Stories from Minnesota Refugees

Health is when a person is physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and financially stable and complete.

Minnesota has healthy home environment supportive systems such as government, community, friends, and family.

Having a community who keeps the culture and tradition alive helps keep my emotional and spiritual health healthy.

As a community health educator, I provide education on mental health and suicide prevention and family planning and assist the community by helping them navigate through the healthcare and government system.

In the future I want to see the Karen community be more open to seeking mental health help. I want the Karen community to reduce the stigma around talking about mental health and normalize mental health issues. I also wish to see the community seek preventive care and receive more education on different health topics. I would like to see more Karen involvement in the health care field, giving back to the community and offering help to other people. I want to see more health care providers who are Karen and have the passion to help people in need.

The times that I was in Africa, I didn’t work by my home. When I came to the United States, I work by my home, so I can help my kids. That is what health means to me.

I was given health by Minnesota. I was given rent for my house, cash, and food stamps. In February, I got knee surgery which was helpful to me. If I had not come to Minnesota I could not walk, because I have a dislocated knee and gunshot wounds on my knee. I thank my doctor for their work and the Government of Minnesota.

The contributions of my community helped me. The time that I arrived, some contributed clothes and shoes. Some took me, drove me to the shop, and bought me things I cannot afford. They helped a lot with things I don’t have. I thank God and the people of Minnesota for supporting me for the things I couldn't manage.

If there are some activities done in our neighborhood in need of small contributions, I buy some clothes and give them to people who need donations. For health, if there are contributions needed, I can give the little I have.

What I am looking for in the future is to help the way I've been helped. I could even manage to help a person in need. I want to help my community and I want to raise my kids not to be like me but to be better than me. I want to work as a social worker to be an advocate for the people and continue helping refugees in Africa. My participation means a lot and I don’t forget the past.

As all refugees who got resettled in the USA, at the USCIS interview in the refugee country, the immigration agents ask all refugees if they know someone in the USA - these people are called “USTie” - so they can resettle them close to that person so that person can help the refugee to adjust to their new life once they come to USA. That is how I came to Minnesota too because my brother’s lady knew someone who lives here in Minnesota when we were still in Africa.

From my home county to Minnesota has been a long journey. I lived in Uganda as a refugee for six years in a bad situation. Refugees didn’t have access to the health system, education, healthy living environment. Therefore, me being in Minnesota makes Minnesota my home because I now have full access to the health system and also, I live in a clean environment which is also safe. For me health is a state in life when I am physically and mentally feeling well. This state enables me to perform my jobs and play a big role in my life otherwise I wouldn’t be able to help other refugees who are coming after me.

My identity as a refugee doesn’t affect me. I am able to perform my duties while working with other people from different countries or even from here in America. We are all treated the same as others with love, respect and care.

Personally, I am a leader of a small group of singers. I try to encourage others to stay healthy at home and to make sure the food they eat is healthy. Because we heard that most of the health problem here in the USA are due to nutrition or diet.

To stay emotionally health, many people from Congo who are Christian trust and believe in God. They believe that there is powerful message in the music and in reading the bible. Also, by listening to poems and stories while in distress or depression.

Minnesotans love refugees and always stand on their side, that will make me think Minnesota can be called a “home of refugees”. Many refugee kids are studying in Minnesota which shows that in future many youth refugees will contribute more to Minnesota’s economy than our today’s contribution. I have one brother and seven nephews and nieces who are studying today in Minnesota with plans to be doctors, engineers, law enforcement agents, and case workers. It means the future of my family and I is being built here. I see myself in the future as a father of a heathy family and a great advocator for refugees. I am working hard to make this happen by staying positive in everything I do and always stick to the plan.

Number 1 life priority. My best life investments are in my health! Therefore it's very important and meaningful for me to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Safety, community, perfect environment, support, and medical programs.

UACC creates opportunities, connections, and support. And also, our organization tries to treat people like they would be treated at home. A loving and caring environment is essential for mental and physical well-being.

Daily job, volunteering, and support.

A safe life, no wars, human kindness, respect, and a loving society.