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Health & Wellness
Somali Family Service aims to improve the health & wellness of the undeserved refugee and immigrant commu-
nities. We focus on providing education, resources, and interventions to prevent and reduce negative health out-
comes. The health & wellness programming at Somali Family Service empowers individuals and families to eat
healthier, increase their physical activity, improve health literacy, reduce stigma and lack of access to mental
health services, and introduce new innovations that maximize access to care and strengthen the bridge between
the community and the healthcare system.
Programs
CalFresh Nutrition Program
CalFresh is a program for low-income families and individuals that help supplement their food budget and allow families and individuals to buy nutritious food. Somali Family Service assists clients through screening for CalFresh eligibility, assistance with completing the application, providing follow-up on the status of the application once submitted, and helps with renewal of application through the SAR7 forms. Clients receive translation and interpretation services during the duration of the process.
Gargaar Health Initiative
The Gargaar program serves individuals who are 60+ years old by providing services that address prevention and management of chronic diseases and increased access to mental health care with the goal of increasing their capacity to remain independent, social, and living happier and healthier lives. Culturally competent community health workers develop trust and build great rapport with the seniors and provide culturally tailored education, peer counseling, and help with accessing various health and social services. Clients also receive translation, interpretation, and transportation services that reduce barriers to accessing care.
The Gargaar Health Initiative also includes monthly luncheons hosted by Somali Family Service to provide health education and services by addressing health topics specific to men’s health. Men often have poor health outcomes because they engage less with the healthcare system, demonstrate reluctance to seeking support and information, and might be resistant to preventative health care behaviors. These poor health outcomes are further amplified by the socioeconomic challenges men from refugee and immigrant communities experience. The topics and activities presented at the monthly Men’s Health Luncheon provides appropriate guidance to support the adoption of a healthier lifestyle.
To learn more about our health & wellness initiatives, request a training, participate in a health event, or collaborate with us, please contact us below.
The SHIFA Project
The SHIFA Project began by combining innovative virtual reality technology with tailored community engagement to design an immersive health education platform. Using this platform, we worked closely with the local community to help reduce fears surrounding childhood immunization, improve health literacy, and provide new ways to impact pediatric health in refugee and immigrant populations.
With support from XPRIZE, SHIFA has expanded into SHIFA360, which includes rapid reskilling programs that support underserved communities in developing their careers. We currently offer accelerated online training in Community Health Work, Medical Secretary Work, and Commercial Driving. We help trainees to learn crucial skills for their careers as well as assisting with other professional development skills such as resume development and interviewing.
Learn More
Cultural Sensitivity Trainings
Somali Family Service has designed a cultural sensitivity training that helps healthcare providers become familiarized with the cultural and religious backgrounds of Somali patients. Trainings can be customized to address the needs of various types of health and social care providers.
Asthma Mitigation Project
Our asthma mitigation program provides participants with home visits and environmental assessments, culturally-aware support and education from community health workers, free supplies and equipment, and more! Click here to register.
SHIFA Pediatric Initiative
Our SHIFA Pediatric Initiative was developed in order to support children with developmental disabilities and their families. This program promotes language development and literacy skills for parents and their children ages 0-5 years old. We facilitate activities that are engaging to both parents and children, host workshops, provide books and toys, and connect families to appropriate services. This program is generously supported by The San Diego Foundation. Please fill out this form if you are interested in participating.
Providing Community Health Events
Annual health fairs and large community events are conducted throughout the year in order to provide health education, screenings, and linkages to services for the low income and underserved populations in San Diego. Organizations, hospitals, clinics, and other entities interested in participating in our annual health events or would like us to participate in your events are welcome to contact us.