In 1979, StARS began serving refugees through English language instruction and community support. Founded by St. Andrew’s United Church of Cairo, StARS was one of the first organizations in Egypt dedicated to improving the quality of life of refugees and vulnerable migrants. Our purpose is twofold: to provide high-quality services meeting unaddressed needs of refugees, and to provide a safe and inclusive space for displaced people to come together as a community. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of refugees in Egypt and make their rights a reality through client-centered programs. Our vision is a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for refugees in which they can exercise their rights, pursue their aspirations, and live in dignity. Our students and clients come from many places, including Ethiopia, Eritrea, Iraq, South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. StARS does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, ethnicity, or religion.
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Services Offered
Psychosocial Services opened in January 2011 and provides support to refugees and vulnerable migrants, focusing on their general well-being, both personal and within their community, as well as their knowledge and skills to live successfully in Cairo. The role of psychosocial workers is to work alongside their clients, and conduct assessments of their strengths and resources to help them think of ways to solve their problems and relieve stress. Recent developments have made it possible to expand the psychosocial support provided by focusing on the development of skills and knowledge of refugee youth. Refugees and vulnerable migrants can approach the StARS psychosocial office and receive information, advice, and referrals, or assistance in an emergency. They might also benefit from longer-term support from one of the many PS programs
Fees and Payment
Not for profit
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Languages: Arabic, English
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
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A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.