Five-Year Strategic Plan

(2006-2011)

History

Somali Family Services (SFS) was established in 2003 to serve Somali immigrants, their families and descendants in Minnesota and to improve the overall quality of life for native Somali populations.  SFS aims to do this primarily by providing better access to health care, social services and through increased educational opportunities throughout these communities.  SFS also exists to serve as a bridge for continuing the positive relationship between Somalia and the United States and local communities, colleges and other supportive organizations. 

SFS is unique in Minnesota because we work to support efforts in Somalia concerning education, health and community building. 

We are an organization founded by Somalis and Americans who have established a fundamentally connected Somali Resource Center.  We came together to help provide services to the largest Somali immigrant population in the United States here in Minnesota and to promote growth opportunities within Somalia.

Through joint efforts, the following remarkable humanitarian work has been accomplished: 

1. Supplied 36,000 books, 40 computers, a printer and other educational materials to Puntland, Somalia.
    
2. Raised money to begin building the Garowe Public Library – the first in this community.
    
3. Supplied 17 clinical tents, 4,000 first-aid kits, 280 bedding items, a 40-foot container packed with medical supplies and two 40-foot containers of high-nutrition food for the Tsunami affected areas near Puntland, Somalia.
    
4. Conducted educational research in the State of Nugaal, Puntland.
    
5. Conducted research on the issue of obesity in the Somali community located in Minnesota.
    
6. Worked with Minneapolis Community Technical College to develop a sister relationship with Puntland State University in Garowe, Puntland.
    
7. Developed a scholarship program for students attending Puntland State University.
    
8. Organized and held Somali Family Resource Conferences in 2004, 2005 and 2006.  The main goal of these events was to increase the interaction and create an environment for an exchange of ideas and resources. 
    
9. Delegation from Minnesota lead by Somali Family Services board of directors  visited Puntland, Somali to see current situation of Puntland, Somalia.

Mission

Our mission is to promote and support all Somali families and people through the access to resources and opportunities and also to promote greater community awareness about and for the Somalian community. 

Vision

Our vision is to promote positive community development to ensure the peaceful co-existence, global acceptance and a world community that is both responsible and productive.

Value Statements

Our purpose is to support the Somalian community in Minnesota through education, health and employment and also to provide services needed within the community through translation, resources, transportation and more.  We also endeavor to support efforts in Somalia toward education, health and employment.

Goals and Strategies

All of the major strategic goals and associated strategies were identified during the strategic planning process. 

Goal – 1    Establish solid financial base for the organization.

Goal – 2    Increase the retention, success and graduation
                 rates of Somali students in  higher education in
                Minnesota.

Goal – 3    Conduct research on the needs and experiences of
                 Somali Students in higher education. 

Goal – 4    Encourage and increase the level of civic
                 engagement of the Somali  community in the Twin  
                 City area.

Goal – 5    Increase the technical skills of the Somali
                 community.

Goal – 6    Solidify sister relationship between Puntland State
                 University (PSU) in Garowe, Somalia and
                 Minneapolis Community Technical College
                (MCTC).

Goal – 7    Establish a scholarship program for Puntland State 
                 University students.

Goal – 8    Sponsor and facilitate the building of Garowe 
                 Public Library.

Goal – 9    Foster a PSU/MCTC and Student exchange  
                 program.

Goal – 10  Develop online courses for PSU students
 

Contact
www.ussfs.org