Mission Statement:
To build on the strengths of refugee and immigrant communities and remove barriers to achieving economic, social, and cultural wellbeing. Organization Overview:
The Karen Organization of Minnesota was founded in 2008 by refugees from Burma. As the first Karen-led social service agency in the U.S., KOM is often consulted by Minnesota and statewide agencies to learn about how to b
est serve refugees from Burma. While most of our clients are from Burma, we also serve clients from areas including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Southeast Asia, East Africa, and Latin America who now live in the Twin Cities. KOM offers employment and financial coaching services, social services, community health, and youth development programs to over 2,000 refugees and immigrants each year. Most of our staff and board members are from the communities we serve, giving us a unique ability to provide culturally responsive services and keep pace with the community’s changing needs. KOM provides services to all refugees from Burma in Minnesota, as well as other immigrant and refugee communities. Although KOM was founded by members of the Karen community, we serve all ethnic groups from Burma, including Karen, Karenni, Mon, Chin and more. As a member of the State of Minnesota’s Refugee Resettlement Network, KOM supports refugees from numerous countries including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Latin America. KOM also welcomes diverse immigrants, refugees, low-income families and individuals, and English learners in our Career Pathways programs. KOM staff members speak English, Sgaw Karen, Pwo Karen, Karenni, Burmese, Thai, Hmong, Urdu, Dari, Pashto, and Spanish.
