CVT’s Community Programs & Engagement (CP&E) initiative is designed so that Twin Cities-based survivors of war trauma, conflict and torture actively develop opportunities, participate in knowledge-sharing and identify meaningful ways to engage with CVT, partners and the local survivor community.
At CVT, we know that an intentionally designed space, designed with survivors, is integral to developing a sense of belonging, kinship and community. CVT clinical staff work side by side with survivors to develop and design community programming, using a collaborative co-creation model. With co-creation, survivors are central to the process of designing and assisting to develop content for the various projects, programs and workshops. This approach challenges the idea that mental health providers should design for survivors, and instead focuses on matching the needs of the survivor community, incorporating survivors’ perspectives, experiences and knowledge.
The Survivors Advisory Council is dedicated to assuring the delivery of the highest standards of comprehensive and compassionate services by CVT. Advisors will do this by working in active partnership with care providers to: Strengthen communication and collaboration among survivors, families, caregivers and staff; promote survivors’ advocacy and involvement; propose and participate in CVT programs, services and policies.Survivor Advisory Board Mission Statement
Survivors worked with CVT clinicians to develop the Survivor Advisory Board to provide a way to bring the perspectives of survivors directly into the planning, delivery and evaluation of care. Survivor advisors are current or previous participants in a CVT program who can offer insights and input to help CVT provide care and services that are based on survivor-identified needs. Survivor Advisory Board Mission Statement
Survivors worked with CVT clinicians to develop the Survivor Advisory Board to provide a way to bring the perspectives of survivors directly into the planning, delivery and evaluation of care. Survivor advisors are current or previous participants in a CVT program who can offer insights and input to help CVT provide care and services that are based on survivor-identified needs.
CVT United is a Twin Cities fútbol club (soccer) for individuals impacted by war trauma and conflict. Because playing soccer is proven to help improve symptoms of some mental health issues like depression, stress and social isolation, CVT United provides a safer space for exercise, community building and a healthy outlet for stress relief. No cost to participate! No prior soccer experience necessary; people of all skill levels are welcome to participate. A special note: Survivors are in various stages of immigration and the healing processes of regaining stability, safety and security. For this reason, photo, video and audio recordings are prohibited.
Survivors ConnectSurvivors Connect is a weekly drop-in peer support group for war trauma, conflict or torture survivors living in the Twin Cities. Survivors Connect is a space for survivors to build friendships and community. Survivors who are looking for social support and struggle to build trusting relationships have found this group to be a very helpful part of their healing journey. All are welcome! – Download Details Here
YouTube WorkshopsCVT provides workshops on topics of interest to survivors, using video format for easy access. Watch here for new workshops as they are added. Workshop videos are available in English and Oromo, with additional languages coming soon.
Workshops and PresentationsA series of workshops and presentations are offered in the community through partnership with mental health and healthcare agencies, non-profit organizations, schools, legal organizations and local government agencies.
Please contact Léonce Byimana, Director of US Clinical Programs, at LByimana@cvt.org.
