Confederation of Somali Community

The mission of the Confederation of Somali Community of Minnesota (CSCM) is to strengthen the capacity of Somalis in Minnesota to become contributing members of society while preserving their culture. Somali refugees who fled a brutal civil war in their Northeast African nation started to arrive to the United States in the early 90’s and by 1994, CSCM began its work by bringing together community leaders interested in supporting the health, safety, community and economic development needs of local refugees. So far, more than 40,000 Somalis have resettled in Minnesota, the largest population in the United States.

CSCM is proud to announce its East African Womens Center as a 2008 Innovation Award recipient from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.  The Center’s mission is to offer education and support to East African women and their families. It serves approximately 70 to 80 each week through ESL classes, sewing classes, childcare and other activities that build skills and assist with accustomizing to life in the United States.