Action for East African People
Addressing the needs of East African communities worldwide. Take ActionMinnesota Programs & Services
Medical care and social services in Bloomington and Burnsville, Minnesota.
Action Care Community Clinic and Dental
High quality, culturally competent and comprehensive primary, dental and mental health care.
Action Care Healing and Wellness Center
A center for relaxation and wellness featuring chiropractic care, massage therapy, mental health care and more.
International Development
We’re opening project operations in Somalia, Ethiopia and Djibouti.
ACTION FOR EAST AFRICAN PEOPLE
A bridge between newcomers and the receiving community.
Action for East African People (AFEAP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit promoting the grassroots advancement and cultivation of the East African (EA) community. AFEAP’s vision is to empower East Africans through culturally responsive and comprehensive initiatives that challenge inequalities in health, housing and education. In Minnesota, the EA community we serve includes the local Somali and Ethiopian immigrant populace. In 2020 we opened two health centers that feature integrative health care and social services in Bloomington and Burnsville, Minnesota.
Taking Action in East Africa & Minnesota
Empowering Girls and Women
Centering women’s health, access to education and economic development. Skills training and self defense/care for girls and women.
Increasing Access to Food, Housing, Healthcare, Education and Resources
Addressing the needs of the local immigrant population in Minnesota as well as globally in East Africa. We are developing a variety of essential partnerships to eliminate barriers to survival and self-sufficiency.
Economic Development
Job creation, micro-lending, childcare and homelessness programs in East African regions. Assisting immigrants in Minnesota with gainful employment, housing assistance and access to childcare.
What are the challenges?
Minnesota is home to one of the the largest populations of East African immigrants. East Africans came to the United States as a result of a civil war, armed conflicts and drought in their home countries. They make significant contributions to the economy but face challenges being new to the country and having to navigate cultural and social systems that are marginalizing.
Language Barriers
Many East African immigrants require translators and interpreters in order to navigate an array of social systems. AFEAP has mobilized volunteers and employees to serve this need.
Access to Employment
Families may need assistance in gaining employment through help with resumes, applications, and communicating with employers. AFEAP advocates work to eliminate a wide range of barriers to self-sufficiency.
Access to Healthcare, Dental and Mental Health
There is a great need for assistance in obtaining health insurance, access to quality care and health education. There is also a cultural stigma surrounding mental health care and special needs care that AFEAP aims to break through.
Access to Rental Assistance and Home Ownership
There is a consistent need for help when it comes to applying for rental assistance programs and securing housing. Furthermore, there are challenges that make it harder to acquire home ownership. AFEAP provides assistance with credit building and has partnered with Dimespeak to help eliminate barriers to home ownership.
Food Insecurity
As a newcomer to the country or a low-income resident, food insecurity can remain an ever present challenge. AFEAP provides free food delivery and pick-up to address this need in the surrounding suburbs.
Lack of Centralized Services
AFEAP was created to address the lack of centralized services for East African immigrants and low-income populace in the suburbs. We must holistically address each person with a personalized approach in order to eliminate all barriers to navigating the present cultural and social systems.
Ayan Abukar
AFEAP Executive Director
Ayan Abukar has worked for decades to help underserved communities in the Twin Cities. Ayan is a compassionate woman. She had been seriously affected when she was young, living in the refugee camps of Ethiopia where she began her work with the community. Ayan was among the first East African groups to immigrate to the United States. In 1998, she began building a life in Minnesota and continued to work in the realm of community service, where she now serves as the Executive Director of Action for East African People.
Announcements
Free Food
We are offering free groceries (raashinka bilaashka) every Saturday from 3pm to 6pm in St. Paul, Minneaplis and Bloomington, Minnesota. We also provide food delivery for those who can’t pick-up.
Accepting New Patients
We are accepting new patients for medical care at Action Care Community Clinic & Dental in Bloomington, Minnesota. Our doctors provide high-quality and culturally competent medical services. Walk-ins are accepted.
Covid-19 Testing
If you think you’ve been exposed to Covid-19 or you’re experiencing Covid-19 related symptoms, contact us today to schedule a test.
Healing and Wellness Center
Visit the Action Care Healing and Wellness Center in Burnsville, Minnesota for East African Traditional treatments, body adjustments, and mental health care.
Take Action Now
Become a Volunteer
Find out how you can make a difference by joining Action for East African People.
Make a Contribution
Your donation will directly support action that is being taken now.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
We send our newsletter once a month to update you on our work and important announcements.