Belonging in the Community – Roots and Connection Beyond the Home

Written by Haythem Lafhaj, PLMFT

Home and school are central, but for adolescents, the broader community is equally critical in shaping belonging. This is especially true for immigrant families, where cultural identity can either be a source of strength or tension. In my work exploring Muslim immigrant families, I found that parenting is often guided by deep religious values, family honor, and the stress of migration. For teens, these pressures can feel overwhelming, especially when they’re caught between the culture of home and the culture of their peers.

Yet, when communities step in to affirm both cultural identity and individual growth, teens flourish. Mosques, youth centers, sports teams, and mentorship programs can become places where adolescents feel seen. A community that says, “We value your culture and your voice” provides a safety net that neither school nor home alone can fully offer.

For immigrant adolescents, community belonging can mean:

• Finding mentors who share their cultural or religious background.

• Engaging in cultural organizations that celebrate heritage.

• Participating in interfaith or intercultural activities that build bridges of understanding.

When teenagers feel wanted in their community, they carry a sense of rootedness. They know they belong not just in one space, but across many. And this layered belonging is what gives them resilience against isolation, bullying, and identity confusion.