In the News
- Supporting Our Community: SBAOA’s Ramadan Food Distribution
On February 28, 2025, our organization Somali Bantu Association of America held a food distribution, providing rice, milk, and dates to support our community. Ramadan Kareem to all… Read more: Supporting Our Community: SBAOA’s Ramadan Food Distribution - Strengthening Community Health: SBAOA at the San Diego Foundation Convening
Proud to represent SBAOA at the San Diego Foundation Community Health Network convening! 🌟 It was inspiring to collaborate with fellow community leaders and healthcare advocates to strengthen… Read more: Strengthening Community Health: SBAOA at the San Diego Foundation Convening - Honoring ESL Graduates: Celebrating Achievement, Inclusion, and Community at SBAOA!
Celebrating Achievement and Inclusion at SBAOA! Today marks another proud moment as we celebrate our ESL program graduates, including our wonderful Afghan community members and other immigrant refugees.… Read more: Honoring ESL Graduates: Celebrating Achievement, Inclusion, and Community at SBAOA! - Get Free Tax Preparation at SBAOA – Now Through April 12!
FREE Tax Preparation Services at SBAOA! Need help with your taxes? We’ve got you covered! Our VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program offers FREE professional tax preparation for:… Read more: Get Free Tax Preparation at SBAOA – Now Through April 12! - Celebrating SBAOA Heroes: Honoring Employees, Volunteers, and Community Champions
Honoring the SBAOA employees and volunteers! A huge thank you to Price Charities & SAY San Diego for recognizing and celebrating our incredible community volunteers. Special appreciation to… Read more: Celebrating SBAOA Heroes: Honoring Employees, Volunteers, and Community Champions - Season’s Greetings from SBAOA: Celebrating Unity, Hope, and Community
Holiday Greetings from SBAOA As we celebrate this holiday season, the Somali Bantu Association of America extends our warmest wishes to our diverse community across San Diego, Salt… Read more: Season’s Greetings from SBAOA: Celebrating Unity, Hope, and Community - Building Bridges: Somali Ambassador Joins SBAOA for a Day of Unity
A heartwarming day of unity and collaboration at SBAOA! We were blessed to host our distinguished Somali Ambassador, Council President Sean Vera Elo, and our friends from the… Read more: Building Bridges: Somali Ambassador Joins SBAOA for a Day of Unity - Faisa Mohamed Represents Our Organization at SDG&E’s 2024 Energy Solutions Partner Year-End Event
Faisa Mohamed, Director of Finance, represented our organization at SDG&E’s 2024 Energy Solutions Partner Year End Event! - Mrs. Ifrah Salad Represents Our Organization at San Diego International Affairs Board’s 2nd Annual Forum
Mrs. Ifrah Salad, Operations Director, represented our organization at the City of San Diego International Affairs Board’s 2nd Annual Forum, an esteemed international conference at Balboa Park.
About SBAOA
The Somali Bantu Association of America, established in 2009, serves as a crucial resource for refugee families in the United States, particularly in the San Diego area.
It focuses on educating, serving, and organizing cultural and life-skill training programs to foster self-sufficiency among not only Somali Bantu but also other East African refugees. Our comprehensive services, offered free of charge, have supported over 10,000 plus refugees, encompassing translation,
ESL, citizenship support, employment, and health services, among others. The SBAOA’s mission is rooted in aiding refugees’ adaptation to American life, enhancing their journey towards integration and independence.
“As the founder of Somali Bantu Association of America, I believe deeply in the power of community and compassion to transform the lives of refugees. Our goal is not just to help them survive, but to thrive, as they become invaluable members of our society.”
Our Mission
The mission of SBAOA is to educate, serve, and organize cultural and life-skill training programs to promote self-sufficiency among immigrant and refugee families.
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Empowering Refugees
We provide comprehensive support to refugees, helping them integrate into new communities and build fulfilling lives.
Legal Aid for Immigrants
Offering essential legal services to navigate immigration processes like citizenship and asylum applications.
Financial Independence
We enable refugees and immigrants to achieve financial stability and success in the U.S. and in Somalia.
Nutritional Support
Our Food Pantry ensures families in need have access to nutritious food and vital supplies.
Skill Development
We focus on helping people gain practical skills training for self-employment and career growth.
Youth Engagement
Dedicated to nurturing the talents and aspirations of young people through sports, arts, and educational activities.
Our Featured Programs
Our programs offer a range of initiatives, from language classes and legal assistance to cultural integration workshops, all designed to empower refugees in their new lives. Scroll below to see a few of them or View All Programs.
Tea and Talk Program
The “Tea & Talk Program” focuses on raising mental health awareness and combating hate. It organizes events for discussions over tea and snacks, aiming to break mental health stigmas and foster understanding. The program invites individuals and groups to join and support mental health initiatives in their communities.
Immigration Services
Immigrant Services offers legal assistance for various immigration processes, including citizenship, asylum, green card applications, and family reunification. We provide these services in a trauma-informed, respectful environment, with a focus on free legal aid and citizenship exam preparation for eligible individuals.
Asset Program
The “Asset Program” assists refugees and immigrants in the U.S. for less than five years. It focuses on building their financial futures, offering opportunities for home and vehicle purchases, starting businesses, and furthering education. This initiative aims to empower individuals through access to essential resources, enhancing their confidence and potential.
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry program provides essential supplies such as food, diapers, and period supplies to families in need. Operating every Friday from their San Diego location, the program ensures community members have access to high-quality, nutritious food along with other necessary items. This initiative reflects their commitment to supporting and empowering their community, especially those facing hardships.
We Dream
The “We Dream” program offers various life skill courses to prepare students for self-employment and micro-enterprises. The program includes clerical training, cooking, childcare training, and sewing, focusing on practical skills for career development and self-sufficiency. These courses aim to empower participants, offering job placement, certification, and opportunities to showcase their work.
Youth Program
The Youth Program is designed for new arrivals and local youth. It offers a safe environment for learning, growth, and skill development. Activities include sports, arts and crafts, and educational workshops. The program also focuses on mentorship and leadership development, helping youth build confidence and achieve their goals. The staff and volunteers are committed to providing an inclusive, engaging experience for all participants.
Meet Our Team
Our team is united by a common goal to empower and support the community
Said Abiyow
Founder, CEO
Patricia Moore
Vice President,
Co-founder, HR
Omar Abdi A
Vice Chairman
Garrett Cullen
Co-founder
Ifrah Salad
Director of Operations
Safiya Hussein
Deputy Director
Faisa Mohamud
Administrator
Samir Abdirizak
Youth Program Manager/
Communication Manager
Latest Happenings
Our latest community initiatives and impactful moments from our team and volunteers.
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“I am extremely grateful for the USCIS/USCRI Citizenship program in partnership with SBAOA. It has played a crucial role in helping immigrants, including myself, navigate the complexities of becoming American citizens. This program serves as an essential starting point for those uncertain about initiating their citizenship journey. The high demand within our community reflects its significance. The citizenship classes offered are exceptional, providing detailed knowledge about the citizenship process, including the necessary procedures and rights. My heartfelt thanks go to USCIS, USCRI, and SBAOA for their unwavering support of immigrants seeking citizenship. This partnership has been immensely beneficial, and I am now proudly a U.S. citizen because of it. I earnestly wish for this valuable collaboration to continue, positively influencing many more lives in the future. Thank you.”
Halima Kangame
