The Center for Victim’s of Torture’s 15th Year Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, June 25, 2000
Although you might not have read it in the local papers there was a special event-taking place on East River Road on Sunday afternoon, June 25th. As the UN celebrated a day in support of all Victims of Torture throughout the world, our own local Center for Victims of Torture celebrated their 15th year of service to Minnesota refugees who have suffered politically motivated torture in their countries of origin. The Center serves survivors from all parts of the world.
The Minneapolis Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) is located in an older home close to the University of Minnesota on East River Road. As I approached this center I was struck by the inviting quality of the Center with its Peace Garden and large homey looking front porch. Inside the three story renovated older home, a group gathered to honor the multicultural victims and the peoples who serve them.
Since it was founded in 1985, the Center for Victims of Torture in Minneapolis has provided counseling and rehabilitation services for survivors of torture. It was the first organization of its kind in the United States. And in the nearly 15 years since it was founded, the number of torture victims and their needs has grown in the Twin Cities. The staff and volunteers have magnanimously met the challenges of serving this growing population of traumatized survivors.
All involved with The Center have much to celebrate. At this gala event culturally diverse foods were served to add spice to the special day. Artwork decorated the walls from many nationalities. Quotes from the UN Human Rights Declaration were evident everywhere. The comfortable chairs and soft colors and friendly staff created a soothing and welcoming atmosphere. One can envision how this homespun, inviting environment could support refugee survivors as they regain their lives to become more emotionally stable.
During the afternoon enthusiastic volunteers shared their experiences. Some of the volunteers take time to enjoy a walk, or share stories, or a cup of coffee, or help transport survivors. One particular volunteer, a bicycle mechanic, repairs donated bikes for the survivors. Some volunteers are needed to do clerical tasks and to talk to groups about the work at the Center.
Politicians were there in ardent support of the Center. Senator Wellstone and Representative Sabo gave stirring promises to mobilize more support for the refugee population, and to end torture worldwide. These congressmen as well as Grams and Luther recently helped pass the Torture Relief Act, which provides funds for treatment centers across the nation.
Executive Director Doug Johnson recalled the support of Governor Perpich and the Human Rights Community in founding the Center in Minneapolis in 1985 as a private, non-profit organization. Community leaders were determined to find a way to support torture survivors, who have had suffered some of the most extreme cruelty the human mind can devise. The Center operates now with a staff of 40 including social workers, psychologist, psychiatrists and MD’S and 350 volunteers. CVT has pioneered a comprehensive assessment and care program that is unique in the US and a model for other centers. Johnson reported that the Center has had to expand its work to include research, training and public policy to meet the increasing needs. A second grant has just been submitted to possibly start another similar center in St Paul.
As we finished up this celebration on this rainy Sunday afternoon inside we felt we could truly sing along with Leslie Ball: “It’s gonna be a bright, bright sun shiny day.”
The events of the afternoon included release of peace doves, planting a tree of hope, and hearing the passionate thanks from local leaders of Somali, Liberia, Ethiopian and Cambodian Associations. It had inspired us all. The strength, determination and compassion were evident in the faces of the staff and survivors of the Center. We wish them well as they continue to work to make the Center a place for healing and hope and a place were torture survivors can heal from their deep physical and emotional wounds and begin new and productive lives as our neighbors in their new home.
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More information about the Center for Victim of Torture, or how to volunteer is available from their website; www.cvt.org