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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Sarah Fajardo, Senior Director of Community Engagement and Advocacy at Korean American Family Service Center
4:38:33
·
135 sec
Sarah Fajardo from the Korean American Family Service Center testifies about the importance of culturally competent mental health services for immigrant survivors of gender-based violence, particularly in Asian American communities. She urges the city council to invest in community-based organizations and increase funding for initiatives supporting AAPI communities.
- Highlights the intersection of trauma from domestic violence, sexual violence, and child abuse with mental health stigma in immigrant communities
- Emphasizes the growing need for trauma-informed counseling and bilingual case management tailored to cultural needs
- Requests funding for specific initiatives: Immigrant Mental Health Initiative, Hate Crime Prevention Initiative, AAPI Community Support Fund, and Mental Health Services for Vulnerable Populations Initiative
Sarah Fajardo
4:38:33
Good afternoon.
4:38:34
Thank you to the chairs and all the committee members for the opportunity to testify today.
4:38:39
My name is Sarah Fajardo, and I serve as the senior director of community engagement and advocacy, longest title ever, for the Korean American Family Service Center, we're a proud member of the Asian American Federation's Asian American Mental Health Roundtable.
4:38:55
For over thirty five years, KFSC has worked to support immigrant survivors of gender based violence, offering safety, healing, and hope through culturally and linguistically accessible services.
4:39:06
At KFSC, we see firsthand how trauma from domestic violence, sexual violence, and child abuse intersects with deep rooted stigma around mental health in immigrant communities.
4:39:16
Our clients, primarily Korean and other Asian immigrant women, often face isolation, shame, and fear when seeking help.
4:39:25
Many have never spoken about their trauma until they walk through our doors.
4:39:29
Language barriers, immigration concerns, and a lack of culturally responsive care in the mainstream mental health system leave them with nowhere else to turn.
4:39:37
That's why KFSC's mental health services are so essential.
4:39:41
We provide trauma informed counseling, bilingual case management, and clinical support tailored specifically to the cultural needs of our communities.
4:39:49
Our mental health team is often the first and only point of access for survivors seeking help, and the need is growing.
4:39:57
But today, these life saving services are at risk.
4:39:59
Federal funding cuts have already impacted our capacity.
4:40:03
Survivors are waiting longer to see a counselor, and some give up before they can even get through.
4:40:09
We cannot afford to let immigrant survivors fall through the cracks, especially not now.
4:40:13
We respectfully urge the city council to invest in community based organizations that deliver culturally and linguistically competent mental health care and to increase funding for initiatives that directly support AAPI communities.
4:40:26
Specifically, we ask that you sustain and expand funding for the immigrant mental health initiative to help reduce stigma and to promote access.
4:40:36
Can I just say three more things really fast?
4:40:40
The Hate Crime Prevention Initiative, AAPI Community Support Fund, and Mental Health Services for Vulnerable Populations Initiative.