About our Initiative

The story of the Washington Community Support Network (WCSN) began from a place of pain and a desire for change. My co-founder, Ketsia Kamarashavu, and I, Kisakye Josiah, saw too many friends and neighbors struggling silently. Mental health challenges, addiction, and isolation took a quiet but devastating toll on people we knew—friends who once smiled and laughed were now turning to drugs or alcohol just to cope.

One night, a close friend called me, feeling ready to give up. That moment showed me how deeply people around us needed help but had nowhere to turn. We realized that if no one stepped in, more people would keep slipping through the cracks, facing their battles alone.

With the wisdom and guidance of our mentor, Dr. Jean-Paul Yafali, we founded WCSN to be a place where no one has to face their struggles in silence. Our mission became clear: to spread awareness and make sure that things like finances or language barriers never prevent people from getting the support they need.

Many immigrant families, for example, struggle to navigate essential services because of language barriers. Thanks to Dr. Yafali’s support, WCSN helps families access services like medical insurance and connects them to English classes through our partner, Nested Communities. We know that without this foundation, families would continue to face instability and miss out on crucial resources.

Today, WCSN stands as a source of hope, offering free counseling, practical support, and community resources to keep people from spiraling into despair. However, this mission needs the help of volunteer counselors, peer supporters, and compassionate individuals who can walk alongside those in need. Each person who offers their time can provide the listening ear and guidance that someone else desperately needs.

If you can, please consider joining us as a volunteer. Each hand extended and each moment shared can truly change the course of someone’s life. Together, with the support of our community, we can make sure no one has to face their darkest days alone. Your compassion could be the light that saves a life.