Wellness Connection of Minnesota

Bethlehem has entered a collaboration with Lutheran Social Service, Fairview and Faith in the City. Our purpose is to increase wellness in the immigrant and high risk populations in Minneapolis, specifically the Phillips’ and surrounding neighborhoods through assessment, health education, counseling, referral, and advocacy.

The center will also have opportunities for transcultural experiences for members of the partnering organizations.

Brief history of Somali immigration to Minneapolis The majority of Somali refugees living in Minnesota first arrived in 1993 as a result of civil war in Somalia. Approximately 50,000 Somali refugees and immigrants now live in Minnesota which is more than half of all Somalis living in the United States. Somalis are the fastest growing refugee group in Minnesota, constituting 54% of all primary refugee arrivals in 2000.

Many Somalis who live in Minnesota are young with approximately 77-85% of the Somali population between the ages of 18 and 40, 12-25% under 18 [Center for Cross Culture Health 2001]. Somali students make up the third largest group of non-English speaking students in Minneapolis Schools. Because many women were separated from their husbands during the ongoing civil war in Somalia, due to death, injury or immigration reasons, nearly half of the Somali families in Minnesota consist of mothers raising children on their own. Only about one in four Somali children lives with both parents.