Adequate and sustainable housing is essential for the family structure and security of the community as a whole. To assist underserved citizens during difficult economic times, SAC will advocate for strategic housing reform policies at state and national levels to reduce the communication gap between struggling communities and governmental regulations that allocate resources. Alternative financing: Advocating for alternative financing options is a necessary process needed for community growth to wealth and sustainable economic development. In offering alternative financing to minority communities financial institutions will address equality disparities and accommodate all community needs. SAC aims to educate others about alternative financing options and create policies that allow financial growth aligned with our community's cultural and religious practices. We also advocate for interest-free financing to create equal opportunities for equitable financial success for generations to come.
Mental health access and resources are of critical importance for the Somali community. Mental health can be challenging to diagnose and treat in any population. Still, the Somali community can be especially at-risk for lack of mental health care due to cultural stigmas and limited access to services. To address these issues, community-based organizations and advocacy groups can provide education and outreach to Somali communities, help navigate the healthcare system, and advocate for policies that increase access to healthcare for all. SAC aims to address mental health access and resources in the Somali community by decreasing the stigma around seeking help and promoting wellness. SAC will take front-line initiative in advocating for policy reform and increasing resources available to organizations and those serving the community to create a safe space to discuss mental health and provide culturally appropriate services. The opioid crisis is rapidly increasing in the Somali community, especially among Somali youth. Our organization seeks to advocate for resources and policy reform that help address shame and stigma, overdose prevention, naloxone dissemination, and more.
According to the Department of Education minority students still fall behind in the achievement and educational gap within the public school system compared to their white peers. The lack of extracurricular resources, parental awareness, culturally appropriate resources, and unstable home life is substantially underestimated. To address these challenges, community-based organizations can provide language classes, support for families in navigating the education system, and advocacy for policies that increase access to education for all. As an organization founded by a group of multidisciplinary individuals who have overcome similar hurdles in their own lives as young children and parents, SAC is committed to identifying and addressing the issues contributing to the educational gap in urban schools. Our goal is to advocate for the right of each student to receive the individualized support they need to succeed academically and pave the way toward higher education.
SAC understands the difference that a single opportunity for success can drastically change one's life path. Economic empowerment is critical for the long-term well-being of immigrant communities. Immigrants often face significant economic challenges, including low-wage work, limited access to credit and capital, and limited opportunities for job training and advancement. To address these issues, we aim to create more state and national-level programs that empower Somali small businesses in Minnesota with the financial support they need to succeed. Programs like STEP-UP are a great example often mentioned by Minneapolis school district students and the tremendous impact it has had in allowing students to envision professional career paths while in high school. Early exposure is essential and highly beneficial to reduce some Adult unemployment or lowered career training participation in adults that are currently unemployed. Our community needs more access to various workforce opportunities, which is why SAC is committed to advocating for greater economic empowerment initiatives for adults and youth alike.
Overall, a comprehensive approach that addresses these issues through community-based efforts and policy advocacy can best lead to improved health, education, and economic outcomes for the immigrant community.