Uhai for Health Inc. mission is to empower the African Immigrants and Refugees to become healthy and self-sufficient contributing members of the community. We do this by providing culturally and linguistically appropriate community-based outreach, prevention, advocacy and support services that address the social determinants of health barriers
Founded by Jane Kimani in 2006, UHAI for Health started as a simple initiative to support African immigrants and refugees. It has grown into a transformative organization addressing critical issues like mental health, food security, and youth empowerment.
Moving from Kenya to the United States was a monumental step in Jane Kimani’s life, filled with hope and dreams for a better future. However, her journey was not without its trials. As she settled into a new environment, she faced the challenges of adapting to a different culture, navigating a new healthcare system, and building a life far from home. Yet, it was the profound loss of two beloved family members back in Kenya that truly transformed her path.
These losses were not just tragic; they were preventable. They arose from a lack of quality healthcare, education, and resources, issues her community had faced for years. The pain of losing her family members ignited a fire within her, compelling to act. She realized that she could not remain a passive observer; she needed to become an advocate for change.
This realization led her to pursue a career in health education and addiction counseling. She wanted to understand the intricacies of the health system, not only to prevent such tragedies from occurring in her family but also to empower others in similar situations. Her education and training equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a difference in the lives of those who faced barriers to health and well-being.
In her journey, she recognized a significant gap in support for African immigrants and refugees navigating the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system. Many encountered social determinants of health challenges, including economic instability, limited access to information, cultural misunderstandings, and language barriers. She felt a deep responsibility to address these challenges, and thus, Uhai for Health Inc. was born in 2011 with the mission of supporting African Immigrants and Refugees in Massachusetts in navigating barriers to social determinants of health and accessing appropriate interventions through culturally responsive services, education, and advocacy.
“UHAI” means life in Swahili, and that’s exactly what Jane envisioned—bringing life, hope, and equity to African immigrants and refugees. What started as a simple initiative to offer support and guidance has now become a transformative organization, addressing critical issues like mental health and well-being, behavioral and therapeutic health, food security, youth empowerment, education, and legal assistance.
UHAI For Health was built on the belief that every person, regardless of their background, deserves access to the resources they need to live a dignified, healthy life. Today, the organization continues to grow, ensuring that no African immigrant or refugee has to navigate these struggles alone. From crisis intervention to long-term empowerment, UHAI stands as a pillar of strength, ensuring that the journey to a better life is not just possible—but attainable.
Society must remove barriers and correct injustices that limit opportunities for African Immigrants and Refugees. Support is needed in education and advocacy.
We honor the intrinsic dignity, autonomy, and worth of each person. We treat others the way we would want to be treated. We are considerate of each other’s feelings, values, and culture.
African Immigrants and refugees have a myriad of barriers while accessing services which includes, cultural, social economic, literacy, trauma, and linguistic among others . Society must support them to achieve their full potential.
Human diversity is beautiful and powerful. As African Immigrants and Refugees we celebrate, honor, and seek to understand the differences in our identities and life experiences. We also seek to understand other communities as we integrate in a healthy manner.
We are a strength-based organization. We support, trust, and empower both our employees and our clients to further the shared mission UHAI for Health. We are committed to developing the confidence of their talents and capabilities.
We invite organizations, businesses, and individuals to join us in our mission to empower marginalized communities, bridge gaps in healthcare, and promote resilience through youth-focused initiatives like the Future Innovation Leaders Academy.
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