Immigrants Rising’s Facilitated Activity Groups offer undocumented young people tangible skills, knowledge, and accountability to pursue personal, educational, and professional goals.
Facilitated Activity Groups provide a space for undocumented high school and college students to explore a topic while building relationships with one another. All activity groups will be guided by a skilled facilitator who is intimately familiar with the undocumented experience.
Activity Groups will meet for 6 consecutive weeks in a virtual setting. Explore the topics we’re offering this year below.
Everyone deserves an education that is enjoyable, fulfilling, and free from constraints! Unfortunately, undocumented students face additional barriers to pursuing their educational goals and enjoying their educational journeys due to the added stress that comes with limited access to financial and campus resources. This activity group will introduce you to strategies, resources, tips, and key actionable steps you can take to finance your college education and advocate for more and better campus resources. By the end of this activity group, you will implement a plan to increase your funding to help you alleviate some of the financial barriers to pursuing your educational goals.
You will receive a Certificate of Completion after attending at least five sessions.
This activity group is for undocumented high school and college students in the U.S.
This activity group is offered three times between Fall 2022 and Spring 2023.
We are currently not offering new Activity Group sessions.
Immigrants Rising’s Wellness Support Groups help undocumented people stay grounded and connected to the community.
These 6-week Wellness Support Groups led by trained mental health providers or registered clinicians, are designed to help undocumented people feel less alone and more understood. The weekly virtual sessions are closed; meaning that advance registration is required, with the goal of creating a confidential space where 10-12 participants can feel grounded, find community, and share their unique experiences, challenges, and successes with one another. Click here to register and join a support group.
Note: Though participation can be therapeutic, the groups are not a form of therapy.
About the Group: Navigating life as an undocumented person means facing uncertainty on a daily basis. There are so many forces outside of our control that shape our lives and impact our ability to plan for the future. In this group, we will discuss the different ways that uncertainty impacts how we show up in our relationships, the personal and professional choices we make, and our overall mental and emotional well-being. We will make space to connect, support, and learn from one another throughout the group process and the facilitator will introduce and guide participants through various coping strategies and relaxation techniques.
About the Facilitator: Dr. Muriel Casamayor (she/her) earned her Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree in 2024 and is a licensed psychotherapist in California (LMFT License #116554). Her journey in psychotherapy began in 2014 when she enrolled in the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Hope International University. Since completing her master’s degree in 2016, Dr. Casamayor has specialized in providing mental health evaluations and therapy for individuals dealing with a range of moderate to severe psychiatric disorders, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), psychotic disorders, depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Dr. Casamayor’s expertise is centered on working with undocumented, 2SLGBTQIA+, and immigrant communities. She has developed mental health programs specifically designed to address disparities and promote equity among marginalized populations.
About the Group: Whether you have already decided to start a life outside of the U.S. or are just considering the possibility, know that you are not alone. In addition to our Life Outside the U.S. guide, which is designed to help you explore your options and arrive at the decision that best suits you, Immigrants Rising has created this 6-week non-clinical support group. If you would like to be in community with other individuals who are living outside the U.S. or are in the process of making this important decision, we invite you to join us. Together, we will explore the joys and challenges of living in the U.S. as well as the new challenges and exciting possibilities of a life abroad.
About the Facilitator: Lina Hannigan, Ph.D. (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice. She earned her doctorate degree at Alliant International University, specializing in health psychology. She received extensive training in primary care behavioral medicine and chronic pain management at UCSF/SFGH and Kaiser Permanente, integrating the physical and mental domains to optimize health. As a Japanese American whose parents were immigrants, Lina grew up navigating between cultures. After graduating from the University of Washington, she lived for two years in a small town in Hokkaido, Japan before going to graduate school with a commitment to serving immigrant and AAPI communities. She works to fight bias and understand cultural influences within and between people. She is proud to be a volunteer therapist and group facilitator at Immigrants Rising.
About the Group: The Navigating Emotions Through Advance Parole is a space for individuals embarking on or returning from their Advance Parole journeys. Here, we understand the transformative power and the array of emotions accompanying this unique experience. Whether you’re preparing for your journey, navigating its complexities, or reflecting on your return, our group offers a supportive community where you can openly share and connect with others who understand the joy and pain of going through this process. Together, we’ll navigate the highs and lows while fostering solidarity and understanding every step of the way.
About the Facilitator: Jose Perez, LMFT (he/him) is a DACAmented Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Jose has the privilege of running the mental health department at Samaritan House San Mateo where he helps increase access to mental health for uninsured immigrants. Additionally, Jose has a private practice specializing in immigrant mental health and treating trauma, depression, anxiety, and acculturation difficulties. Jose aims to provide a collaborative approach to care utilizing strength-based approaches to help clients reach self-actualization, resilience, and healing. In his spare time, Jose is finishing his PsyD in clinical psychology and enjoys hiking and trying new foods and eateries.
About the Group: There are 1.7 million undocumented Asian and Pacific Islander (API) immigrants in the U.S., with the vast majority living in California. However, the phrase “undocumented immigrant” often evokes imagery and services intended specifically for the Latinx community. As a result, the diverse needs and identities of the API community are commonly overlooked. This group is a place for API individuals to come together to hear and be heard, sharing stories that express each person’s unique experience and culture. Through thoughtful questions and prompts, we will build the strength of community that comes from recognizing common values, empathizing with familiar pressures, and finding comfort in our shared humanity.
About the Facilitator: Huyen “Kiki” Vo, LCSW, (she/her) is a DACAmented Vietnamese immigrant, a licensed psychotherapist, and a mental health clinician at Stanford Medicine, Children’s Health. She has the privilege of providing services to children, adolescents, individuals, and families from diverse backgrounds (e.g. low-income, AAPI, mixed status, undocumented, BIPOC, LGBTQ, etc.) throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. She values a holistic and collaborative approach to care, utilizing a trauma-informed cultural humility and strength-based lens to promote clients’ self-determination, potential, and resilience. She honors each client’s unique history, cultural background, personality, and lived experience, and meets them where they are in their respective self-discovery/healing journey.
About the Group: Navigating life in the U.S. can be difficult when holding intersecting identities of being an LGBTQIA+ person of color who’s also undocumented. The UndocuLGBTQ+ Support Group is open to all individuals who are LGBTQIA+ seeking a safe space. Regardless of how you explore and express your LGBTQIA+ identity, this support group is created so you can show up as your authentic self and share personal experiences, discuss relevant issues, and build community in a safe and non-judgmental environment with other undocumented LGBTQIA+ individuals. In the spirit of community, participants will determine what themes will be discussed over the six weeks.
About the Facilitator: Jose Perez, LMFT (he/him) is a DACAmented Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Jose has the privilege of running the mental health department at Samaritan House San Mateo where he helps increase access to mental health for uninsured immigrants. Additionally, Jose has a private practice specializing in immigrant mental health and treating trauma, depression, anxiety, and acculturation difficulties. Jose aims to provide a collaborative approach to care utilizing strength-based approaches to help clients reach self-actualization, resilience, and healing. In his spare time, Jose is finishing his PsyD in clinical psychology and enjoys hiking and trying new foods and eateries.
About the Group: If it feels like navigating romantic relationships while undocumented adds another layer of complexity to your life, you are not alone. This group is open to any person navigating mixed status relationships and/or dating while undocumented including folks of all sexualities and gender identities. Over the course of six weeks, we will share stories about dating and partnerships, mirror and validate one another’s experiences, and build community in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. The themes discussed throughout the six weeks will be determined by the participants because you know best what support you need.
About the Facilitator: Akiah Robinson Selwa, LMFT (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, founder and president of Sunrise Therapy Center (STC), and President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Akiah has over 24 years of work experience as a domestic violence prevention advocate, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, anti-trafficking abolitionist, social justice activist, and clinical program manager in the public health and private practice sectors with various client populations. Akiah approaches treatment with cultural humility, promoting hospitality, empowerment, and creativity. Akiah is a certified SoulCollage(r) facilitator, a Somatic Experiencing practitioner trainee (Adv II), and a mixed media artist. Akiah’s motto for 2024 is, “Let’s rise from a place of rest.”
About the Group: This group is a supportive community for undocumented students navigating the complexities of higher education. In this space, members are invited to share their challenges and triumphs on their educational journey. From encountering barriers like misunderstandings in financial aid offices and limited scholarship opportunities to grappling with the isolation and weight of hiding one’s identity, this group offers understanding and solidarity. Together, we confront the burdens of perfection often placed upon undocumented students, fostering a supportive environment where individuals can find solace, share resources, and celebrate their resilience. Join us in navigating higher education with strength, creativity, and community support.
About the Facilitator: Mayra Almanza, LMFT (she/her) is a formerly undocumented Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in Southern California. She has worked in the non-profit mental health sector for over 10 years in various roles ranging from administrative coordination to clinical work and supervision. Her lived experiences guide the way she engages clients in therapy. Mayra’s commitment to providing mental health services that are equitable, accessible, and affordable led to the creation of her business, Contigo Counseling Inc., which is focused on serving the undocumented community.
About the Group: The support of sisters is unique and nourishing. This group is open to all undocuwomen seeking a space for sharing and connection in times of uncertainty. Exploring an intersectional identity can lead us to learn new coping skills and strategies from one another as we examine the impact of our multiple identities. The themes we’ll explore in this group will be determined by the first session—because you know your support needs best. We will come as we are, share what we know, and celebrate one another’s successes.
About the Facilitator: Kissu Taffere (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in the non-profit and humanitarian sectors. She immigrated to the United States from East Africa with her family as a child. The years-long process of adjusting her immigration status sparked her interest in advocating for racial justice and exploring the connections between mental health, anti-blackness, and migration. Since graduating with her master’s in social work, Kissu has worked in community clinics, private practice settings and non-profits. She also values lived experience and appreciates that wisdom doesn’t come only in the form of formal degrees or licensure. Kissu is a native Tigrinya speaker and speaks basic French and understands Amharic.
If you’re wondering whether our Wellness Support Groups are the right fit, here is what you need to know. These groups are right for you if:
If you have any questions, please check out our Participant FAQ. If your question is not answered there, please contact our Wellness Support Group Coordinator, Dani Amador, at damador@immigrantsrising.org.
Akiah Robinson, LMFT |
Jose Perez, LMFT |
Kiki Vo, LCSW |
Kissu Taffere, LCSW |
Lina Hannigan, Ph.D. |
Mayra Almanza, LMFT |
Muriel Casamayor, LMFT |
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Immigrants Rising’s Educational Transitions Coaching provides undocumented students mentorship and guidance to successfully transition to their next stage in life.
Immigrants Rising Coaches are experts in working directly with undocumented students. Our coaches will work with you to achieve the goals that you identify between January and May 2022. Coaches support you through active listening, asking questions, and being fully invested in your success. They provide a safe space for you to envision and plan your next steps. Our coaches are part of a network of other undocumented folks and will be able to connect you to a supportive community as well.
Educational Transitions Coaching is for students who:
You will meet with your coach in a 1-1 video zoom call once a week to discuss your situation and empower your actions.
Your coach can support you with:
We are not currently accepting any new coaching participants.
Click here for answers to more Commonly Asked Questions.
Creative Writing Class, Educator, Leadership Council, Staff
"I wanted to get a second opinion because I hoped the first attorney had overlooked something. Or maybe things had changed. I'm so happy that I did get a second opinion because I learned that I had a potential remedy through political asylum."
Creative Writing Class, Educator, Leadership Council, Staff
"Immigrants Rising to me is a community that will welcome you with open arms and support you even through your most difficult moments."
Creative Writing Class, High School Engagement, Legal Services Team, Program Participant, Scholar, Staff
"Immigrants are resourceful, resilient people who have the same dreams as generations who came before us"
Creative Writing Class, High School Engagement, Legal Services Team, Program Participant, Scholar, Staff
"Because I know how hard it is for people to get status, I wanted to find a way to advocate for other undocumented people"
Creative Writing Class, Scholar
"Just in coming together, as a community, there's been some healing, especially when people feel scared or uncertain."
Creative Writing Class, Leadership Council, Legal Services Team, Program Participant, Staff
"People can still succeed in their education and careers, despite all the negative policies around us."
Creative Writing Class, High School Engagement, Program Participant
"I made life-long friendships and found a family that will always be there to support me through my personal and professional endeavors."
Creative Writing Class, Scholar, Staff
"It’s like a wellness center, a place you go to recharge and meet other people like yourself."
Creative Writing Class, Legal Services Team, Program Participant, Scholar
"I became more open and less fearful about life."
Creative Writing Class, Leadership Council, Staff
"It changed my own perspective of myself; I felt a sense of empowerment that I didn't have before."
“Things I’ll Never Say” is a platform for undocumented young people across the country to create our own immigration narratives by boldly sharing our personal experiences through various forms of creative expression.
Visit: www.thingsillneversay.org
When sharing or being asked to share my story by Immigrants Rising, I have the right to:
When Immigrants Rising asks people to share their stories, we promise to:
Download the Storytellers Bill of Rights and Principles of Trust here.
