This action was submitted through the GFMD Mayors Mechanism Call to Local Action for Migrants and Refugees.
To enhance the wellness of immigrants in Boston, destigmatize mental health challenges, and encourage non-clinical, culturally and linguistically sensitive practices as a form of therapy, the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) awarded Mental Health Mini-Grants of $6,500 each to six immigrant-serving nonprofits who incorporate wellness activities in their programming. Non-clinical mental health practices are defined as peer-led and community-based interventions engaging with expressive arts, traditional medicine, spirituality, or body-centered activities. Examples include peace circles, storytelling, yoga, and meditation. These practices can promote well-being and reduce the potential escalation and severity of mental health conditions of immigrants, and act as alternatives to Western individual talk therapy. As part of the grant, MOIA will conduct an exploratory assessment to learn from each of these six programs in order to help guide the City’s future investments on mental health for immigrants.