Social Services

Building a Home Away from Home

“When everything in my life is falling apart, my case manager is there to support me, find me a doctor, a place to live, listen to my pain and make me feel safe.”
— TASSC Survivor

Important Notice to TASSC Clients

Dear Valued TASSC Community,

TASSC temporarily discontinuing direct, in-house case management services. Instead, we offer resource navigation to help you identify community support and resources. Our space remains open for survivors to connect with the community, and you can pre-register for services once the Legal Services Program resumes.

We appreciate your understanding during this transitional period. Your well-being is our priority, and we remain committed to supporting you. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. For more information, please contact info@tassc.org. Or call (703) 720-9264.

Program Overview

The Social Services Program provides a “second home” for survivors of torture in a warm, caring environment where they can begin to heal. The Social Services program is designed to support survivors through the legal, advocacy, and career development programs. Our staff works with survivors to develop “wellness plans” that focus on their strengths to develop a path to reach their goals.

Starting in 2024, survivors are welcome to receive services at our Washington, DC and Silver Spring office, or virtually. More information about registration will be provided in the near future.

Every survivor is also welcome become part of the TASSC community, which functions as a drop-in center, encouraging survivors to come at any time to enjoy coffee, eat lunch, speak with staff, attend events and workshops, or to use computers and borrow books from the TASSC library. Drop in hours will commence in 2024 on Tuesdays from 10AM-2PM.

The support provided by TASSC's Social Services Program is needed now more than ever. Survivors have endured much in their home countries, and continue to face challenges as they adjust to life in the United States. From navigating the asylum process and fulfilling basic needs, to setting goals that will shape a new life, survivors can engage with TASSC staff at every step along the way. 


PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

Social Services Navigation

Social service navigation at TASSC centers around understanding each survivor’s unique story and developing an individualized, trauma-informed, strengths-based wellness plan to meet specific survivor needs, short-term, and long-term goals.

Social service navigators support survivors to achieve their goals by linking them to resources, enhancing safety skills, and being a strong advocate within the community. Navigators recognize the survivors meet the person where they are, coaching and encouraging them to reach their goals.

Social Service Navigators base their work on a trauma-informed and anti-racist principals of collaboration with and empowerment of survivors. Navigators also support with psychoeducation, wellness, and relaxation interventions, to enhance mindfulness and resilience skills for the survivor. Activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Giving space for a holding environment to support survivors in the wait, ambiguity, and uncertainty of their journey.

  • Identifying supportive resources for holistic care.

  • Advocating and collaborating with providers to support the survivor’s goals and enhance access.

  • Providing psychoeducation services about a wide range of topics, such as housing rights or the impact of trauma.

  • Supporting with mindfulness and stabilization interventions.

  • Enhancing social supports and connections within the community.

  • Acting as a partner and sounding board during navigation of acculturation.

Life Skills and Orientation Groups:

TASSC also offers Life Skills groups and workshops to provide additional insight and support on various topics. These sessions provide survivors with opportunities for cultural orientation to engage with common American socio-cultural activities and situations in a safe environment. Topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Food banks and family nutrition programs.

  • Supportive counseling.  

  • Emergency housing. 

  • Medical care (free/sliding scale).

  • Prenatal services and materials.

  • Insurance education and assistance.

  • Legal immigration services.  

  • Employment and education services.

TASSC welcomes community partners and supporters to lead each workshop.