Connecting Cultures’ Corner

Sep 4

Written By VAAP

INTRODUCING:

“CONNECTING CULTURES’ CORNER,” a monthly newsletter supplement!

An increasing number of individuals who are victimized by torture in their homelands are currently re-settling their lives in Vermont and the greater New England area. The impact of such torture can be far-reaching, not only affecting individuals who have directly experienced trauma but extended families and communities within which these individuals exist. Failing to adequately address these issues can lead to re-traumatization, poverty, discrimination, and unsuccessful reintegration.

Connecting Cultures is a direct partnership between psychological and social work services (Vermont Psychological Services), legal services (Vermont Asylum Assistance Project), physical therapy services (DeePT), and the University of Vermont. Our goal is to provide survivors of “torture” as defined by the T.V.P.A. with holistic, integrated, and effective services in a culturally relevant, client-centered context.

Every month, VAAP will publish this Connecting Cultures’ Corner supplement to its monthly newsletter, sharing highlights from our treasured partners! Learn more at https://www.connectingculturesvt.org/.

Highlight on A Community Partner

Vermont Language Justice Project (VLJP) just published new videos about free summer meals, voting, climate change, getting help post-flooding, and the Winooski Bridge Project. See it here.

Expand your Knowledge: Nepal

Language spoken: Nepali
Greeting:. Namaste" (nah-mah-stay), which is pronounced "I see the God within you.” Another greeting is "namaskar" (nah-mah-scar), which is more formal.
Geographic info: Nepal is in South Asia, bordered by China and India. It's located in the Himalayas and contains eight of the world's ten highest peaks
Population: As of 2021, Nepal's population was almost 29 million people. The population includes several ethnic groups, with some having Indian ancestors and others having Tibetan roots.
Religious composition: The main religion in Nepal is Hinduism, but Hinduism and Buddhism have existed side by side for centuries. Nepal is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Languages spoken: The official language of Nepal is Nepali, but there are many other regional languages spoken. Many people in Nepal also understand English and Hindi.
Nepali in Vermont: In 2018, 7% of Vermont's immigrant population was from Nepal, which was the second largest country of origin for immigrants in the state. In 2019, Vermont Public reported that over 2,500 Bhutanese-Nepali people lived in the Burlington area.
Overview of conflict in Bhutan: Inter-ethnic tensions in Bhutan have resulted in the flight of many Lhotshampa to Nepal, many of whom have been expelled by the Bhutanese military. By 1996, over 100,000 Bhutanese refugees (40% of Bhutan's population at the time) were living in refugee camps in Nepal.
Refugee statistics: As of March 2024, about 7,000 Bhutanese refugees remained in Nepal after the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) resettled over 100,000 refugees to the United States, Australia, Europe, and the United Kingdom. The resettlement program was one of the largest ever undertaken by the UNHCR.
Support local Nepali restaurants: Laliguras Indian Nepali Restaurant, Burlington; Sherpa Kitchen, Burlington; Namaste Kitchen, Shelburne.

Highlights from/for our CC clinicians

Humanitarian Wellness: It’s important to take care of ourselves and prevent vicarious trauma and burnout. Check out this free resource on Humanitarian Wellness from Insight Collaborative here.

Upcoming Events

Virtual event with Emerge Worldwide: Thu, 5 Sep 2024 10am-11am EST. Migrants, asylum-seekers, refugees and any workers supporting them, join us online for training. Learn how to prevent sexual exploitation and trafficking from happening, and how you can get support. Register here.

In-person Event with The Center for Victims of Torture: The Restoring Hope Breakfast is the premier fundraising event to bring together compassionate individuals to support CVT’s vision of a world free from torture. On Thursday, October 24 you'll join a community of supporters standing up for healing for survivors of torture, for the advancement of human rights, and the end of torture worldwide. You'll see how, with you as our partner, hope and healing are made possible. The free Breakfast will be hosted in-person at 8:00am Central Time, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. More information here.

FREE VT Coordinated Specialty Care Conference: What It Is and Why We Need It. Hotel Champlain Burlington, Curio Collection by Hilton. The Vermont Department of Mental Health is inviting stakeholders to this one-day, in-person conference as part of a multi-step implementation process to identify and develop a Coordinated Specialty Care-First Episode Psychosis (CSC-FEP) service model for Vermonters experiencing early episodes of psychosis. More information here.

Clinician Spotlight: Richard Norton

Areas of Interest: I am interested in investigating interventions for adult mood disorders through cognitive and physiological markers. I am particularly interested in investigating the role of physical activity in the treatment of mood disorders, as well as treatment applicability across gender identities.

Mentor: Kelly Rohan.

Richard’s thoughts on working with Connecting Cultures: I have been fortunate to work with Connecting Cultures. I am working with refugees in collaborating to manage coping with chronic pain, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder.

Favorite book/artist/movie/inspirational quote: “The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all the lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

How to connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-norton-4643a913b/