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SCM Medical Missions

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Category: Refugees

AfghanistanFood AidHumanitarian AidRefugees
June 6, 2025

Help for Afghan Family in Need

New Afghan Refugee Family

Urgent Help Needed for Afghan Refugee Family. They Have No Resettlement Agency/No Financial Support

Emily Hansen has been a dedicated supporter of SCM Medical Missions since 2016. She has assisted numerous Syrian refugee families as they settled into new lives in the Seattle and Spokane areas. In late 2021, her focus shifted to Afghan refugees, and through her volunteer work at SCM’s church store, she has supported over 4,000 newly arrived Afghans. Emily has personally helped hundreds of families obtain essential household and baby items, and she considers many of these individuals her friends.

Most of the families she has worked with have arrived under the care of resettlement agencies, giving them access to critical resources such as temporary financial assistance, case management, food support, medical care, and work authorizations. While the transition becomes more difficult after the 90-day resettlement support period ends, families with refugee status are generally able to work toward self-sufficiency.

Emily is now seeking urgent assistance for one of the most vulnerable Afghan families she has encountered. The family includes two parents and their three young children—a 7-year-old daughter, a 4-year-old son, and an 11-month-old baby boy. The father was formerly employed as a journalist by an American company in Kabul. Due to increasing pressure and danger, the employer helped the family flee Afghanistan. After spending time in Pakistan, they arrived in Seattle in March.

Unlike most Afghan refugee families Emily has assisted, this family arrived without the backing of a resettlement agency or any financial support. The father currently cannot work; although his former employer obtained a U.S. work permit for him, it is limited to employment with that same company, which has no available positions—remote or local—in Seattle. Additionally, the permit is temporary and will expire in six months, at which point the family would be forced to leave the U.S.

Fortunately, an American colleague of the father has provided the family with a below-market rental home in Seattle’s Ravenna neighborhood. However, they have no means to pay rent and are entirely dependent on the generosity of others to survive.

The family’s only long-term hope is to gain asylum. A petition has already been submitted by the former employer, but a favorable decision could take months. In the meantime, Emily is asking for support on their behalf. Assistance could include rent contributions (landlord contact information available upon request), grocery store gift cards (QFC or Safeway), and diapers (currently size 4, with delivery information available for Amazon, Target, or other retailers). An Amazon list is coming soon and will be posted when it is available.

For those in the Seattle area, especially near Ravenna, the father is willing and eager to perform yard work or other casual labor. He is intelligent, hardworking, fluent in English, and deeply motivated to provide for his young family and build a secure life in the United States.

Please contact us if you are able to help this family with needed supplies, or donate to their fund by clicking button below.

Donate
By administrator
Copy of Copy of scm – lebanon
Humanitarian AidLebanonMedical AidRefugees
February 28, 2025

Lebanon Clinic Case Study 2

SCM Lebanon Clinic Case Study #2

A. is an 11-year-old child who lives with his mother in a small house. His journey into receiving psychological treatment began when his mother visited the SCM Clinic for dental care. During this visit, an appointment was made for a psychological session, where it was revealed that she was suffering from schizophrenia. This raised significant concerns about A.’s emotional and mental well-being. As a result, psychological treatment was offered to his mother, which led to a deeper exploration of A.’s situation.

It quickly became evident that A. was shouldering responsibilities far beyond his years. Due to his mother’s condition, she was unable to work or manage household duties as expected, which placed immense pressure on A. He had to take on the roles of caretaker and emotional support for his mother, a situation that caused him considerable stress. Living in an unstable family environment, with no other source of income, only added to his difficulties. The psychological strain of his situation weighed heavily on him, and he was struggling to navigate the complexities of his childhood while being forced to mature prematurely to fill the gap left by his mother’s illness.

In addition to these emotional and psychological pressures, A. and his mother were grappling with a severe financial crisis. His mother, divorced and without the means to secure a stable income, found herself unable to meet the basic needs of the household. With the added burden of her schizophrenia, she had difficulty focusing on everyday tasks, let alone seeking work, which made the family’s financial situation dire. A.’s childhood was marked not only by the daily responsibilities he had to take on but also by the constant fear of uncertainty regarding food, shelter, and the future.

As A.’s case unfolded in therapy, it became clear that his emotional well-being had been compromised. He had little opportunity to experience the carefree childhood that most children his age should enjoy. Instead, he was constantly balancing the responsibilities of an adult, which led to a complex array of psychological struggles. A.’s therapy sessions were vital in helping him express his emotions and develop coping strategies for the stress he was experiencing. However, it was clear that his situation required more than just therapy; he needed a comprehensive support system that addressed both his emotional needs and the practical challenges his family faced.

The SCM Clinic, recognizing the severity of A.’s situation, not only offered him ongoing psychological therapy to help manage the emotional pressures he was under but also took a holistic approach to support the entire family. Understanding that A.’s mother needed care as well, the clinic provided free psychological sessions to her, focusing on her mental health and offering treatment in light of her schizophrenia. This approach was essential, as A.’s well-being was tied to his mother’s condition, and her treatment was equally important for the overall stability of the household.

Additionally, recognizing the immense financial strain A. and his mother were under, the SCM Clinic went above and beyond by arranging free therapy sessions for both. This gesture helped ease the financial burden that A.’s mother faced in accessing treatment. The clinic also took the important step of purchasing enough food supplies for the family to last an entire month, ensuring that A. and his mother would not face hunger during the treatment period. This support gave them the opportunity to focus on their health and well-being without the added concern of where their next meal would come from.

The SCM Clinic didn’t stop there. The medical team worked tirelessly to help A. and his mother access the care they needed. Free dental care for A.’s mother was also arranged, alleviating the physical strain that often accompanied her mental health struggles. The clinic understood that A.’s mental health and his mother’s well-being were intricately linked, and they provided a well-rounded, multi-faceted approach to ensure that both received the care and resources they needed.
Through this integrated approach, A. was able to continue receiving the psychological support he needed, while also benefiting from the stability of having his basic needs met. Over time, A. showed resilience and determination in his therapy. While his circumstances were far from easy, he was slowly beginning to learn how to manage his stress and emotions, hopeful that therapy would help him build a better future for himself.

The SCM Clinic’s intervention went beyond just providing therapy; it became a lifeline for A. and his mother, offering them not only the psychological care they needed but also the practical support that allowed them to navigate their difficult situation. A.’s story is one of hardship, but also one of hope. Due to the compassionate care of the clinic, A. is learning to face his challenges with strength and resilience, looking forward to a future where he can build the life he deserves.

#MentalHealthMatters #HealingTogether #SupportForMothers #ChildMentalHealth #GriefAndHealing #CommunityCare #SCMClinicSupport #TraumaRecovery #HolisticHealing #HopeForFamilies

By Brenda Pierce
Copy of scm – lebanon
Humanitarian AidLebanonMedical AidRefugees
February 28, 2025

Lebanon Clinic Case Study 1

SCM Lebanon Clinic Case Study #1

H. H., born in 1990, is a mother of five children. Despite the heavy responsibilities she carries, life has posed significant challenges for her. Seeking a routine dental check-up at the SCM Clinic, H.’s visit took an unexpected turn when it was discovered that her mental health required urgent attention. During her first psychological session, it became evident that H. was suffering from bipolar disorder, a condition that had profoundly impacted her life, especially following the tragic death of her two years old young daughter.

Impact of Loss and Mental Health Struggles

The loss of her daughter was a traumatic experience that led to a severe psychological breakdown, requiring immediate psychological intervention. H. sought help for her dental care, but the SCM Clinic staff quickly realized that her emotional and mental well-being was just as critical.

Clinic’s Support and Interventions

Recognizing the gravity of her situation, SCM Clinic not only offered free dental treatment but also extended its services to provide free psychological therapy sessions for H. and her children. This initiative marked a pivotal step in H.’s journey toward healing, ensuring that both her physical and mental health were addressed in tandem.

Psychological Needs of the Children

Further assessment revealed that H.’s children were also in dire need of psychological support. The loss of their sister and their mother’s psychological distress had significantly affected their mental and emotional well-being. Consequently, therapy sessions were extended to the children, aiming to help them cope with their grief and adjust to the challenging family circumstances.

Individualized Care for Each Child

The children exhibited a range of psychological and behavioral issues:

  1. The Eldest Son (13 years old): The oldest child displayed signs of depression and exhibited aggressive behavior towards family members, including his siblings. His aggression was identified as the primary source of conflict within the family, further complicating the dynamics.
  2. The Second Son (12 years old): Although this child also showed signs of aggression, he demonstrated greater resilience during therapy and was more responsive to the therapeutic process, suggesting a better ability to adapt.
  3. The Daughter (11 years old): Deeply affected by the loss of her sister, the 11-year-old daughter developed behavioral issues and became the target of bullying by her siblings. This reflected the extent of the emotional turmoil she was experiencing.
  4. The Youngest Son (4 years old): The youngest child adopted negative behaviors, influenced by his older siblings, which led to similar behavioral challenges.
Therapeutic Approach

In response to these challenges, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was implemented to address and modify the children’s aggressive behaviors. The therapy focused on fostering positive communication among family members and gradually helping the children develop healthier coping mechanisms. Each child received individualized attention to address their unique emotional needs and assist them in managing the difficulties stemming from their family circumstances.

Support and Ongoing Treatment

The SCM Clinic also provided the family with necessary medications and free dental supplies, catering to their specific needs. The clinic’s comprehensive support has been crucial in facilitating H. and her children’s ongoing recovery process.

Conclusion

This case underscores the critical role that community support and holistic care can play in alleviating the pain and distress of individuals facing extreme hardship. Through the compassionate initiative of SCM Clinic, H. and her children have embarked on a path toward psychological healing and emotional recovery. While significant progress has been made, H. and her children continue to receive ongoing therapy to support their continued well-being and recovery.

#MentalHealthMatters #HealingTogether #SupportForMothers #ChildMentalHealth #GriefAndHealing #CommunityCare #SCMClinicSupport #TraumaRecovery #HolisticHealing #HopeForFamilies 

By Brenda Pierce
Happiness Again center
Humanitarian AidJordanRefugeesSyria
January 7, 2025

Helping Children Regain Their Childhood

Helping Children Regain Their Childhood

Support Psychological Healing for Refugee Children in Jordan

Our Mission

Join us in raising funds for Happiness Again, a psychosocial center in Amman, Jordan, dedicated to helping refugee children overcome trauma and rediscover the innocence of childhood. Since 2013, Happiness Again has provided essential services to children whose lives have been upended by war and displacement.

Who We’re Helping

Happiness Again offers a safe and nurturing environment for children fleeing traumatic circumstances in Syria, Iraq, and now Gaza. These children and their families have endured unimaginable hardships, and many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional challenges.

To help them heal, the center offers a comprehensive program, including:

• Sand therapy, play therapy, and art therapy to encourage expression and healing.
• Music therapy to restore joy and connection.
• Psychological counseling tailored to each child’s unique needs.
• With the recent arrival of children and families from Gaza seeking medical treatment in Jordan, the center is expanding its efforts to provide psychosocial services to this new wave of refugees.

Why This Matters

PTSD and trauma can profoundly affect a child’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive. Without intervention, these effects can linger for a lifetime. Through the tireless efforts of trained therapists and volunteers at Happiness Again, children are given the tools to rebuild a sense of safety and normalcy in their lives.

Our Goal

We aim to raise $70,000 to ensure that Happiness Again can continue its vital work. Your donation will help provide therapy, materials, and support for the dedicated individuals making a difference in these children’s lives.

How You Can Help

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Together, we can give these children the chance to reclaim their childhood and move toward a brighter future.

Support this critical mission and be a part of helping children heal from trauma. Donate now.

Donate
By Brenda Pierce
IMG-20240309-WA0000
Community EventsHumanitarian AidLebanonPalestineRefugees
March 22, 2024

Supporting Gaza Children Event

The SCM clinic in Lebanon recently held an event to show support for the children in Gaza. The clinic staff and volunteers welcomed the community to share in this event, to gather and enjoy each others company and participate in activities like painting and games, and showing thier support for the children suffering in Gaza. The families that visit the clinic come from the surrounding neighborhood and are Lebanese, Palestinian, and Syrian.
By Brenda Pierce
LGBTQI cover
LGBTQNewsRefugees
January 24, 2024

SCM Board Member to be Honored at Benaroya Hall for LGBTQ Refugee Rescue Work

SCM Medical Missions is proud to announce that board member Michael Failla will be honored at the Seattle Men’s Chorus production of Love Beyond Borders on February 18, 2024 at Benaroya Hall. Failla is being recognized for the work he has been doing, and continues to do, to rescue LGBTQ+ refugees in countries that put them at risk for their lives for being gay. He has been the driving force behind SCM’s efforts, including fundraising and identifying aid recipients, and he helps to relocate them to countries that will accept them for who they are. He is literally saving lives with his work. You can read more about his work, which has continued in earnest since the date of this article, at the following link:

https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/28/us/michael-failla-lgbqt-refugees-middle-east-cec/index.html

LGBTQ+ people are among the most vulnerable of all refugee groups. In the original oratorio, Love Beyond Borders, Seattle Men’s Chorus celebrates the power of love. Compelling video interviews are woven throughout this extraordinary, one-of-a-kind concert. Hear the inspirational songs and stories of refugees escaping persecution in this must-see performance, February 18, 2024.

More information on the performance and tickets is available here: https://www.seattlechoruses.org/2023/09/09/love-beyond-borders/

Promotional video of the concert: https://youtu.be/RKDm4cOWXsU

More about the concert and Michael Failla’s work

by Michael Failla

“Love Beyond Borders” Concert: February 18, 2024

Please stream or join us live at the “Love Beyond Borders Concert” that is debuting in Benaroya Hall in Seattle on February 18, 2024.

This is the first concert of its kind, written about LGBTQI refugees.

Paul Caldwell, the director of the Seattle Men’s and Women’s Chorus’ was inspired after seeing “Out of Iraq” to write a concert about LGBTQI refugees. He asked me to introduce his chorus members and songwriters to some of the refugees I was helping. Soon, some of the refugees, who were in hiding and in active migration and struggling to stay alive were communicating from their hiding places on What’s App or attending zoom meetings to talk with and inspire the songwriters and chorus members.
“Out of Iraq” is the dramatic love story of Nayyef; an Iraqi translator for the US Marines and Btoo; an Iraqi soldier. They met and fell in love in Ramadi, during the most dangerous time and place of the Iraq war.

The movie illustrates the dangers and hardships LGBTQI people go through to become safe, free and resettled. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you both laughing and crying. It won two Emmy’s in 2016. Nayyef and Btoo are a very happy and successful couple in the Seattle area. They continue to help and inspire LGBTQI refugees world-wide.

“Thank-you SMC!” from Nayyef and Btoo

World of Wonder Video app for “Out of Iraq”

United Nations /Samantha Powers / UNHCR panel discussion

Many of the chorus members became very involved in supporting the refugees during their darkest days.
Their love and support were lifesaving and amazing! Thank you Seattle Chorus’!.

“Love Beyond Borders” concert article

One of the songs; “Love you in the Light” was inspired by Ibrahim and Mahmoud, a young, loving Syrian couple who were “outted” in the Syrian military. After being imprisoned and tortured for several months they escaped with bullets flying over their heads. They escaped over border after border through the forests of the Balkan trail at night hoping to cross the Hungarian border and reach freedom in Holland.

Videos of Ibrahim and Mahmoud crossing borders and thanking Chorus

The border was impenetrable. There were roving bands of criminals preying on refugees. It was time to give up. We found a place for them to hide in a country where they were illegal. Gary and I called them on video chat. They were sad. We were sad. I played them the song written by Bonnie McKee and inspired by their love story. We watched them start to smile and hug each other. Gary and I hugged each other. We all had a good cry and found the strength to move forward.

“Love you in the Light”: Trailer

Ibrahim and Mahmoud were resettled to Canada in May 2022. They are happy and building new lives.
Jasem and Mahmoud were attacked and beaten several times as they fled and hid in several countries in the middle east. Gary and I applied to sponsor their resettlement to Seattle. Their application was approved. They arrived on November 11, 2019. We welcomed them at Seattle Airport with a large group of chorus members. Two days later we took them to the Chorus’ yearly retreat. They were welcomed by 300 LGBTIQQ chorus members onto the stage. I watched in tears. It was hard for me to imagine what it must have been like for these 2 young people who hid their identities their entire lives to be welcomed by so many so openly.

Soon they were invited to spend holidays and dinners with the chorus members who also helped them find jobs and housing. Thank you, Seattle, Chorus”

Jassem and Mahmoud and the chorus video

Here are some additional links you might find interesting:

Digital Underground:

Zona PVR Magazine article, 2023

LIFELINE

In October 2021, after the allies had left Afghanistan, one of my friends put me in touch with people who were getting evac flights out of Afghanistan. They gave me nineteen seats.

It was hard to pick who would get the seats. We prioritized kids who were so effeminate; they couldn’t hide. Some traveled for 10 hours through multiple Taliban check points disguised in traditional clothing. It was scary! We had them wipe their phones clean. They had codes to remember my phone number. When they got to the airport, they reinstalled What’s App and called me. When the final 2 arrived and called they all started to cheer. I had to get on the phone and tell them.

“Boys Behave! You are not safe! This is a Taliban run Airport!”

They arrived at a large refugee facility in Abu Dhabi for 9+ months. They were not allowed outside. Many fellow Afghan refugee inmates were continually harassing them. They called them “sissy boys” and other derogatory names. Some were physically attacked. Their depression and suicidal ideation were huge. All I could do was to encourage them toward the future – to count their blessings that they were alive, and someday would be free. That “someday” has finally happened. They are now “free” and beginning new lives in Canada.

In October 2021 CNN interviewed me about LGBTQI refugees. It was shortly after coalition forces had withdrawn from Afghanistan. For several years I had been helping 8 to 12 refugees at a time. That number has since grown to over 200 at a time.
Here is the Interview:

CNN article about Michael Failla

Hiding:
In August 2021, I received a desperate call from two young men who I was helping to hide from the Taliban. They were targets because they are LGBTQ, Hazara, and were Christian converts. They were sobbing. Taliban fighters were searching for them door to door. Soon they would be at their door. They were afraid of being burned alive or beheaded. They decided to go to the roof to do a suicide jump. Both boys had seen their father savagely murdered by the Taliban. I encouraged them to sob and let it out. After a while I said “Boys! It’s not over yet. I have been here before.” We discussed other places they could hide. We identified a hiding place in the basement of the building next door. They hid. They survived! We got them survival money. Not an easy feat. We tried many ways to get them to safety. We are forever grateful to Rainbow Railroad for rescuing them out of Afghanistan to Pakistan and then finally resettling them to the UK.

Hazara LGBTQ Boys in Danger CNN article

WE PRIORITIZE LGBTQI, FEMALE GENDER EQUALITY ACTIVISTS and HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS!
The blossoming of Afghan Women’s Rights came to an abrupt halt when the Taliban marched into Kabul. We are helping many of the leading female gender equality activists of Afghanistan. Because of their previous activism they and their families are targets of the Taliban. Please help us get them to safety so they can continue their human rights work and educate and inspire the generation left behind. Help us keep the flame alive!

The Taliban discovered the hiding place of one our activists and came to her house. Thankfully she wasn’t there. They shot and killed her sister.

The 71-year-old matriarch of one of our families of 10 who previously ran schools for girls in Afghanistan had her husband, 2 sons, 1 daughter, 3 daughter in laws, one son in law and 2 nephews. They were either outright killed or arrested by the Taliban and never heard from again. They were anti-Taliban proponents of education for girls. We have them in hiding as we are working on getting them resettled to Germany. This past week her son and 2 grandsons were arrested and taken by the Taliban. We are trying to locate them now.

Three of the activists and their families we are helping are hunted for their anti-Taliban, female gender equality and LGBTQI activism. They previously were leaders on the Human Rights Commission and were 3 of the very brave women who staged this well documented protest of the Taliban when they marched into Kabul:

Afgan female gender activist protesting Taliban

Special Thanks to Rita Zawaideh and SCM Medical Missions of Seattle for her amazing work in both rescue and resettlement of so many!

New Life Fund

“Yes I AM” is a movie about the life of my dear friend Ric Weiland who was one of the pioneers of both the information age and the LGBTQI movement. It also is a good historical synopsis of what our generation of LGBTQI faced and accomplished. I tell my refugees: “It hasn’t always been like this. We had to fight hard!”

You can rent “Yes I Am – The Ric Weiland Story” on Amazon, Apple TV, Vimeo, Google Play and Vidu

YouTube trailer, “Yes I Am – The Ric Weiland Story”

GENOCIDE
The definition contained in Article II of the Convention describes genocide as a crime committed with the intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, in whole or in part. It does not include political groups or so called “cultural genocide”.

If sexual minorities were included in the UN Definition of Genocide….. The systematic murders of LGBTQI people currently happening in places like Afghanistan and Uganda would be getting more attention. Unfortunately, it is not part of the definition. Most people are unaware.
Please educate yourself and others. Let us stand together against the rise of hate crimes, religious extremism and superiority, autocracy, fascism and the LGBTQI genocide.

Don Kilhefner Articles: Feb 23, 2023 LA Progressive article

Los Angeles Blade article

A very special THANK YOU to the people of Canada and Germany for recognizing this genocide and human rights catastrophe and welcoming so many! Your diversity is beautiful. Your countries are much stronger as a result. Germany has agreed to accept 100 LGBTQI Refugees per month. We are working hard to fill their spaces.

Thank you!

Michael Failla

By Brenda Pierce