The mission of the Center for Torture and Trauma Survivors is to be a community-based center of excellence providing holistic, wraparound services and support to Georgia’s survivors of torture. The focus is strength based which utilizes a public health and wellness perspective to help survivors of torture and their families settle, develop self-reliance and adjust into a multi-cultural society. Furthermore, we advocate for a world free of torture where those who survive torture can lead a meaningful life and break the chains of the past while in search of a prosperous new future.
H. H. the Dalai LamaI believe that to meet the challenges of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for oneself, one's own family or nation, but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace. |
First Edition 2009 Newsletter |
The center’s headquarter is conveniently located in the DeKalb County Board of Health BOH. The center has a satellite in the city Clarkston, where most refugee and torture survivors in Georgia live. The center works very closely with Refugee Health Services which screens between 85 percent and 90 percent of all refugees arriving in Georgia and refers tortured refugees as well as those who have mental health needs to the center. The center is in the Richard Health Center at 445 Winn Way in Decatur. The satellite office is located in 3700 B Market Street, in Clarkston.
The Center for Torture and Trauma is currently run by Family Intervention Specialists FIS, a non-profit mental health organization by contract with BOH to provide mental health and individualized community support interventions (CSI) to torture survivors and refugee victims of oppression who suffer from mental health problems. The center mission is founded on the belief that newly arriving populations have inherent capabilities when given opportunities and resources to assist them in becoming integrated members of American society. The center is currently depending on Medicaid reimbursement and potential fund raising and future grants resources.
The International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims is considered the lead agency for all international agencies. For more information, click here: http://www.irct.org/
The Center for Victims of Torture in Minnesota is regarded as the lead agency for the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs. For more information, click here: www.cvt.org