CHAI, Inc.

This month, we will focus on Counselors Helping (South) Asians/ Indians (CHAI, Inc.).  Ms. Razia Kosi, Executive Director, CHAI, has given us an exclusive behind the scenes interview.  

Thank you CHAI, for your amazing community work.  If you want to learn more, volunteer or donate, check out http://www.chaicounselors.org/ or contact http://www.chaicounselors.org/contact

 

Interview with Razia Kosi, Executive Director, CHAI

Counselors Helping (South) Asians, Inc. (CHAI, Inc.) was born out of two clinical social workers of Indian background talking over a cup of chai latte. The women talked about the lack of support they faced growing up in the US and trying to live between two distinct cultures. They decided to take action and use their personal experiences, professional expertise and begin to talk about the mental health and counseling to the South Asian community.

Fast-forward nine years and CHAI, Inc. in now a volunteer run non-profit organization providing information, referrals and education about mental health and wellness to the South Asian community. Offering translated materials on mental health topics, leading community discussions about mental health, helping to end stigma about accessing help for mental health issues, and running a Women’s Wellness group for South Asian women, have been signature activities. In addition to working with the South Asian community, CHAI, Inc. also works with mainstream organizations to educate them about the South Asian community and how they can better-serve the interests of the South Asian community. 

 

CHAI working with the South Asian community.

 

CHAI Members Facilitating a Women’s Focus Group at the Muslim Community Center.

 

 

The Community Corner segment on local TV show DARSHAN, highlighted the topic of mental health. Left to right, Mala Tandon, PsyD, Deepa Iyer, Executive Director, SAALT, Razia Kosi LCSW-C, Executive Director, CHAI, Inc.

 

Mixing education & fun, CHAI Board Chair- Swaran Dhawan teaches participants how to make Pallou for the Indian cooking demonstration – Tikka, Trader Joes and Tantalizing Treats, a fundraiser for CHAI.

 

 

CHAI, Inc. volunteers, Cherian Verghese, PhD and Elka Batra share information about mental health in the South Asian community at the Hindu Temple’s Health Fair.

CHAI Inc., helping to support the community!