Vision:

To empower a culturally diverse and resilient community where every individual, regardless of
background, has access to compassionate, inclusive, and sustainable recovery support.

Mission:

Empower Community Initiative seeks to build a culturally competent, supportive environment
that fosters holistic recovery for refugees, immigrants, and underserved communities in
Minneapolis. We work to reduce stigma, promote resilience, and provide equitable access to
recovery resources through advocacy, education, and community partnerships.

Core Programs

1. Culturally Tailored Recovery Support Groups

         Organize support groups that honor the cultural backgrounds,
         languages, and experiences of our diverse community members. These groups
         will be led by trained facilitators with lived experience and cultural understanding,
         promoting peer support and shared learning.
         Goal: To provide safe, relatable, and stigma-free spaces for individuals from
         diverse backgrounds to share their recovery journeys.

2. Mental Health & Substance Use Education Workshops

         Provide workshops that educate participants on mental health and
         substance use, with an emphasis on culturally relevant approaches. These
         workshops will cover topics such as stress management, coping skills, and
         culturally specific barriers to recovery.
         Goal: To enhance understanding and reduce stigma around mental health and
         addiction within immigrant and refugee communities.

3. Family and Community Engagement Program

        Involve families and the larger community in the recovery process
        by offering support and education. This program will host family support groups,
        training on addiction recovery, and promote community healing events.
        Goal: To foster community resilience and increase family involvement in the
        recovery journey, strengthening the support network for individuals in recovery.

4. Peer-to-Peer Recovery Mentorship

        Establish a mentorship program connecting participants with peer
        mentors who have successfully navigated the recovery process. Mentors will
        provide guidance, encouragement, and culturally sensitive support to help
        mentees overcome challenges in their recovery journey.
        Goal: To empower individuals through shared experiences and to provide role
        models who embody hope and resilience.

5. Youth Empowerment and Prevention Program

       Focus on preventive education and support for youth from refugee
       and immigrant backgrounds. This program will include workshops on mental
       health awareness, resilience building, and substance use prevention, designed to
       resonate with young people in culturally relevant ways.
       Goal: To promote early intervention and educate youth on healthy coping
       mechanisms, preventing substance use and encouraging positive mental health.

6. Holistic Wellness and Skill Development Workshops

       Offer holistic wellness activities like yoga, mindfulness, and
       traditional cultural practices to support mental well-being. Additionally, provide
       skill-building workshops on employment readiness, financial literacy, and life
       skills to support long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
       Goal: To address the broader aspects of recovery and support the development
       of self-efficacy and empowerment in the community.

7. Advocacy and Public Awareness Campaigns

       Launch campaigns that advocate for policy changes and greater
       awareness of the unique challenges faced by refugee and immigrant
       communities in recovery. Highlight the importance of culturally competent
       recovery services and aim to reduce stigma.
       Goal: To increase visibility of the recovery movement, promote cultural
       competence, and drive systemic change in public health and social services.

   Each of these programs aims to uphold the core principles of recovery, such as person-centered
   support, cultural inclusivity, peer support, and community involvement. This approach will help
   Empower Community Initiative establish itself as a valued and effective member of the recovery
   community in Minneapolis.

   The program includes street outreach on monthly for cultural recovery reconnect resources visit
    jail talk recovery journey.

   Adding street outreach and jail-based recovery support to Empower Community Initiative’s
   programs brings vital, accessible resources directly to those who may be in crisis or need
   immediate help. Here’s an expanded outline that incorporates these activities: