff members felt inspired and determined to make a difference for women refugees in our community. Recognizing a gap in emotional support for this group, they conceived the idea of a weekly women’s group as part of the Refugee Support Services program. This initiative is optional, but aims to offer much-needed support for all-around wellbeing.

Beginning in November 2023, the group's primary focus is to provide a supportive environment where women can feel valued and less isolated. Participants have expressed appreciation for the group, enjoying the time spent together. By sharing their stories, they help each other open up and feel validated in their feelings and experiences. Many of these women are stay-at-home moms who often feel isolated; the group helps them connect and access community resources.

“Many of the moms in this group stay at home all the time, so this group helps us to make new friends,” said Sajida, a recently resettled Burmese refugee. “I have really enjoyed getting together each week and meeting new people while we do a craft. I am also gaining a lot of knowledge – like learning about food nutrients, which has helped me cook healthier food for my family.”

In the U.S., mental health is a significant focus, but refugee communities often get left behind due to a lack of translated resources. Catholic Charities’ conversational care group, while not led by therapists, creates a safe space for women to share their experiences and support each other both in English and Burmese.

Mental health is not a widely understood or discussed concept in the refugee community, so the case managers describe feelings like sadness, anxiety, and worry instead. The group also explores healthy habits, such as eating for wellbeing and how to sleep better. Staff incorporates activities to help clients gain confidence in their English skills.

Our recent Mother’s Day celebration was a heartwarming event. Staff asked participants questions about their experiences of motherhood, the best and hardest parts, and advice from their own mothers. We handed out flowers and snacks, fostering connections and helping the women forge new relationships and strengthen existing ones. The goal was to help them make friends and show ways to support each other. 

Catholic Charities is excited about the future of this initiative and hopes to expand the group to include clients of other cultures. By broadening the support network, the agency aims to continue empowering more women refugees to build strong and supportive communities.

The public can volunteer as part of this women’s group by visiting Catholic Charities’ volunteer page: www.ccfwsb.org/volunteer.

Throughout the month of June, Catholic Charities will be sharing client stories and program education leading into the celebration of World Refugee Day on June 20.