For survivors of torture, the FCST is one of only 35 programs nationally and the only program in the state of Florida designed specifically to meet their needs. Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services has taken the lead in Florida to develop and provide services by partnering with numerous organizations including the major refugee resettlement agencies statewide to provide comprehensive care for survivors of torture and genocide. Funding for this program is provided by the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement, the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture and private donations.
Our program's mission is to assist survivors in rebuilding their lives and to empower them through a community-based approach. Our goal is to facilitate the healing process to enable the survivors to become as independent and self-sufficient as possible.
Through our Center Without Walls model, the FCST has established a comprehensive network of service providers to serve clients. These resources include medical, psychological, legal and social services. The FCST contracts with diverse partners including Catholic Charities, Lutheran Services and Jewish Family Services of South Florida and partners with the University of South Florida and Nova Southeastern University. The FCST has recruited, trained and developed a multi-disciplinary network of more than 120 providers including psychiatrists, psychologists, interpreters, social workers, attorneys, and physicians who provide no or low cost services to clients in the communities in which they reside. Providers and other community members are trained on working sensitively with torture and trauma survivors, immigration issues, and cultural competency. Trained interpreters, collectively speaking approximately 20 languages, are available to accompany clients to appointments if needed.
