Afghan
Newcomers
Program

MLCC will offer mental health and case management services for Afghan newcomers in Alameda County, California.

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Afghan Community Program information and requirements

MLCC delivers services via phone, in-person within all three offices in Oakland, Newark, and San Leandro, and throughout the community.

MLCC will provide outreach and increase access to mental health services for underserved Farsi-, Dari-, and Pashto-speaking Afghan newcomers upon arrival to Alameda County.

Peer counselors and outreach workers, who are new arrivals themselves, will guide the Afghan newcomers. They understand the language and cultural needs of this community and will coordinate services with other agencies in the Bay Area that assist Afghan newcomers.

The outreach workers will engage the new arrivals to inform them of services to help adjust and function in their new country. They will visit the new arrivals where the community gathers to let them know of the services MLCC offers to them, such as brokerage, case management, and mental health services.

MLCC has Farsi- and Darsi-speaking LMFTs to provide mental health services. They will help clients increase functioning and coping skills.

MLCC will help clients increase understanding of their mental illness and receive outpatient and case management/brokerage services.

Our case managers

Profile:

Ahmad Samim Faizi, a dedicated Case Manager at the Multilingual Counseling Center since 2022, brings a unique blend of case management expertise and compassion to the mental health field. As a proud citizen of Afghanistan, Ahmad’s solid educational background in criminal law and criminology is complemented by his outstanding contributions to the center.

Education:

A scholar with a Master’s degree from Avicenna University, Ahmad seamlessly integrates a comprehensive understanding of legal and social frameworks into his role as a Case Manager.

Experience:

With a career spanning from 2010 as a prosecutor and investigator at the Attorney General’s Office in Afghanistan to founding a legal and consulting services office in 2017, Ahmad has championed the rights of women, children, and human rights. As a Case Manager, he showcases exceptional organizational skills and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of the diverse clientele.

Multilingual Proficiency:

Fluent in English, Pashto, Dari, and Urdu, Ahmad effectively communicates with clients from various cultural backgrounds, bridging language gaps and fostering trust.

Client-Centered Approach:

Recognized for his client-centered approach, Ahmad collaborates closely with clients, ensuring they are well-informed and empowered throughout their counseling journey. His empathetic nature and commitment to confidentiality create a secure environment for clients navigating challenges in the United States.

Community Engagement:

Beyond his role, Ahmad actively engages with the community through outreach and education, participating in initiatives that promote mental health awareness and life skills in the United States, and contributing to the well-being of the Multi-lingual counseling center clients.

Future Goals:

Continuing to be a driving force behind the mission of the Multilingual Counseling Center, Ahmad eagerly looks forward to broadening his impact and fostering the center’s growth. His passion for case management and mental health domains is evident in his dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those seeking support.

Connect with Ahmad:

For personalized and culturally informed case management services, reach out to Ahmad Samim Faizi. Schedule a consultation to explore how he can assist you on your journey toward holistic well-being at the Multilingual Counseling Center.

At the Multilingual Counseling Center, we believe in the power of comprehensive support. Ahmad exemplifies our commitment to providing expert care at the intersection of case management and mental health.

Languages: English — Pashto — Dari — Urdu

Profile:

Dedicated and compassionate, Zuhra Sadat has served as a Case Manager at the Multi-lingual Counseling Center since 2022. Bringing a wealth of experience, she is passionate about supporting individuals through their unique challenges. Committed to fostering a culturally sensitive and inclusive environment, Zuhra contributes to the center’s mission of providing comprehensive counseling and case management services to Multi-Lingual Counseling Center clients.

Professional Experience:

 Zuhra Sadat brings fifteen years of experience as a defense lawyer and a member of the Independent Association of Afghan Lawyers. Serving as the National Legal Counsel at the US Embassy in Afghanistan, she has extensive experience with national and international organizations. In her role as a case manager, Zuhra closely collaborates with clients to assess their needs, enhance their understanding of case management and life skills in the United States, and facilitate access to a wide range of counseling services. With substantial experience navigating the complexities of women’s, children’s, and human rights issues, Zuhra considers cultural factors in mental health. She is dedicated to resolving clients’ problems and creating a secure environment for them to thrive in the United States of America.

Education:

Master of Transitional Business Management (LLM)

University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, Sacramento, California [Continued]

Master of International Criminal Law and Criminology (LLM)

Azad University, Kabul, Afghanistan (2020)

Bachelor of Law and Political Science

Tanweer University, Kabul, Afghanistan (2018)

Skills:

Cultural Competence: Zuhra possesses a deep understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds, enabling her to provide culturally competent counseling services.

Case Management: With a strong background in social work, Zuhra excels in developing and implementing effective case management strategies tailored to individual needs.

Communication: Zuhra fosters open and effective communication with clients, creating a collaborative and supportive care management relationship.

Multilingual Proficiency: Fluent in English, Pashto, Dari, and Urdu, Zuhra effectively communicates with clients from various cultural backgrounds, bridging language gaps and fostering trust.

Client-Centered Approach: Recognized for her client-centered approach, Zuhra collaborates closely with clients, ensuring they are well-informed and empowered throughout receiving her case management services. Her empathetic nature and commitment to confidentiality create a secure environment for clients navigating challenges and empower them in life skills in the United States.

Community Engagement: Beyond her role, Zuhra actively engages with the community through outreach and education, participating in initiatives that promote mental health awareness and life skills in the United States, and contributing to the well-being of the Multilingual Counseling Center clients.

Future Goals:

 Zuhra, the driving force behind the mission of the Multilingual Counseling Center, possesses a keen interest in case management and the mental health field. She is actively working to play a valuable role in the growth of the Multilingual Counseling Center, aiming to ensure that numerous clients can benefit from the services provided by this institution.

Languages: English — Pashto — Dari — Urdu