Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota

The Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota (CSCM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Somali community in Minnesota. Founded in 1994, it is one of the oldest Somali-operated nonprofit organizations in the state.

Background

CSCM emerged in response to the influx of Somali refugees in Minnesota during the early 1990s, following the civil war in Somalia. The organization serves as a cultural and language bridge, connecting Somali refugees and immigrants with essential services such as housing, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Mission and Services

CSCM's mission is to help Somalis in Minnesota thrive while preserving their cultural heritage. The organization provides a range of services aimed at promoting self-sufficiency and equity within the community. Key programs include job training, language assistance, and educational support, particularly for youth. CSCM's services cater to the broader family unit, involving parents and grandparents in supplemental programs.

Two notable programs are the Newcomer Academy and Shaqodoon Employment Solutions. The Newcomer Academy supports students who are English language learners by providing after-school support and STEM enrichment programs, helping them overcome academic gaps. Shaqodoon Employment Solutions focuses on assisting Somali youth and unskilled immigrants in finding employment by teaching job application skills and connecting them with employers.

Community Impact

CSCM is based in Minneapolis's Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, which hosts the largest concentration of Somalis in the U.S. This strategic location enables the organization to serve as a central hub for community support, addressing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and social isolation faced by the Somali community in Minnesota.

The organization contributes significantly to bridging cultural and linguistic barriers between Somali residents and local institutions, including schools, employers, and housing authorities. CSCM's work has facilitated the integration of thousands of Somali refugees into Minnesota society while promoting cultural continuity.

Organizational Status

CSCM is recognized by its Employer Identification Number (EIN) as a registered nonprofit organization, dedicated to serving the Somali community in Minnesota. It operates as a vital resource for community development and advocacy.