In February 2023, recognizing the unique experiences and needs of Afghans who experienced combat-related trauma, ORR launched the Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat (SASIC) program. ORR designed SASIC to support eligible Afghans (PDF) and their families to address and overcome severe and long-lasting trauma, so they can achieve their physical, social, emotional, and economic goals. This program is just one example of ORR’s commitment to newcomers’ overall wellness and support for access to mental health resources.
Through SASIC, recipient organizations offer holistic, strengths-based, and trauma-informed services. These can be provided directly and/or through referrals to partners or affiliates.
Services and Activities May Include:
- Direct core services, including medical, psychological, and social work services
- For those outside service areas, options for telehealth and remote delivery
- Appropriate and tailored services for specific genders and ages, including for children and adolescents
- Creation of a national network of culturally responsive providers specialized in meeting the needs of those who have experienced trauma
- Organizational capacity development to increase local support and ensure the sustainability of services to survivors
- Community engagement and education activities to facilitate identification of survivors and build community awareness to assist with their healing
Funding
Through Congressional funding ORR received and a one-time competitive application process, 24 SASIC grants have been awarded across the United States. Services through SASIC will be available through February 15, 2026. To learn more, visit ORR’s Dear Colleague Letter page.
Contact Information
drhprograms@acf.hhs.gov