180 grassroots partners serve and support survivors of hate in five main regions across California. This work can take many forms, from providing mental health counseling after a hate incident and engaging in difficult conversations on race with youth, to facilitating workshops to help people heal from traumatic experiences, and much more.
Oscar and his family from Mexico were consistently harassed by their neighbor, a white woman. “Go back to your country!” she would yell. It got worse when she began stealing their plants, bicycles, and even their dog. When they asked for their belongings back in limited English, she became violent and hurt Oscar’s friends who were there. Thankfully, a restraining order was approved, prohibiting any further contact.
Oscar and his family were traumatized and helped their friends recover with home-cooked meals. However, this left them unable to pay the bills, and since they weren’t considered the direct victims, they didn’t qualify for compensation. One Community Action (OCA) helped them speak with law enforcement, apply for CalFresh and Medi-Cal, and get access therapy and legal aid. The family also received a $500 grant to help ease the bills that piled up.
Oscar, his family and friends are now fully recovered from their violent experience, and feel much safer knowing there are programs to support them if hate were to return.
Kaya was about to enter her home when suddenly, she was struck on the head from behind, causing her to collapse onto the ground. Defenseless, Kaya covered her body and begged the attacker to stop as they punched and kicked her repeatedly. When the attacker ran, Kaya drove herself to the hospital. That night, her children found a note on the door: “Making America Great Again One Beaner at a Time”.
Kaya couldn’t work for three weeks out of fear. The YWCA of San Diego County helped her navigate her anxiety by providing a safety plan and mental health care. They also connected Kaya to financial assistance as she recovered and built up courage. Now, she is back to work and feeling safe again in her neighborhood of ten years. “Thank you YWCA, I have a renewed hope for humanity,” Kaya shared.
“Ch-ng, Ch-ng, you’re dumb for an Asian. Go back to China, Kim Jung Un!,” Kris heard while walking home from school. Class bullies were taunting her again. As a Cambodian-Filipino American high school student, Kris was often targeted for being Asian. She developed anxiety and felt “less than,” so she isolated herself and avoided social contact at school.
When she came across EM3, Families in Good Health’s youth program, Kris received help to heal and grew comfortable in her own skin and identity. Empowered, Kris now shares her story about overcoming bullying at her club meetings and community events. “Knowing that people are listening and suggesting ways for change gives me hope for the future.” Kris no longer feels anxious at school and is confident that her generation has the power to end hate.
Ellis, an elderly Afghan man who speaks limited English, was riding the bus in Sacramento. A passenger yelled: “Learn English if you want to be here! Otherwise, go back to your country!” Ellis was confused and scared, when suddenly a bystander, James, stepped in to deescalate the situation. He referred Ellis to Lao Family Community Development (LFCD) where James himself had learned how to intervene in situations like this.
Ellis learned about his rights, how to identify hate, and what to do in the future. He shared his story and realized he wasn’t alone in his experience. Feeling grateful, he shared, “I didn’t know there were people who cared so much about helping someone like me. Now I feel safer and more prepared.”
14-year-old Mahmoud asked his teacher, Mrs. Daniels, about an after-school learning program when she referred to him as a “little terrorist”. Astonished, he told Mrs. Daniels her remark was racist, but she laughed it off, saying it was a joke from her favorite movie. This was the first time a racist comment came from a trusted adult, leaving Mahmoud feeling unsupported and unsafe.
AccessCal provided Mahmoud with counseling to affirm his feelings and help him work through his anxiety. The healing journey is still ongoing, but with AccessCal’s support, Mahmoud is beginning to feel more grounded and confident.
