Assisting Newcomers

Advocacy and interpretive services
We collaborate with two other organizations, Centro Campesino and the Somali American Organization, to bring needed advocacy and interpretive services to Spanish-and Somali-speaking residents. Services include assistance in completing applications, searching for employment, translating for medical and other appointments, tutoring and other direct assistance.

Basic skills class
We offer a series of orientation classes designed to help newcomers to the Steele County area become familiar with available resources. Classes are held once per week for a six-week period. Classes are available in Somali and Spanish, and are conducted with the assistance of bilingual facilitators. Classes are taught in neighborhoods, so location is determined based on the enrollment of students. There is no charge for the classes.

Tutoring
We work to link volunteers within the community with persons interested in learning the English language. Volunteers meet with youth and adults at the public library, personal homes, etc. Hours of tutoring vary, but are often one hour per week. Tutors frequently experience learning important things about their friends’ language and culture. Through additional funding, we would like to expand this program by adding a volunteer coordinator to assist with training and linking tutors with students.

Reading parties
These informal get-togethers occur in ethnic neighborhoods one evening per month in June, July and August. We focus on literacy, games, food and activities enjoyed by young and old. The parties act as an opportunity to get to know each other better.

Drivers Education Training Scholarship
Through a financial gift designated to assist newcomers in gaining independence, scholarships are available that can pay 50 percent of the cost of drivers training. Applications are available at our office.

Somali/English dictionary
We have put together a Somali/English dictionary to help translate words between these languages.