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Cultivating cultures of health & Well-Being

 

 

 

“I believe this program helped us to think of ourselves and to realize that we need to take care of our bodies and our minds. Because of the drastic change in our attitudes toward food and positive outlook we share with others, so many other Somali women are lining up to join the program.”  – Mariam

 

“The program has brought fundamental changes to my lifestyle and to the lifestyle of my whole family. For me, I started taking care of myself by eating right and by spending time to think of my health and how important it is not only to me but to my kids.” – Halima

 

 

Transcultural Health

Circles of Health & Well-Being


Circles of Health & Well-Being is a 12 Module, culturally-based program designed to bridge health, education & culture for optimal self-expression and well-being within immigrant and refugee communities in Minnesota.

Circles of Health combines the support of friends and family, shared cooking experiences, exercise, nutrition and health education in a safe and welcoming, environment, “cultivating a culture of healing and encouragement”.

Circles of Health brings a deep awareness of the connections between physical, mental and spiritual health. Participants are supported by a team process as they learn how to integrate healthy habits into their life, one small step at a time. They are given the time and space to explore their goals, actualize their gifts – while living in alignment with their spiritual beliefs.

As participants experience their own health improving, they naturally extend their knowledge and experience to their families and the community at large. This tool kit provides them with the necessary resources and information to begin their own “Circle of Health and Well-being”. 

 

OUR COMMITMENT

  • To bridge health, education & culture for optimal self- expression and well-being within the Somali community.
  • To be the trusted partner for immigrant families for high quality, culturally-based preventive health care education and support.
  • To provide a structured pathway to optimal health and well-being through systematic skill-building
  • To provide a safe, welcoming and healing environment for individuals to come together on a regular basis to share their health challenges and stories – and be heard while learning and gaining tools on how to address these issues.
  • To improve participant skills on interfacing with healthcare providers.
  • To support a preventative care approach to health care. 
  • Work to duplicate this program throughout the community, engaging others in preventive care. The information learned within the circle is designed to be extended into family and community networks by utilizing culturally significant communication channels.
  • Identify emerging leader(s) within the community and provide mentoring as they develop their knowledge and skills so they can assist in the duplication process and successfully present the core curriculum to others.

Please contact us to learn more and find out how you can bring this program to your community. All are welcome!

“The circles of women around us weave invisible nets of love that carry us when we’re weak and sing with us when we are strong.”   – Sark

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”  
– Albert Schweitzer

 

 

CIRCLES OF HEALTH & WELL-BEING 

Module 1: New Beginnings (Detox & Cleanse) Theme: Faith 

Module 2: Tradition, Culture and Health
Theme: Compassion

Module 3: Food & Mood,
Theme: Forgiveness

Module 4: Tools for Lasting Health , Theme: Gratitude

Module 5: Healthy Food Choices, Theme: Love

Module 6: Trust Your Gut,
Theme: Trust

Module 7: Making Sense of Food Labels, Theme: Peace

Module 8: Cravings & Sugar,
Theme: Resilience

Module 9: Eating Healthy On-the-Go, Theme: Hope

Module 10: Exercise for Life
Theme: Service

Module 11:  Next Steps,
Theme: Unity 

Module 12:  Celebrate Success, Theme: Contentment 

Vision 

Refugee and immigrant families thrive in an equitable world where we have: 
Improved health and well-being for families and their businesses
Culturally-based strategies in place to eliminate health disparities in Minnesota
Improved access to health care & economic independence and vitality