Center for African Immigrants- CAIRO Minnesota

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

On Saturday, CAIRO was honored to receive the Social Impact Excellence Award at the Global Somali Awards

We have received awards before, and we are grateful for every one of them. But this one felt different.

There is something deeply meaningful about being recognized by the very communities serve. The families who trust us, the youth who inspire us, the elders who guide us, and the community that has walked this journey with us over the last decade.

In a year that has not always been easy, we are deeply appreciative.

To our staff: thank you. Every day, you carry this mission with compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment. This award belongs to you.

To our community: thank you for your trust. It is the foundation of everything we do.

And to the Global Somali Awards, thank you for this incredible honor and for celebrating the people and organizations working to strengthen our communities around the world.

We are humbled. We are grateful. And we are more committed than ever to the work ahead.

06/02/2026

Looking for a fun, family friendly way to spend your Wednesday evening? Join us for our 3rd Annual Community Health Fair tomorrow, June 3rd, from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Lake George!
Enjoy:
🏰 Bounce house and family activities
🩺 FREE health screenings
🤝 Access to 25+ local health organizations and community resources
Giveaways, information, and fun for all ages

Whether you're looking to learn more about local health services, connect with community resources, or simply enjoy an afternoon with your family, there's something for everyone!
📍 Lake George
1101 Seventh St. S.
St. Cloud, MN 56301
We look forward to seeing you there! Please share and invite your friends and family.

05/15/2026

Mental health is something our community does not talk about enough. We carry a lot. Refugee journeys, family pressure, work stress, parenting in a new country, grief, and the silent weight of trying to hold everything together. Conversations like this matter. They remind us that asking for help is not weakness, and that healing happens in community.

Come listen. Come learn. Bring a friend, a family member, a neighbor. Whether you are struggling yourself, supporting someone you love, or simply want to be part of a healthier community, your presence matters.

Big appreciation to the organizers and partner organizations for making this possible.

05/06/2026

A stronger community is not built through silence. It is built through conversation, trust, accountability, and collective action.

We are proud to support and uplift this important community conversation bringing together Somali families, youth, and community voices to discuss public safety, community partnership, youth wellbeing, and the future we want to build together.

📍 Kalsan Event Center
3333 W Division St, Suite 124
St. Cloud, MN 56301

📅 Thursday, May 7, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

04/20/2026

Join Us for CAIRO’s 3rd Annual Community Health Fair!

The Center for African Immigrants & Refugees Organization is excited to invite you and your family to a fun, resource-filled day focused on health, wellness, and community connection!

🗓 Date: June 3rd, 2026
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Lake George Park

What to expect:
Free health screenings
Community resources & services
Family-friendly activities
Giveaways & more!

This is a great opportunity to connect with local organizations, learn about available services, and enjoy a fun afternoon with the community. Everyone is welcome!

📞 For more information: 320-281-3232
📧 [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you there—bring your family and friends! 💙

04/16/2026

From Stigma2Support: cultural-Specific Perspectives on Suicidal Ideation. Thank you Bridge Healing Center for the amazing work you do for our communities.

✨ From Stigma to Support: Somali & Islamic Perspectives on Suicidal Ideation ✨

Join Bridge Healing Center for a vital virtual event on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 (2:00 PM – 4:30 PM) and learn life-saving skills.

This session integrates Somali cultural perspectives, Islamic views, and clinical approaches to help break the stigma surrounding suicidal ideation.

💛 Equip yourself with the tools to support individuals at risk.

📌 Register here:
⬇️ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-stigma-to-support-somali-islamic-perspectives-on-suicidal-ideation-tickets-1986756079917?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

04/08/2026

This morning, our Executive Director Abdikadir Bashir spoke at the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund briefing. What our communities experienced over the past few months was not just abnormal, but also unacceptable and illegal.

Throughout the State of Minnesota, we saw families disrupted overnight. Parents taken. People moved out of state. Entire households left trying to survive without answers.

Our staff and volunteers stepped in where systems didn’t move fast enough — stabilizing families, providing groceries, coordinating legal support, and in some cases bringing people back home and supporting smaller non-profits.

This is not over, far from it. The impact is still here. Families are still recovering. We are still carrying more than we should.

We appreciate the partners and leaders who made the IRRF possible.
Minnesota Council on Foundations Northwest Area Foundation Women's Foundation of Minnesota The Minneapolis Foundation Mortenson Family Foundation and many others.

03/30/2026

Ten years ago this month, we built CAIRO on a simple belief: that every child, every family, and every community deserves access to opportunity. What began with a focus on education has grown into a movement.

Today, nearly 120 staff serve communities across Minnesota and Oregon—supporting families through education, workforce development, health, and housing stability.

We have faced challenges. We have evolved.
But we have remained rooted in our purpose.

Now, we rise, TOGETHER.

✨ Rooted & Rising — A Decade of Impact Gala
📅 October 9, 2026
📍 The Park Event Center, Waite Park, MN

Join us as we celebrate a decade of impact—and invest in the future ahead.

🔗 Registration starts April 20: https://cairomngala.org/

&Rising #2026

03/29/2026

Long COVID Awareness Matters

Long COVID can affect many parts of the body — from the brain and lungs to the heart, muscles, and more. Symptoms may include:

Fatigue and brain fog
Shortness of breath
Headaches and dizziness
Joint or muscle pain
Changes in taste or smell

Prevention is key:
✔️ Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
✔️ Practice good hygiene
✔️ Improve air quality and ventilation
✔️ Take precautions in crowded spaces

If symptoms are affecting your daily life, talk to a healthcare provider.

CAIRO is here to support our community with health awareness and resources.

🔗 Learn more: www.health.mn.gov/longcovid