In addition to debilitating physical injuries

“In addition to debilitating physical injuries, survivors of torture and severe war trauma have a
high incidence of complex, often co-existing mental health issues, such as PTSD (70%), major
depressive disorder (65%), anxiety, psychosis, and dissociative disorder. Many also experience
social stressors such as extreme poverty, lack of environmental mastery, language barriers, social
isolation, and loss of professional and social status. Survivors of torture and severe war trauma
need highly specialized, co-located, and comprehensive services that sensitively and effectively
address their complex psychological, physical, social, and cultural needs.” (Utah Health &
Human Rights, 2017)
The church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints is one of the backbones for the refugees in Utah.
Through the Swahili branch, they were able and are still continuously empowering and these
families and their children to do better and cope with the changes they have encountered since
moving to the United States. My Uncle, President Emmanuel De’Mzee in the branch president at
the Swahili branch. So these are things I have personally witnessed as I lived with the during my
high school years in Utah. “The IRC in Salt Lake City is committed to supporting newly arrived
refugees on their journey from harm to home. As a part of that commitment, we provide refugees
with the basics they will need to start rebuilding their lives here in the U.S.” (International
Rescue Committee (IRC), 2019)
Some organizations dedicate their time through volunteer work and help the refugees with rides
to places, helping their children with homework and building relationships with the families and
be there for them. Some of these refugee families have lost loved ones through the civil war and
as they come to the United States I imagine it to be an emotional move as they are not with their
some of their family members anymore. These organizations help in some form to fill in the
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voids in the lives of these refugees families. Some of these organizations are Utah Refugee
Connection that is dedicated to help people learn and also creating a connection between the
refugee families and the community. Other organizations such as Donate and Volunteer, Catholic
Community Services, helps the families with job hunting and making sure they have all the basic
needs they need through the donations they receive while other organizations like the esl-center
helps families with language barriers, teaching them English to help them survive in the country
and children adjust in school and lastly, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah organization helps
the families specifically children with their homework, donating used clothes, toys to name a
few, mentoring and assist them in best ways possible so they can adapt with the life in the United
States.