In a world full of twists and turns, taking care of our mental health is like fuel for the soul. And for refugees, who’ve faced more challenges than most, it’s not just important—it’s a lifeline. Recently, our Health & Wellness team paired up with our Cultural Orientation teacher, also a licensed social worker, to give our newest refugee friends a day they won’t forget.
We kicked things off at Della Lamb Community Services, a place where connection and support flow freely. Our clients got to dive into a talk about mental health, self-care, and how tough times can affect us inside and out. With our LMSW instructor leading the way and an interpreter by our side, everyone could join in and ask questions. It was all about showing them that looking after themselves doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s as simple as taking a moment to breathe.
Before the talk, we asked our clients to fill out a quick survey about mental health. Their answers told us a lot—it’s clear there’s a real hunger for this kind of support in the community. So, armed with that insight, we set out to make the day even more special.
Next stop? The Kansas City Museum.
The Kansas City Museum was chosen as the tour location because of its mission: “The Kansas City Museum cultivates awareness and knowledge about the City’s past, present, and future to connect people, places, and perspectives with the goal of fostering learning, encouraging conversations, promoting health and well-being, and illuminating a shared humanity… Kansas City Museum explores our city’s past, present, and future, we do so with the conviction that recognizing and understanding the whole story of our City’s history is healing.”
As our clients wandered through the exhibits, they weren’t just learning about history—they were learning about their new home. The museum’s mission, all about connecting people and promoting well-being, fit perfectly with what we wanted to achieve.
After the tour, we checked in with our clients again, asking how they felt about future events. We gauged interest in other types of health education events ranging from wellness groups to classes on coping with tough times to connection days at the Zoo. It was clear: this was just the beginning of something special.
But the real magic happened when the day ended. As we wrapped up with a few games of billiards, a new game for all of our clients, laughter filled the air. It didn’t matter where we came from or what language we spoke—all that mattered was the connection we shared.
Mental health is often downplayed in many countries, including those from which many of our clients originate, such as Afghanistan, DRC, Burma, Iraq, and South Sudan. Despite enduring deep trauma, the view of mental health remains highly stigmatized in these regions. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health services are significantly underfunded in low-income countries, with less than 1% of the health budgets allocated to mental health programs. Additionally, cultural beliefs and misconceptions surrounding mental illness further perpetuate stigma and hinder access to proper care (source: WHO, “Mental health atlas 2017”). In such contexts, initiatives like ours play a crucial role in breaking down barriers, raising awareness, and providing much-needed support for individuals navigating the complex landscape of mental well-being.
In a world that often feels isolating and uncertain, moments like these are vital for nurturing mental well-being among refugees. By extending a helping hand and showing genuine care, we as a city can make tangible strides in improving mental health outcomes. So, let’s continue building bridges, refining our support systems, and ensuring that no one ever feels overlooked or unsupported. Together, through practical initiatives and genuine compassion, we can forge a path toward healing and resilience, empowering refugees to navigate life’s challenges with strength and dignity.
If you’d like to contribute to future outings and mental health initiatives for refugees, please consider donating at https://dellalamb.kindful.com/ or sign up to volunteer and serve our new neighbors in other ways. Your support can help us make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.
