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PSOT Needs Your Support!

Dear Friend of PSOT,

The Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture (PSOT) needs your continuing support. As you know, PSOT is the first and only program in the New York City area providing comprehensive medical, mental health and social services to refugees who have endured torture, war trauma and other human rights abuses. In the past year alone, we cared for nearly 700 men, women and children from 71 countries.

We are writing to ask you to consider making a donation to the Program for Survivors of Torture. As with all non-profit organizations, we have been profoundly affected by the economic downturn and face substantial challenges in continuing to deliver services during these difficult times. While PSOT is housed by Bellevue Hospital and NYU School of Medicine, we must raise more than 90% of our operating costs from grants and private donors. We are currently projecting a deficit for the year and have set a fundraising goal of $97,000 in unrestricted funds before August 31, 2009, the end of our fiscal year. Raising this amount will allow us to restore valuable social services to our clients. Since the campaign began in July, we have raised $20,000!

While politicians debate the definition and supposed legality of torture, we know from our work that it is immoral and deeply damaging. Torture destroys people, both physically and psychologically. We accompany people in the slow process of rebuilding their lives in the United States after they have fled their home country seeking safety.

Despite our recent challenges, we are proud of our accomplishments. We continue to provide outstanding care to individuals profoundly traumatized who would otherwise go untreated. We help restore the physical, psychological and social well-being of individuals who have endured unspeakable horrors. During the past year, 69 of our patients received political asylum and 35 clients have received their green cards. 86 patients participated in our English as a Second Language and High School Equivalency programs. Despite staff reductions, we have maintained these classes through the support of our dedicated volunteers. In 2009, we also increased our capacity to capture and monitor our service delivery by developing and implementing a new patient data system.

We know you are receiving solicitations from many worthy organizations. We ask you to make a gift to the Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture before August 31, 2009. Your gift will allow us to continue our work, now more important than ever.

Thank you for your consideration. Please forward this email to friends and colleagues.

Sincerely,

Allen Keller, M.D.
Program Director

Claudia Calhoon M.P.H.
Director of Operations

P.S. Click here to read Dr. Keller’s recent article from the Huffington Post concerning Torture and Accountability posted on June 26 for United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.