Confederation of Somali Community in MN

Somali refugees fled a brutal civil war in their Northeast African nation, at one time colonized by Italy and Britain. They started arriving in the United States at the end of 1991.  The war, which is still going on, has brought more than 200,000 Somalis to the United States. Over 70,000 have resettled in Minnesota.

By 1994, these Somalis, of all economic and social backgrounds, established the Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota as a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization. A 1996 linkage with Pillsbury United Communities and a grant from Bush Foundation solidified CSCM’s credentials as a mutual assistance association. Since then CSCM has improved delivery of services and expanded relationships with other communities and agencies. The Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota (CSCM) is the preeminent Somali organization in the Twin Cities. With a 14 year history, CSCM has helped over 18,000 Somalis in their adjustment to their new lives in Minnesota.

CSCM uses the following to serve the community:
•    Information, communication & education
•    Design and implementation of culturally relevant programs
•    Preservation and promotion of culture, language and traditions
•    Leadership and skill development.