GERA California community
GERA California • Sacramento

When Crisis Hits, We Help Families Rise Again

Providing direct aid and trauma-informed support to refugees and newcomers in Sacramento. When systems fall short, we step in.

2500+ individuals served
Sacramento County
100% Community-Based
501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Our Work with Refugees and Newcomer Communities

Since our founding in 2022, we have developed deep partnerships with Sacramento's refugee community—one of the largest in the nation. Our            programs are designed in collaboration with community members to address their unique needs and aspirations.

19,000+

Afghan Residents

in Sacramento County

2,500+

Festival Attendees

individuals attended programs (2024)

500+

Families Served

through workshops & programs

Community-Centered Cultural Programming

English Learning & Literacy

We provide adult English language education-one one of the critical needs of the community-offered both online and in person to help individuals build independence, confidence, and long-term stability.

Language-Accessible Services

All programs are delivered in most common client languages by staff who understand the lived experiences of displacement and resettlement, ensuring culturally responsive support.

Trauma-Informed Wellness

Women's wellness programs and youth art therapy initiatives address mental health needs with cultural sensitivity, creating safe spaces for healing and growth.

Economic Empowerment

From driver's license classes to security guard training, we provide pathways to employment that respect community members' skills and aspirations.

Children and adults seated at a long table doing an art and craft activity with paintbrushes, markers, and colorful drawings
Childs hands holding a painted black and white butterfly model during an art project on a paint-covered surface
GERA community gathering
GERA bazar street art

While our work began with supporting newly arrived refugee families, our doors are open to all newcomers seeking support as they rebuild their lives in Sacramento. We are proud to serve Sacramento’s diverse immigrant and refugee communities with dignity and respect.

Recent Activities

See what we've been up to in our community

GERA community activity
GERA community activity
GERA community activity

Our Impact in Numbers

GERA California delivers innovative, community-informed programs that produce measurable outcomes for newcomers.

Group of people assembling jigsaw puzzles together around a black table at an indoor gathering
Two women examining a black VR headset together, with one wearing a hijab and white shirt
GERA community activity and program participation
Man in white shirt holds up a drawing while standing between two women in an indoor setting with framed artwork on the wall

Women's Wellness Workshops

11 Workshops

Serving an average of 60 women per workshop, providing critical mental health support, community connection, and wellness education.

Art Therapy for Youth

9 Workshops

Serving an average of 45 youth per workshop, helping young people process trauma and build resilience through creative expression.

STEM & Robotics

7 Workshops

Serving an average of 23 youth per workshop, building technical skills and opening pathways to future careers in science and technology.

Educational Field Trips

18 Youth

Exploratorium, Palace of Fine Arts, The Sutro Baths nature walks and beach experiences to expand horizons and build cultural understanding.

Road Safety

Driving Familiarization

Classes helping newcomers understand traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices to obtain driver's licenses.

Adult English Literacy

Language Education

Adult English language education offered online and in person to help individuals build independence and long-term stability.

Economic Empowerment Programs

35

Driving Familiarization Classes

100% obtained driver's licenses

45

Security Guard Training

Participants obtained guard cards and completed required certification. 

14

Job Placements

Graduates successfully place in employment opportunities.  

7

Emergency Family Assistance

Families in crises supported with emergency housing assistance.

27

Entrepreneurship & Small Business Support

Business licensing, startup guidance, and client-building support provided through GERA Bazaars.

Start, Grow, and Sustain Your Own Business

GERA supports aspiring entrepreneurs with business guidance, licensing assistance, and startup resources. Participants also gain access to shared space and promotional opportunities to attract clients, generate income, and build sustainable businesses.

  • Business licensing and startup guidance
  • Access to workspace and community markets
  • Marketing and client outreach support
  • Ongoing mentorship and growth resources
👉 Start Your Business Journey

Business Licensing Support

Guided Assistance

Step-by-step guidance through the business licensing process, helping newcomers navigate legal requirements and establish their ventures on solid footing.

Startup Guidance

Mentorship & Planning

One-on-one mentorship and business planning support to help aspiring entrepreneurs develop viable ideas into real, sustainable businesses.

GERA Bazaars

Community Marketplace

Vibrant community marketplaces that provide vendors with real-world selling experience, customer-building skills, and a platform to showcase their products and services.

Client-Building Support

Network & Growth

Connecting entrepreneurs with customers, partners, and community networks to help them grow their client base and build lasting business relationships.

Program Impact

27

Entrepreneurs Supported

Business licensing, startup guidance, and client-building support provided through GERA Bazaars.

3+

GERA Bazaar Events

Community marketplace events providing real-world selling experience to newcomer vendors.

100%

Community-Driven

All programs designed with and for the communities we serve, ensuring cultural relevance and lasting impact.

Community Celebrations & Cultural Connection

GERA CA organizes two annual festivals celebrating cultural traditions, deepening our connection to the diverse newcomer community in Sacramento.

2,500+

Number of individuals served in Sacramento County (2024)

These festivals have been overwhelmingly well-received, creating spaces for cultural celebration, community building, and intergenerational connection.

GERA community celebration

How You Can Help – California

Support Refugees & Newcomers in California

Every contribution helps provide critical assistance to refugees and newcomers building new lives across California communities.

Donate to Support Direct Aid

Your financial support goes directly to families in crisis, providing emergency assistance when they need it most.

Volunteer Your Time or Skills

Share your expertise and compassion to help newcomers navigate their journey to stability.

Partner With GERA

Organizations and sponsors can amplify our impact through strategic partnerships.

Contact Our California Team

We'll respond within 24 hours