Empowering our community: our services

Discover the comprehensive support and advocacy offered by the Somali American Community Association. We're dedicated to protecting civil rights, advancing professionals, and strengthening our community through impactful, Somali-led programs.

Learn how we build power and opportunity for Somali Americans.

Our core programs

We offer a range of specialized services designed to meet the unique needs of individuals, families, and young professionals within the Somali American community. Our approach is focused on understanding and responding to what you require, providing effective and practical solutions.

Civil rights protection

We defend the rights and dignity of Somali Americans against discrimination in schools, workplaces, housing, and public institutions. We document incidents and connect clients with civil rights lawyers or advocacy groups. Provide Know Your Rights workshops tailored for Somali youth, elders, and new arrivals.

Legal aid

Our legal aid connects individuals and families with trusted Somali and allied legal professionals. We build a consortium of Somali-friendly attorneys, legal clinics, and law schools, and advocate for funding to expand culturally competent legal services.

Leadership & career dev

The Somali Professional Advancement Network provides mentorship, leadership development, and career pathways, fostering a generational vision where Somali Americans thrive and become visible shapers of society. Our partners include Somali-led professional, business, student associations and universities.

Our advocacy

We engage in public discussions and policy matters that affect the dignity, rights, and opportunities of Somali Americans. We participate in coalitions, testify at hearings, and contribute to policy development, always from a position of Somali leadership. Our role is to elevate community voices, inform decision-makers, and shape systems that reflect our lived experience.

Our advocacy is nonpartisan and rooted in community empowerment, not electoral influence. We focus on the issues, not the candidates, ensuring Somali Americans are heard, respected, and protected in every policy space.

Transforming lives, building futures

This isn't charity; it's about elevating the capable. We create immediate and generational impact. We support Somali Americans stand tall, access justice, build thriving careers, and strengthen their cultural confidence within American society.

Strategic consortiums

Through strategic consortiums, we partner with institutions, universities, and agencies, always from a position of Somali leadership, to strengthen community infrastructure and coordinated advocacy. These partnerships are not transactional; they are rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to advancing Somali-led solutions.

We identify consortium opportunities by aligning with partners who share our commitment to equity, dignity, and generational progress. Each consortium is built around a core focus area, such as health, law, technology, education, or research, and is Somali-led, community-informed, and designed to scale impact while preserving dignity. Together, we mobilize expertise, expand access to legal and educational resources, and build systems that reflect the strength and future of our people.