Wellness & Art for a New Start Workshop Series
Session 7: Mental Wellness Through Food & Understanding Urban Zoning
Thank you for joining us! We're happy to share the recording of this meaningful session from our “Wellness & Art for a New Start” series, where community, learning, and healing come together.
💃 We kicked off Session 7 with an energizing Zumba session led by Ms. Armita, bringing movement and fun to the group! Music was also played during the session to create a lively and engaging atmosphere.
Songs used during Zumba:
- “Unstoppable” by Sia (For warming up the body)
- “Limbo” by Daddy Yankee – Merengue & Salsa (For Merengue and Salsa, slow-paced for learning)
- “Fiesta Buena” by DJ Mams feat. Soldat Jahman & Luis Guisao
(For a combination of Merengue and Salsa with faster, continuous moves)
- “Darte un Beso” by Prince Royce – Cooldown (For cooling down the body)
🎤 An insightful online talk by Salomeh Safaei on the connection between nutrition and emotional well-being. Salomeh shared practical tips on managing stress through a balanced diet—especially during times of transition.
🌍 This session welcomed non-Farsi-speaking attendees and featured live English translation by Ms. Charisa to ensure inclusive access to the nutrition segment.
🏘️ A detailed in-person presentation by Takin Mohebbi on urban zoning and the building permit process. Takin provided essential information to help newcomers understand housing regulations and actively engage in shaping their local neighborhoods.
The session concluded with a light lunch and time for community connection and conversation.
📅 Event Date: June 29, 2025
📍 Location: Hybrid Session (In-person & Online) – House of Friendship, Raleigh, NC
This program is proudly supported by Wake County Government Health and Human Services / Public Health.
Nutrition Presentation Slides
Urban Zoning Presentation Slides
Session 6: Language, Mental Health & Community Support for Immigrants
Thank you for joining us! We're happy to share the recording of this meaningful session from our “Wellness & Art for a New Start” series, where community, learning, and healing come together.
📌 What’s in the Video?
🎤A powerful presentation by Zahra Yaari on how language barriers affect the mental health of immigrants, with thoughtful strategies for building confidence and connection through language learning.
🛡️ An informative in-person session by Naser Sadeghi on the importance of insurance awareness for newcomers, covering essential topics like Medicare and the role of insurance in family and community support.
📅 Event Date: June 8, 2025
📍 Location: Hybrid Session (In-person & Online) – House of Friendship, Raleigh, NC
This program is proudly supported by Wake County Government Health and Human Services / Public Health.
Session 5: Art Therapy & the Power of Digital Tools
We’re excited to share the full recording of another impactful session from House of Friendship’s “Wellness & Art for a New Start” series, focused on mental wellness, creative healing, and digital empowerment.
📌 What’s in the Video?
🎨 A thoughtful presentation by Mr. Arian Cheraghshahi on the use of art as a therapeutic tool to support mental well-being — especially for immigrants and newcomers navigating major life transitions
💻 An engaging session on the practical applications of computers in everyday life by Ahmad Kouhsari, highlighting how digital tools can enhance communication, learning, and self-expression
📅 Event Date: May 25, 2025
📍 Location: Hybrid Session (In-person & Online) – House of Friendship, Raleigh, NC
This program is proudly supported by Wake County Government Health and Human Services / Public Health.
Session 4: Healing from Trauma & Cultural Connection
We’re excited to share the full recording of another impactful session from House of Friendship’s “Wellness & Art for a New Start” series, focused on mental wellness, cultural healing, and emotional resilience.
📌 What’s in the Video?
🧠 Saloumeh Safaei, M.A. in Clinical Psychology, shares expert insights on trauma recovery, post-migration depression, anxiety, and personal growth. With 16 years of experience, she provides practical strategies to help individuals navigate emotional challenges and build inner strength.
🌺 Mobina Bedraghi, an artist and cultural educator from Iran, highlights the traditions of the Turkmen people in Golestan Province, exploring how cultural practices can serve as a source of healing, identity, and connection.
This session offers a rich blend of psychological tools and cultural storytelling to support healing and belonging for immigrants, newcomers, and anyone seeking deeper well-being.
📅 Event Date: April 20, 2025
📍 Location: Hybrid Session (In-person & Online) – House of Friendship, Raleigh, NC
This program is proudly supported by Wake County Government Health and Human Services / Public Health.
Session 3: Accessing Mental Health Resources & Baking Bread in the Oven
Welcome to House of Friendship, where we bring together the Raleigh, NC community through wellness, creativity, and cultural connection! Our Wellness & Art for a New Start program offers a space to explore mental health tools, celebrate cultural heritage, and experience healing through artistic expression.
📌 What Happened in This Session?
🧠 Psychologist Sima Sattari introduced the Japanese concept of “Shouganai” (it cannot be helped), offering powerful strategies for building emotional resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
🍞 Cook Homa Ghorbani guided participants through the soothing and sensory experience of making Chaharmahal Bakhtiari Koloocheh, a traditional Persian bread — blending culinary art with emotional healing.
This unique session combined practical mental wellness techniques with hands-on cultural expression, offering participants a chance to connect, reflect, and nourish both body and mind.
📅 Event Date: May 4, 2025
📍 Location: Hybrid Session (In-person & Online) – House of Friendship, Raleigh, NC
Our hybrid format ensures that both in-person and online participants can join in community healing and learning. We invite you to take part in our upcoming gatherings as we continue to blend creativity, culture, and care.
This program is proudly supported by Wake County Government Health and Human Services / Public Health.
Session 2: Anxiety Management and Clay Mug Design
We’re excited to share the full recording of our meaningful online session hosted by House of Friendship, focused on supporting mental wellness through expert insights and creative expression.
📌 What’s in the Video?
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Expert insights on social and psychological issues from Dr. Saloumeh Safaei, M.A. in Clinical Psychology, including anxiety, depression (especially post-migration), OCD, and personal growth
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An inspiring art session led by Pegah, an English educator and artist, demonstrating creative techniques that can be done at home to support emotional wellbeing
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Tips on managing stress and transitioning through life changes
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Community encouragement and connection
📅 Event Date: April 20, 2025
📍 Location: Hybrid Session (In-person & Online) – House of Friendship, Raleigh, NC
Let this be a source of healing, learning, and connection for all. 💙🖌️
Session 1: Mental Health Insights and Floral Art Workshop
We are excited to share the full recording of our recent event, "Wellness & Art for a New Start," where we explored mental health strategies for early immigration challenges and the healing power of creativity.
📌 What’s in the Video?
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Expert insights on mental health & immigration from [Psychologist’s Name]
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A hands-on artificial flower-making workshop with Armita Nazifi
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Practical coping strategies for stress and adjustment
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Community support resources
📅 Event Date: March 30, 2025
📍 Location: Hybrid Session (In-person & Online) – House of Friendship, Raleigh, NC
Join us in learning, growing, and supporting one another! 🌿💙