Our Vision
We are devoted to maximizing the learning experience of every child by guiding, and challenging them to reach their fullest potential through community networking and our own challenging and inspiring programs. We are committed to building leaders and promoting productive participants in an increasingly diverse society by providing the opportunities, resources, and skills necessary to be lifelong learners. NAME strongly believes that the protection and educational development of all youth and the access to resources for families is necessary and integral to human progress. We are committed to working with all partners to provide access to essential services towards the attainment of sustainable quality life.
Our Programs
NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP
We provide naturalization assistance for qualifying people with refugee and asylum status. This includes refugees who arrived in the US on or after August 22, 1996, who are currently receiving Supplementary Security Income (SSI), have been in the US for at least 4 years and have not naturalized; Refugees receiving state-funded Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) benefits; or Lawful Permanent Residents who are currently receiving ABD benefits. Our staff can assist English, Somali, Arabic, Amharic speakers with culturally supportive services to help clients complete application forms (N-400, fee waiver, and medical disability waiver) and following up with their progress till they are naturalized.
COMMUNITY CAFÉ CONVERSATION MODEL
In our evidence-based Community Café conversation model, we use Play & Learn groups as a way to build, strengthen, and sustain a social network for Somali parents and others in the East African community. Many of our parents are isolated because of language, transportation, and social customs. The Play & Learn groups are a wonderful way for our community to get to know each other and to talk about what is working well and where they need support.