We are friends and allies organizing support for Minnesotans enduring the ongoing occupation by federal immigration authorities. Specifically, we are working with a group of Spanish-speaking trauma practitioners and volunteers in Minneapolis who want to expand community access to somatic, nervous system-based trauma healing. Due to continued safety risks, we will not identify this group here.

Many individuals and our interconnected economy in the Twin Cities are reeling from this winter’s events. Small businesses lost an estimated $10-15 million per week. Community members have stepped up for their neighbors with financial support and mutual aid, but local resources are running thin. That’s why we’re focused on raising support for key recovery efforts from outside the area.

The effects of trauma and stress have intensified for immigrants in Minnesota due to the shocking series of violent actions immigration officials have taken against Latine, East African, Southeast Asian, and other immigrant neighbors in Minneapolis over the past several months. Trusted local outlets such as Sahan Journal have highlighted mental health as a top priority for immigrant Minnesotans this Spring.

The trauma therapists we’re supporting provide somatic healing for immigrant communities in Minneapolis, and are looking to expand low-cost access due to the significant need. Somatic Experiencing is a therapeutic modality that uses the science of the nervous system, including neurobiology and psychology, to alleviate physical, mental, and emotional trauma symptoms. You can read about some of their other ongoing community efforts from the Associated Press.

In this moment, and moving forward, access to trauma healing is essential for affected communities and individuals. Modalities such as Somatic Experiencing address both immediate mental health crises and long-term trauma stemming from dehumanizing immigration policies. The trauma healing group we’re supporting currently provides 60-minute Somatic Experiencing sessions at a reduced cost of $125, but that cost is still out of reach for a large proportion of immigrant community members.

Our goals are to (1) support people experiencing trauma with access to cost-reduced and free care, and (2) build local capacity for ongoing, sustainable care. This will include:

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Thank you for supporting this important work!