Uhai Navigation program aims to empower and support families in navigating the challenges they face, accessing the resources they need, and building a strong and resilient community. Immigrants face barriers accessing complex systems and equitable resources.
Goal:
Case management: Each family is assigned a case manager who works closely with them to assess their needs, develop a personalized plan, and connect them with appropriate services and resources.
Advocacy: The program advocates on behalf of African families to ensure they receive the support and services they are entitled to, and helps them navigate systems such as healthcare, education, housing, immigration, and social services among others.
Information and referral: The program provides information on available culturally competent resources and services in the community and refers families to appropriate agencies and organizations based on their needs.
Cultural competence: The program is culturally sensitive and responsive to the unique needs and experiences of African families, considering their cultural norms, beliefs, and practices.
Capacity building: The program helps families develop skills, knowledge, and resources to become self-sufficient and resilient, and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Support groups and workshops: The program offers support groups and workshops on topics such as parenting, financial literacy, mental health, and navigating systems, providing a space for families to connect, learn, and share experiences.
Community engagement: The program engages with the broader community to raise awareness, build partnerships, and create a supportive network for African families.
The program for African seniors is to help create a welcoming and inclusive community where seniors feel supported, connected, and empowered as they age.
Goals:
- Promote social connection and reduce isolation by providing opportunities for African seniors to connect with others in their community, build friendships, and combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Preserve cultural heritage and traditions by celebrating and preserving the cultural heritage and traditions of African seniors, providing a space for them to share stories, music, food, and traditions with one another.
- Provide access to resources and support by offering information and resources on topics such as healthcare, housing, legal assistance, and social services to help seniors navigate the challenges of aging.
- Promote physical and mental well-being by offering activities and workshops focused on promoting physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life for African seniors.
- Foster intergenerational connections by creating opportunities for African seniors to engage with younger generations, sharing wisdom, experiences, and knowledge, and fostering a sense of community across age groups.
- Empower seniors to advocate for themselves and their communities, helping them navigate systems and access the support and resources they need.
- Provide opportunities for lifelong learning and personal growth: The program could offer educational workshops, classes, and activities to help seniors continue learning, growing, and engaging with new ideas and experiences.
The program is tailored to the specific needs and cultural context of African youth, including integration difficulties, family dynamics, mental health stigma, and the impact of systemic inequalities. The program is designed to provide a safe and supportive space for youth to explore their emotions, build relationships, and develop coping strategies, helping young people thrive and reach their full potential.
Goal:
- Increased awareness and understanding of mental health by providing psycho education to the African youth about mental health issues and reduce stigma surrounding seeking help for emotional struggles.
- Build resilience and coping skills: The program aims to help youth develop healthy coping mechanisms, build resilience, and manage stress in a positive way. Foster positive relationships and social connections: The program also provides opportunities for youth to build supportive relationships with peers and mentors, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
- Improve self-esteem and self-confidence: The program works towards helping youth develop a positive self-image, increase self-esteem, and build self-confidence.
- Enhance emotional regulation and communication skills: The program focusses on teaching youth how to identify and express their emotions in a healthy way, as well as improve their communication skills to navigate relationships and conflicts effectively.
- Provide access to mental health resources and support: The program aims to connect youth with mental health resources, support services, and professionals to ensure they have access to the help they need.
- Empower youth to advocate for their own mental health: The program empowers youth to take ownership of their mental health and advocate for themselves in seeking support and resources.
- Providing support and mentorship to the youth in education and career.