USAID VP Voice

BY RANDY CHESTER

When this is published, we will be fast approaching the one-year anniversary of our individual illegal and forced separation dates. That life change added to the mental and emotional trauma inflicted on all of us by this callous and cowardly administration.

I have been inspired by watching friends and colleagues rise to new challenges by continuing or starting new careers. However, I have been saddened to hear stories of those who continue to struggle to make ends meet, process their emotions and frustration, maintain their mental health, and find community.

As my friend Chris S. said at the close of his “It Was Never a Job” podcast, it was never just a job. For many, including me, that is the biggest hurdle to overcome. Since this started, my own mental and emotional rollercoaster has taken me to extreme highs and maddening lows, sometimes in the span of hours.

The same questions play out in my mind: Who am I? What do I do now? Why me and not someone else? I have been lucky though. I have a close network that keeps me grounded and a life partner who, despite experiencing the same trauma, continues to support and believe in us. I am moving forward with their support.

The anniversary of the agency’s closure reopened wounds and trauma that, for many, have yet to heal. But there are resources to help and ways to channel that energy.

You are not alone. There are communities out there to help you recover. New and old communities like Our USAID Community and USAID Alumni Association (UAA) offer opportunities to meet, share resources, and create new networks.

AFSA and UAA both have regional groups: Florida, California, and North Carolina have some of the largest and most active communities. If you cannot find a group in your area, I encourage you to start one.

If you need action, join Aid on the Hill, OneAid, Friends of USAID, your local community activist organization, book club, or garden group. Opportunities are there, and you don’t need to go far to find them.

If you continue to struggle, there are resources available to support your mental and emotional well-being. In addition to the groups below, you can also search for local programs and community support groups through your state, county, and city government sites.

A Short List: Mental Health and Transition Resources

Well-Fed Wednesdays

Community-based gatherings offering connection and support for former development professionals.

Aid Transition Alliance

Short-term mental health and wellness support for more than 10,000 USAID professionals and partner organization staff affected by recent workforce changes.

Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA)

Emergency assistance and resources for federal employees navigating financial and personal hardship.

FedSupport — Partnership for Public Service

Resource library and support services for federal employees, including mental health and wellness resources.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Immediate, free, and confidential 24/7 support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources.

SAMHSA National Helpline

Treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental or substance-use disorders.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Education, peer support groups, and a national helpline for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

211

Connects individuals with local mental health services and community support across the United States.

The Trevor Project

Crisis support and mental health resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, including counseling and intervention services.