Aims to improve the health and wellness of underserved refugee and immigrant communities through the use of culturally and linguistically responsive approaches. We focus on providing education, resources, and interventions to prevent and reduce negative health outcomes.
The Health & Wellness services and programming takes a holistic, equity-driven approach to improving community health by integrating the social determinants of health, culture, faith, language, acculturation, and access into all programming.
We prioritize both mental and physical health across the lifespan through:
- Culturally relevant and tailored educational workshops to promote healthy lifestyles and improved quality of life - Community engagement, outreach, and health-focused resource events - Behavioral health, pediatric care, and maternal-child health (prenatal & postpartum) programming - Early childhood development and developmental services for all ages - Programs addressing the health impacts of climate change and the environment
Learn about our Developmental and Disability Programs
SHIFA Pediatric Initiative
Provides culturally attuned support for parents of young children, focusing on early childhood development and equitable access to critical services.
- We offer access to developmental screenings and referrals to essential services, including: Psychology services San Diego Regional Center Speech, occupational, physical, and vision therapy Behavior intervention programs (e.g., ABA) - Advocacy to help families navigate and access services equitably - Parent support groups to build community and shared learning - Trainings and educational workshops that empower parents with the knowledge and tools to advocate effectively for their child’s needs
Coordinated Family Support
We offer personalized assistance to adults 18 and older with developmental disabilities who choose to live in their family home, in partnership with the San Diego Regional Center, we provide:
- Development of individualized service plans to address unique needs and goals - Coordination of services, including medical, therapeutic, and community resources - Support in navigating and accessing broad services and public benefits like Medi-Cal and CalFresh - Training and assistance to enhance daily living skills and independence - Future planning for individuals with aging caregivers
Learn about our Climate Health and Resilience Programs
Trusted Messenger Network
Building on our previous work with COVID-19 outreach and education, in collaboration with the Governor’ Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC), the program addresses the health impacts of climate change, particularly extreme heat, on vulnerable communities. Other campaign priorities include water conservation, youth behavioral health, and addressing emerging needs of the communities. Through engaging in culturally attuned outreach and education, it ensuring that high-risk populations receive timely and relevant information.
- Community Outreach: Conducting door-to-door canvassing, townhall meetings, phone banking, and event-based engagement to disseminate heat safety and other relevant information. - Resource Distribution: Providing access to critical resources (food, diapers, vaccines, etc) and distributing educational materials in multiple languages. - Partnerships: Collaborating with over 100 community-based organizations statewide to amplify our reach and effectiveness
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Ihsan Center
The Ihsan Center at Somali Family Service is a space for behavioral health and CalAIM services, community gathering, and holistic healing. The center offers culturally and linguistically responsive behavioral health programs and wraparound services including:
- Individual therapy - Support groups - Couples counseling -Adolescent therapy - Family therapy - Workshops on self-discovery, emotional resilience, stress management, and mindfulness
Learn about our Behavioral Health Services at the Ihsan Center
Behavioral Health Services (BHS)
Behavioral Health Services provides clients with support for their mental health needs, substance use services, managing life stressors, changing maladaptive behaviors, etc.
Goal: To promote mental well-being and provide individuals with the resources they need to manage their conditions effectively
- Business workshops - Technical assistance with business plans and acquiring child care licenses - Assistance with Regulatory Permits and Fees - Required health and safety trainings - Financial assistance
People experiencing emotion and mental health challenges; and professional help/support with or without MediCal
CalAIM
California Advancing and Innovating Medi- Cal is a statewide initiative to transform Medi-Cal. DHCS wants to make long-term improvements to Medi-Cal to increase health and equity.
Goal: To Improve health outcomes by connecting clients to new and improved services and receive well-rounded care that goes beyond the doctor's office or hospital and addresses all their physical and mental health needs.
CHW services are preventive health services to prevent disease, disability, and other health conditions or their progression; to prolong life; and promote physical and mental health and well-being. CHW services may assist with a variety of concerns impacting MCP members, including but not limited to, the control and prevention of chronic conditions or infectious diseases, behavioral health conditions, and the need for preventive services.
Services: Health education, Health navigation, Screening and assessment, Individual support or advocacy
Eligibility Criteria: People needing help in navigating the social services and health care system with MediCal Manage Care Insurance active to qualify
Enhanced Care Management (ECM) is a Medi-Cal benefit designed to support individuals with complex needs, particularly those who struggle to manage their health and well-being due to various challenges.
Access to a single Lead Care Manager who provides comprehensive care management and coordinates their health and health-related care and services. Connections to the quality care they need, no matter where members seek care—at the doctor, the dentist, with a social worker, or at a community center.
Eligibility Criteria: People with chronic and complex health conditions; has mild to severe acuity and needing care management service; Client has to have MediCal Manage Care insurance active to qualify
Community Supports are services that help address members’ health-related social needs, help them live healthier lives, and avoid higher, costlier levels of care.
These include: Support to secure and maintain housing. Access to medically tailored meals to support short-term recovery. A variety of other community-based services.
Eligibility Criteria: People at risk for homelessness or is homeless; receiving ECM and has MediCal Manage Care Insurance active to qualify
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Ihsan Center
Our Impact
SFSS advocated for us, making it possible to access vital services
PARENT OF CHILD WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILIITIES ENROLLED IN SHIFA PEDIATRIC PROGRAM
“Somali Family Service was our guiding light during this difficult journey. They advocated for us with the regional center, making it possible for us to access vital services like IHSS (in-home support services) and the medical waiver program. Additionally, their support led us to the regional center, where we enrolled in an early start program. Thanks to Somali Family Service, our child received exceptional PT (physical therapy), OT (occupational therapy), and speech therapy. We're deeply grateful for their unwavering support, as we wouldn't have connected to these essential services without them.”
Somali Family Service is a community-based social service organization providing culturally and linguistically appropriate programs and services to refugee, immigrant, and other underserved communities in California and Minnesota.
Located in San Diego, El Cajon & Minnesota
Somali Family Service of San Diego is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. EIN number 91-2065038
