Bilingual International Assistant Services
Jillayna Adamson, MA, LPC, LMHC, serves as a board member at Welcome Neighbor STL since January 2022 and is a psychotherapist in private practice at Bright Tribe Therapy and Wellness since August 2018, specializing in therapy and consultation services for adults, mothers, and teenagers with a focus on trauma, depression, anxiety, suicide ideation, identity exploration, and postpartum challenges. Additionally, Jillayna has worked as a clinical therapist for Bilingual International Assistant Services since 2016 and has engaged in advocacy work in Haiti as an independent professional since 2010. Jillayna also contributes to various publications as a freelance writer and photographer, with notable works featured in Demeter Press, The Rumpus, and The Huffington Post, and is the author of "Letters from the Other Side of Haiti." Jillayna holds a Master's degree in Psychology/Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Webster University and a B.A. in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Victoria.
Bilingual International Assistant Services
Bilingual International Assistant Services is a not-for-profit 501 (C) (3) organization established in May, 2002 by stateless refugee women. Bilingual International was founded as a response to the unmet needs of foreign-born seniors who had limited ability in the English language, were unable to navigate the intricate system of care, and often voiced fear over their future and livelihood. In 2005, the agency began serving US-born older adults, who, despite knowledge of English, lacked knowledge of the system of care and resources. Poverty stricken, isolated seniors who were also home bound and frail sought our services to help them improve their living situations, overcome anxieties, and increase their ability to maintain community living. In 2016, Bilingual International welcomed two long-time partner agencies: the Center for Survivors of Torture and War Trauma and the Places for People Faith Team. These recent additions have enhanced the agency’s service portfolio – especially to refugees and survivors of state-sanctioned torture. Free of negative bias, we advocate for and encourage legislation that promotes statewide accessible, appropriate health and social services for under-served individuals and populations. Through our services and proven track record, we not only live our mission – we go beyond expectations to help our elderly and foreign-born communities.