We aim at providing mental health resources for immigrant and refugee teenagers, especially those in middle and high school in a safe and supportive environment,  so that they can thrive mentally and emotionally.

As a high schooler, I understand the enormous pressure kids feel these days to be accepted by their peers. In addition to these “societal” pressures, immigrant teens  also need to cope with performance in their school (such as the gaps they need to fill in reading or problem solving). Additionally, language may also act as a big barrier to those who migrate from non-English speaking countries. 

During a lunch break at my high school recently, I was enjoying a lively conversation with my close friends when I noticed a boy sitting alone at a nearby bench. He looked sad and somewhat nervous, glancing around as if searching for familiar faces. I couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy for him. I decided to take action.

I grabbed my lunch and walked over to sit with him. He looked up nervously as I introduced myself and asked if he was new to our school. He explained that he was a sophomore and his family had recently immigrated to the US. He didn't know anyone at our school, so he usually ate his lunch alone. Hearing this broke my heart.

I invited him to join us at our table, and he eagerly accepted. As he sat down, he introduced himself to my friends, and I could see the relief and newfound confidence in his eyes. It was a small gesture, but it made a big difference to him.

That encounter planted a seed in my mind. I couldn't shake the feeling that there were probably many other students at our school who felt just as lonely and isolated. That's when the idea for a non-profit organization to help students like him took root in my mind.

I wanted to create a support system for new students, immigrants, and anyone else who might feel like they didn't belong. I wanted to build a community where everyone felt welcome and included. And that's how the idea for our non-profit organization was born.

Sahej Bhowmick
Founder and President