Crisis intervention is an immediate and short-term emergency response to emotional, physical, mental, and behavioral distress. The Crisis Intervention Program will serve to help families in their time of crisis and reduce the potential for permanent distress or trauma.
Why might families we serve need crisis intervention? Most of the newcomers faced a wide variety of traumatic events. They may witness destruction, observe violent acts perpetrated against loved ones, endure torture and persecution, lose their homes, livelihoods, their possessions, and even loved ones. In addition to the hardships endured prior to being resettled, refugees and immigrants must learn how to acclimate to their new lives in the U.S. Although resettlement agencies play a vital role in this process, it is a temporary one usually lasting 3-6 months. The families are then left to fend for themselves, with minimal language fluency and cultural adaptation. Many struggle to maintain employment, assist their children with schooling or adapt to their new lives.
The lack of language fluency, coupled with financial struggles makes it even harder when a family suddenly loses a loved one, has had to deal with long-term illness, is faced with an eviction notice, or can’t pay the bills.
Helping Hands US strives to help these families in their times of crisis by addressing their immediate and evolving needs including emergent health issues, funeral arrangements, psychiatry, evaluations, counseling, translation services, and financial assistance.