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AIFS 2023 Program Services Annual Report

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Overview of AIFS�African Immigrant Family Services (AIFS) is a community-based organization dedicated to supporting and empowering African immigrants and refugees in Metro Nebraska. Founded in 2019 on the principles of cultural preservation, integration, and holistic support, AIFS endeavors to foster a sense of belonging and resilience among African immigrant families.

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Mission Statement:

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AIFS is committed to providing comprehensive services and opportunities that promote the well-being, cultural identity, and self-sufficiency of African immigrants and refugees.

Through a range of programs, advocacy efforts, and community initiatives, we aim to bridge cultural gaps, enhance opportunities for education and skill development, and create a supportive environment for individuals and families to thrive.

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African Families served per Zip code in 2019-2023

Zipcode: 39

Families: 1160

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Organization Impact and Involvement

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Program Services

  • Child & Youth Development Program
  • Refugee and Immigrant Health Program
  • Language & Culture Based-Education Services
  • Mental Health for Refugees and Immigrants
  • Community Support & Case Management

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Child and Youth Development Services��-STEM�-French & Spanish�-African Art, Dance, Music�-Mentorship�-Homework Support�

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Child and Youth Development Services Achievements in 2023

Zipcode: 39

Families: 1160

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Refugee and Immigrant Health Program

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African Community Health Fair (2023)

    • 327 participants
    • 22 health providers.
    • Over 500 food boxes and conducted
    • Health & Dental screenings
    • 56 free car seats checks & Installations

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Oral Health Promotion

    • Offered 6 sessions of oral health education

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    • Provided dental screening to 76 children and youths

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    • Distributed 152 toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes.

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�Oral Health activities�

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Car Seat Program

    • Provided and installed 46 free car seats for families ( 11 Emergency Installation)
    • Provided 38 free car seat checks to families
    • Realized 6 car seat safety education sessions

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FOOD AND NUTRITION

    • Over 1600 food boxes were distributed to 18 different community members
    • 12 nutrition education sessions have been offered to the families and children
    • Offer 6 hands-on cooking classes to teach practical skills

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Mental Health for African Refugee and Immigrant

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Mental Health Literacy, Social Counseling & Referral systems (2023)

    • Developed 3 mental health First Aid workshops
    • Facilitate 2 Mental Health support groups
    • Offered culturally sensitive and language-appropriate social counseling services to 88 individuals
    • Developed a youth mental health program to address the unique mental health needs of young refugees and immigrants. 107 youth participate in this program
    • AIFS has 2 French speaking Mental Health First Aid Instructors and 2 French speaking Volunteers Certified mental health Counselor

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Community Support Services

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Case management & Referral systems

    • Over 300 cases assisted:
      • Low-income housing application
      • Transportation
      • Housing voucher application
      • Medicaid /SNAP recertification Application
      • School enrollment
      • Interpretation services for parents
      • Legal Assistance
      • Financial Literacy
      • Community Integration
      • Emergency Assistance

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Language & Culture Based-Education Services (2023)

  • 56 registered students for ESL classes

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  • 5 ESL class Levels

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  • 5 Volunteers ESL teachers

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  • 11 individuals passed their driving test

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  • 7 obtained their citizenship

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PROMOTION OF Mother’s Care PROGRAM (ProMoCare)

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Importance of ProMoCare

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The Promotion of Mother's Care (ProMoCare) program focuses on maternal and child health for immigrant and refugee mothers.

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It offers culturally sensitive, accessible, and effective care, targeting holistic family support

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Challenges Faced by Immigrant & Refugee Families

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Language and Communication Barriers: Difficulty in accessing healthcare due to language differences, leading to significant communication gaps.

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Cultural Adjustment: Challenges in adapting to new healthcare practices and parenting norms, impacting effective care and integration.

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Limited Access to Healthcare: Insurance complexities, system unfamiliarity, and immigration concerns restrict access to necessary healthcare services.

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Financial Strain and Navigational Difficulties: Financial hardships affect basic needs like food and housing. Difficulties in navigating educational and health systems compound these issues.

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Trauma and Resettlement Stress: Mental health implications stem from past trauma and the stress of resettlement, necessitating targeted support.

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Promotion of Mothers Care (ProMoCare) Program

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Essential Services Offered in 2023-24 :

      • 60 participants (2 cohorts)
      • 60 Baby Bag Program.
      • 38 Car Seat Checks & Installations.
      • 30 Home Safety activities.
      • 1Home-based education per month per family activities with 60 families
      • Organized 6 Promocare Cofee sessions focused on maternal and child health needs.

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Recognition/ Awards

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Founder Award from Midland African Chamber

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25 Community non-profit Organization recognized at AIFS Annual Success Celebration

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AIFS Annual Success Celebration Honors 18 African National Leaders

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Organization Challenges

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Challenges

    • Funding Constraints
    • Capacity Building:
    • Advocacy and Policy Change:
    • Data Collection