Peer Support Program: "Soporte Entre Pares"
A safe, free space in Spanish for migrants seeking emotional support. Because no one should go through this process alone.
Peer Support Program: "Soporte Entre Pares"
A safe, free space in Spanish for migrants seeking emotional support. Because no one should go through this process alone.
You are not alone. Migrating is not just about changing countries.
It’s about emotionally rebuilding yourself.
What is “Soporte Entre Pares”?
“Soporte Entre Pares” is a peer – and professional-led psychosocial support program, launched in New York City in 2018 to help forced migrants from Venezuela and other countries cope emotionally.
In S.E.P you will find a place:
- Safe.
- Confidential.
- Free of judgment.
- Culturally sensitive.
- A place where healing is possible in community.
Why does this program exist?
When VIA began working with asylum seekers in New York, it noticed a serious problem. There were few organized ways to offer psychological first aid in Spanish to people facing trauma, grief, and the challenges of being uprooted.
The reality faced by our participants:
Anxiety
Post-traumatic stress
Complex migratory grief
Depression
Family separation
Xenophobia
Prolonged legal uncertainty
Migrating is not just a legal process. It is a profound emotional shock. “Soporte Entre Pares” was born as an ethical, professional, and humanitarian response to that reality.
Spaces for your well-being
We accompany your migration process with emotional support, safe spaces, and an active community that backs you at every stage.
Biweekly group sessions
Spaces guided by specialists in migratory trauma, designed to support you at every stage of your process.
Biweekly virtual sessions led by specialists address migratory grief, trauma, adaptation, emotional management, parenting, self-care, resilience, crisis support, and legal process challenges. These are structured, safe, and professionally supported spaces.
24/7 support network
Continuous support when you need it most, regardless of the hour.
Our WhatsApp group grew from 205 members to 295 in 2025, becoming a lively place for emotional support. Since crises can happen at any time, there is always someone here to listen and offer guidance, so you don’t have to go through tough times alone!
Individual crisis support
Professional intervention with an ethical focus and clear protocols.
We provide one-on-one support using Psychological First Aid, referring to specialists as needed. All help is ethical, structured, and responsible.
In-person community integration
Meetings that strengthen bonds and reduce isolation.
Our cultural and recreational programs foster belonging, emotional well-being, and genuine connection at every meeting.
Resources to guide you forward
We support your migration process with emotional assistance, safe spaces, and an active community that backs you at every stage.
Together we have built something real
Since 2018, “Soporte Entre Pares” has been working steadily because forced migration is, above all, a deep emotional wound.
What makes us different?
- Expand the geographic reach of the program
- Integrate legal guidance and in-person emotional support
- Train professionals in immigration cases
- Implement monitoring and impact systems
In the ecosystem of CBOs in New York, few programs integrate peer-led emotional support with specialized professional supervision. “Soporte Entre Pares” is a pioneer in that model.
How much does it cost?
Cost per participant
NOTHING.
We provide mental wellbeing support at not cost, regardless of immigration status or financial capacity.
Why should “Soporte Entre Pares” be funded and sustained?
1
Saves Lives
The lack of emotional support increases risks of severe depression, domestic violence, suicide, and social exclusion.
2
Promotes real integration.
Emotionally stable migrants become active, productive, and supportive members of their communities.
3
It is cost-effective.
With a modest investment, hundreds of people are sustainably impacted each year.
4
Unique in New York.
There is no other program like it run by migrants for migrants.
5
Mental health is also a human right.
Emotional containment is dignity.
6
Active and sustainable community network.
A human fabric that sustains itself and grows from within.
What those who have lived the program say
"It is the place where I can share my feelings with people who are going through a migration process like mine."
"It allowed me to understand that I am not alone."
"It has been a family."
"It has touched my life."
Our Commitment 2026
Since 2018, “Soporte Entre Pares” has been working steadily because forced migration is, above all, a deep emotional wound.
- Expand geographic reach
- Integrate legal guidance and in-person emotional support
- Train legal professionals in the emotional management of immigration cases
- Train legal professionals in the emotional management of immigration cases
- Implement formal monitoring and impact systems
- Expand the 1:1 service network