Hope in Action: How PTR’s Psychosocial Care Program Empowers Survivors

“Where there is light, there is hope. Thank you for being a light in this dark path.”  -KP, a Psychosocial care program client

This quote shared by a client encapsulates the core mission of uplifting those in the Psychosocial Care Program. It offers hope through empowerment by helping survivors navigate barriers, and improve their overall quality of life. 

PTR’s direct service team adopts a trauma-informed approach that is based on the empowerment of clients who have overcome severe physical and psychological trauma. Within sixteen to twenty-four weeks, The Psychosocial Care Program creates a space that encourages clients to recognize and articulate their needs. A culturally-responsive and linguistically accessible care plan is then tailored to meet each individual. PTR focuses on a strength-based model that draws from clients’ core beliefs and adaptability as they gradually attain self-sufficiency. 

Many PTR clients, including immigrants and asylum seekers, face significant barriers that hinder their psychosocial well-being. Some of the most common needs identified include a lack of basic hygiene necessities, limited access to medical health insurance and language learning resources. There has also been a significant demand for immigration legal services, and a need for housing and food services.  Many of PTR’s clients are ineligible for public benefits or government assistance programs because of their immigration status, leaving them without access to essential services. In an effort to bridge such disparities, PTR has launched a wellbeing kit distribution that offers survivors with tangible hygiene items critical to their welfare. Each kit is valued at $100.00 and consists of bar soap, sanitary pads, shampoo, deodorant, body lotion, razors, shaving cream, toothbrush and toothpaste. Thus far, PTR has distributed over two hundred and eighty-eight kits.

Building on the success of the hygiene kit initiative, PTR expanded its efforts in January 2025 by launching a Dry Food Pantry that helps clients sustain themselves and their family while they work toward stability. This effort aims to break the early barrier of food insecurity and navigating core services that support their integration and wellbeing. Since its inception, the Dry Food Pantry has offered relief to over fifteen clients and their families by supplying them with rice,  pasta, tomato sauce, canned sardine, rolled oats, salt, pepper, peanut butter and jelly. PTR has distributed pantry kits ranging from $50.00 to $200.00 to individual clients and family units. 

In partnership with the Alameda Health System, PTR hosts the Human Rights Clinic, with the Psychosocial Care Program serving as a key liaison to ensure coordinated care. Each year, the clinic provides over 300 psychological and physical evaluations to asylum seekers. Our team of medical professionals evaluate the emotional and physical wellbeing of clients, and work with legal partners to provide expert testimonies in immigration court. The HRC holds a monthly Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) evaluation clinic that offers tailored reports used as supportive evidence in immigration cases, and provides sexual health education to survivors. Clients at the HRC come from all over the world, with most coming from Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Eritrea. Clients’ stories remind us of the deep, personal impact of this work. One such story is Emilia’s.  

Emilia’s Journey: From Isolation to Empowerment 

Emilia, a 31 year old woman, fled Guatemala after enduring gender-based violence and discrimination because of her indigenous identity. When she immigrated to California, she was afraid to leave her house and was linguistically isolated as a Quiche-speaker. 

PTR onboarded a Quiche interpreter to address her language barrier, build trust and receive culturally responsive services. After a few remote sessions, Emilia gained more confidence in leaving her home to attend in-person meetings at PTR. She was welcomed with clothing, winter items, a hygiene and pantry kit, and a $200.00 gift card.

Over the next 12 weeks of services, Emilia worked closely with her case manager to obtain a work permit, apply for a California ID, and connect to a local clinic. PTR also empowered Emilia with securing a discounted Clipper card, and navigating public transit. Emilia is now confidently riding the bus to her ESL classes .

PTR’s compassionate and culturally-responsive approach helped Emilia to build trust and overcome the barriers to her psychosocial wellbeing. 

At the conclusion of her care she shared: 

“You helped me feel like I am not as insecure, and gave me hope that I can accomplish things myself.” 

PTR is committed to providing a holistic, strength based  model of care that guides  clients’ on their healing journey. Through culturally responsive  case management and psychosocial services, we equip survivors with tools to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience. Your support sustains this life-changing work. 

Join PTR in empowering more stories like Emilia’s. Make a gift today!