The mental health struggles and challenges that Grace had experienced in the past two decades, is similar to the mental health struggles of refugees and immigrants in Minnesota in particular and the people of Africa in general. In Minnesota, amongst the refugee, immigrant population, of the needs that have emerged throughout the years, social isolation leading to mental health struggles has always been one of the most mentioned challenges. While social services programs take into consideration and strive to find ways to reduce the negative effects of social isolation, the mental health effects have been largely unaddressed especially since cultural competence is necessary for dealing with mental health issues in the refugee/immigrant and African communities. This has been a cause of great concern for us as a community based organization especially as we see the negative effects of social isolation. As recorded by the Minnesota Department of Health research: groups that experience prolonged social isolation and historic hostilities, show an increase in mortality rates, other emotional, physical and psychological ailments than in the general population. African refugees and immigrants are listed amongst the socially isolated groups that usually have low quantity and quality social relationships outside their identified group. Thus the goal Grace Yufela Foundation is to create aware ness and empower these targeted population to deal with their psycho-social struggles and challenges by educating and empowering them.

Historically, some refugee/immigrants in particular and Africans in general have been exposed to hostile war zones and traumatic experiences. As an African, a community member and a Behavioral Health Therapist, I see members of our community struggling and challenged with mental health symptoms but remained silenced without seeking services. Grace Yufela Charitable Foundation will be an organization that will provide culturally competent outreach, education, and mental health empowerment to the needy. It would help to fill a major gap in services for refugee/immigrants in particular and Africans in general to manage their mental health challenges and continue to live a fulfilling life.