SURVIVORS Announces New Executive Director

August 23, 2022

Survivors of Torture, International (SURVIVORS) is pleased to announce Etleva Bejko as its new Executive Director, following co-founder and Executive Director Kathi Anderson’s planned retirement on September 30, 2022. Etleva will lead the organization in its mission to facilitate the healing of torture survivors and their families; educate professionals and the public about torture and its consequences; and advocate for torture survivors and against torture.

The Board of Directors is thrilled, after a careful and widespread search, to have found such a qualified and passionate individual to lead SURVIVORS’ vision and mission into the next 25 years.

Etleva brings to SURVIVORS more than 20 years of personal passion, dedication, and leadership in providing direct services to asylum seekers, asylees, and refugees in San Diego. With her demonstrated success in fostering community partnerships, expanding services, and developing long-range planning with local and federal agencies, Etleva is poised to guide SURVIVORS’ future growth.

All of us at SURVIVORS are inspired by Etleva’s expertise and leadership in support of some of the most vulnerable in our community. We are honored to welcome Etleva into this leadership position at SURVIVORS during such an important era, when the need for our services and the opportunity to build welcoming communities for survivors are growing.

Once Etleva accepted, Kathi had this to say: “Having known Etleva for nearly 20 years, I have admired her commitment, professionalism, and talents. I could not be more pleased with the Board’s decision and I am confident that SURVIVORS will be in good hands with Etleva as its next executive director.”

Etleva will be formally introduced to the SURVIVORS’ community of supporters and donors by Kathi at the upcoming virtual Helping Survivors Heal Fundraising event on September 15, 2022. (Click here to register for the event.)

Please help us wholeheartedly welcome Etleva to SURVIVORS.

Jean Greaves
Chair
Board of Directors

Founded in 1997 and recognized by the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, SURVIVORS is the only accredited torture treatment center for the estimated 35,000 survivors of torture in San Diego and Imperial Counties. The organization helps survivors of torture who were forced to flee their home countries in search of a safe place to rebuild their lives by providing specialized care and healing services for survivors and their families in their chosen languages. SURVIVORS is an independent 501(c)(3), nonprofit serving torture survivors who have come from more than 90 countries.

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.