The Value of Volunteering

By Katherina Todisco, Community Relations Intern

Survivors of Torture, International offers diverse volunteer opportunities to help our community of survivors. We are always seeking new volunteers willing to be part of our family at SURVIVORS. The work of our volunteers is extremely valuable for our organization and it would not be possible to do the work that we do without volunteers.

My name is Katherina Todisco, I am a MA Candidate of Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego and I am currently SURVIVORS Community Relations Intern. After I heard about the organization through my university, I attended a Journey to Healing Tour and I was astonished by the incredible stories shared during the tour. This motivated me to volunteer with Survivors beginning in November 2017. Volunteering here gave me the possibility to know more about this unique and controversial topic. It also gave me the opportunity to meet extraordinary and dedicated people who constantly help survivors to heal and feel safe in our community. It is always very rewarding reading successful stories of our clients and acknowledging that in somehow I am part of the changes that occur in their lives.

As Community Relations Intern this year, I will be the volunteer coordinator for the Annual Helping Survivors Heal Fundraising Luncheon on September 20th. We are seeking volunteers for this special event which is a great way to interact with SURVIVORS staff, and partners and to learn more about our programs.

I invite you to become a volunteer. Your assistance at the Helping Survivors Heal Fundraising Luncheon would make a change in the lives of the survivors we serve. We are seeking volunteers to help out from about 10:30 am to 1:30 pm (depending on your role).

If you are interested in volunteering at the Helping Survivors Heal Fundraising Luncheon, please e-mail Katherina at [email protected].

Join the Healing Society Today

You are not alone. We're here to help. We're a healing resource to survivors of torture and their families without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or economic or legal status.

SURVIVORS can provide specialized care and support to empower you in your healing journey to become a self-sufficient and healthy member of your family and community. We are able to offer services to torture survivors and their families free of charge. Professional interpretation is available.

To find out if you qualify for services, please call us at 619-278-2400 to talk with an expert staff member.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

SURVIVORS provides tailored individual, group, family, and couples therapy with licensed and licensed eligible mental health professionals throughout San Diego County.

MEDICAL SERVICES

SURVIVORS' provides support for Survivors with medical needs like finding a physician for general health care or connecting with a vision provider to receive glasses.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

SURVIVORS provides tailored individual, group, family, and couples therapy with licensed and licensed eligible mental health professionals throughout San Diego County.

PSYCHIATRIC CARE

SURVIVORS’ psychiatric services include a thorough evaluation of clients and regular follow-ups by a psychiatrist.

PROFESSIONAL INTERPRETATION

SOCIAL and PEER SUPPORT

SURVIVORS offers Healing Clubs to help counter torture survivor's feelings of shame, humiliation, and isolation. Activities have included art projects and nature walks.

FORENSIC EVALUATIONS

SURVIVORS coordinates medical affidavits and psychological evaluations to support our client's asylum cases. Medical and psychological evaluations are conducted by trained professional evaluators.

FORENSIC EVALUATIONS

SURVIVORS coordinates medical affidavits and psychological evaluations to support our client's asylum cases. Medical and psychological evaluations are conducted by trained professional evaluators.

CASE MANAGEMENT

Services to address essential needs such as food, clothing, and housing. We distribute blankets, backpacks and educational supplies, public transit passes, and hygiene items.

MEDICAL SERVICES

SURVIVORS provides assistance with medical needs like finding a physician for general health care, or connecting with a vision provider to receive glasses.

PSYCHIATRIC CARE

SSURVIVORS’ psychiatric services include a thorough evaluation of clients and regular follow-ups by a psychiatrist. SURVIVORS combines psychiatric care with psychotherapy and social support.

SOCIAL and PEER SUPPORT

SURVIVORS offers Healing Clubs to help counter torture survivor's feelings of shame, humiliation, and isolation. Activities have included art projects and nature walks.

INTERPRETERS

CASE MANAGEMENT

Services to address essential needs such as food, clothing, and housing. We distribute blankets, backpacks and educational supplies, public transit passes, and hygiene items.