Hello Family,

February 24, 2025

My name is Atra Mohamed, and I am excited to introduce myself here. I am a freelance journalist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I am collaborating with SOMFAM to provide you with a comprehensive view of the organization. The Somali Youth and Family Development Center (SOMFAM) is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Somali families, mentoring youth, supporting parents with resources and ensuring the overall success of the Somali community.

Youth Program:

SOMFAM’s cornerstones are self-empowerment, healthy relationships, and strong self-esteem. The youth program focuses on educational attainment, future job preparation, and becoming contributing members of society.

Adult Program:

For the adult program, SOMFAM aims to help immigrant families navigate their new country by providing parenting, health and wellness, career, leadership training and more.

Girls and Boys:

The girls and boys in grades 9-12 receive personal development services, including mental health support, college preparation, mentorship, and numerous other services. Girls' programs are held on the first and third Wednesdays of every month from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., and boys' programs are held on the second and last Wednesdays of every month from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

After-School Program:

The after-school program is offered both online and in person. The services include Somali language, reading, writing, math, and other homework assistance. The in-person program is offered Monday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the online program is offered Monday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Education Advocacy:

The education advocacy program is a monthly parent workshop that focuses on helping families with language interpretation, finding better schools, securing an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and addressing issues related to bullying in school. The education advocacy program is offered on the last Thursday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Yoga for Women:

This program emphasizes the significance of physical wellness for women. Sessions are held every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Circle of Healing:

This program addresses various topics, including health, education, goal-setting, family strengthening, and community resources. It takes place on the last Wednesday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Men’s Support Group:

As men are great role models and important figures in the household, the men’s support group aims to help men, particularly fathers, become involved and present for their families and children. This program is held on the third Thursday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Thank you for reading,

Atra Mohamed, SOMFAM contributor.