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.

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 immigration 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.

Pro-Bono volunteer physicians perform medical evaluations for clients’ asylum cases. Physicians write medical affidavits for attorneys to present in court, documenting that there is physical evidence of torture. Medical evaluations are always done in person, either at SURVIVORS’ office or a secondary location. Interpreters are provided for this service. Applicant’s medical licenses must be up to date.

Contractors accept clients for individual, couples or family therapy on a case-by-case basis. You choose your availability and create your own schedule. Therapy sessions may occur in your office setting in the community, Survivors’ office space, in-home, or via telemedicine. SURVIVORS provides compensation for your work. We will also provide professional interpreters to work with you.

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.

PSYCHOTHERAPY 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. 

PSYCHOTHERAPY

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

PSYCHIATRY

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

PROFESSIONAL INTERPRETATION

SURVIVORS facilitates professional, trauma-informed interpretation so our clients can receive services in their native language or dialect to best support their healing process and care.

HEALING CLUB

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

AYSLUM SUPPORT

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

ASYLUM SUPPORT

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

PSYCHIATRY

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

HEALING CLUB

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

SURVIVORS partners with professional, trauma-informed interpreters so our clients can receive services in their native language or dialect to best support their healing process and care.

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.