› SOUTHEAST ASIAN OUTREACH
Is designed to make mental health services more accessible and acceptable to Southeast Asian individuals and families in Dane County. The programs offer services in nontraditional settings and reflective of cultural values, traditions, and beliefs.

› KAJSIAB HOUSE / TSEV KAJSIAB
Mission
KH’s mission is to create a culturally and safe environment to promote well being in the Hmong community.

Brochure

Meaning of “Kajsiab”
In Hmong, Kajsiab (Ga shee’ ah) means the relief of stress and tension from worrying about the safety of loved ones.

Kajsiab House, founded January 2000, is a program of the Mental Health Center of Dane County, Inc. Kajsiab House was developed for the Hmong community, as a place in which Hmong elders and their families can be safe, express and experience their culture, as well as increase their understanding and the ability to live successfully within an American cultural context.

Who are Participants?
Kajsiab House participants are made up of Hmong-American veterans, widows of veterans and adults who have severe health problems because of their services and sacrifices in America’s “Secret War” in Laos from 1961-1975. Of the 5,000 Hmong Americans living in Dane County, over 300 are war veterans or widows of veterans. A high percentage of these elders live with severe health problems, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and chronic pain that were caused by their war and refugee experiences. In addition, their assimilation into American society has been complicated by language, cultural and transportation barriers, as well as unmet social and health problems that social services and health care providers lack the resources to address.

Program Services
Kajsiab House programs improve the lives of Hmong individuals and families. Services offered are:

1. Cultural Brokering & Case Management: Professional bilingual cultural brokers provide counseling (individual, family, group) service, advocacy, translation, and case management
2. Hmong Sister Group: Hmong women counseling and support group
3. Psychological, Psychiatric, & Alternative Medicine Services: Individual, family, group therapeutic services & medication consultation
4. Social/Recreational Activities: Field trips, social gatherings, games
5. Transportation: Available to Kajsiab House participants
6. After School Programing: Academic and social support to children whose parents are Kajsiab House clients
7. Community Computer Room: For academic research/job support
8. T’ai Chi: Healthy physical/mental activities for Hmong adults/elders
9. Meal Program: Nutritious breakfast and lunch
10. Hmong & English Classes: Weekly language classes
11. Citizenship Classes: To prepare Hmong adults and elders to become citizens. English class also teach American culture, government, and history
12. Internship: Kajsiab House is a place where college students and professionals can gain better understanding of Hmong health issues, culture, and culturally competent services

Impact of Kajsiab House
• Gives Hmong elders and families hope for a better life in Dane County.

• Helps elders and families become active members in the community by encouraging them to participate in activities, such as assistance to victims of the 9/11 tragedy.

• Improves the mental, emotional and physical well being of participants.

• Creates an atmosphere that fosters respect for Hmong culture and ancestral traditions while participants learn about living in American society and culture.

“When Hmong elders come to Kajsiab House, their spirits are lifted. Kajsiab is the eye, ear and voice for many Hmong elders in America.”

Hours –– Kajsiab House is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We are also open on some weekends and after school for educational and special cultural events.