On Friday, September 27th 2024, the Susan B Anthony Center hosted its annual Stanton/Anthony Conversations program held during Meliora Weekend, the University’s celebration for families and alumni.
This year’s keynote was delivered by Baitullah Hameedi, a visiting scholar at the University of Rochester and Cultural Broker at the Mt. Hope Family Center. His presentation explored the challenges faced by immigrants, including social isolation, acculturation difficulties, and the heightened risk of trauma for refugee children. Hameedi highlighted the Trauma System Therapy for Refugees (TST-R), an innovative approach to addressing traumatic stress in refugee children, while also addressing the systemic barriers refugees encounter when trying to access these critical services. He concluded by offering practical insights into how support systems for refugees can be improved.
The keynote was followed by an engaging panel discussion moderated by Catherine Cerulli, former director of the Susan B. Anthony Center. The panel featured Maureen Boorum, a mental health expert at the Mt. Hope Family Center; Moses Robinson, a community liaison officer with the Rochester Police Department; and Kate DeFazio, Assistant Principal at the Rochester International Academy. The discussion focused on how Rochester’s community is working to support refugee children in local school districts, with a particular emphasis on mental health and cultural stigma. Audience members were actively engaged throughout, underscoring the community’s commitment to this critical work.
While challenges remain—particularly in reducing cultural stigmas around mental health in some refugee populations—the Rochester International Academy, the Rochester Police Department, and Mt. Hope Family Center are dedicated to continuing their efforts.
To support the Mt. Hope Family Center’s work, please visit psych.rochester.edu/MHFC/about/donate