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- Our story
Neighbours helping neighbours feel at home in Edmonton
The Somali Community of Edmonton Society began with a simple idea: nobody should face a new country, a hospital form or a hard season at home alone. Today we’re a trusted bridge between Somali families and the city we all call home.
A community that looks after its own and opens its doors to all
Our mission
To help elders, at-risk youth and families in Edmonton live healthy, safe and independent lives through culturally safe support, education and advocacy.
Our vision
An Edmonton where every Somali Canadian, from newcomers to grandparents, can fully take part in civic, economic and community life.
Our promise
We will listen first, speak your language, protect your privacy and treat your family’s story with the dignity it deserves.
- Our journey
From Somalia to Edmonton, Alberta, growing with our community
Many of our founders arrived in Canada carrying hope and very little else. What they built together became the programs families rely on today.
Our roots stretch across two homelands. That’s why the Somali flag and the Canadian maple leaf sit side by side in our logo, joined by a handshake over Alberta.
Families gather to support one another
Somali newcomers in Edmonton meet in living rooms and mosques to share rides to appointments, translate letters and welcome new arrivals.
A formal voice for the community
Volunteers register the Somali Community of Edmonton Society so we can partner with agencies and advocate for immigrants with a united voice.
Health and English support launches
Bilingual volunteers begin accompanying elders to clinics and running conversational English circles to break down literacy barriers.
Mentorship and second-chance programs
We open pathways for at-risk youth, pairing young people with mentors and building partnerships with local employers.
Four programs under chairman Ibrahim Shurie
Under the leadership of Ibrahim Shurie, we work with families, police, city officials and service providers to keep our community safe, informed and connected.
- Leadership
Meet our chairman, Ibrahim Shurie
Known across Edmonton as a steady, approachable leader, Ibrahim Shurie brings families, government and service partners to the same table.
As chairman, or Gudoomiyaha, Ibrahim leads a volunteer board and staff who reflect the community we serve. His focus is simple: make support easy to find, easy to understand and easy to trust.
Our elders gave us everything. Our youth are our future. Our families are our strength. That’s who we work for.
Ibrahim Shurie
Chairman
- Why families choose us
Culturally safe support vs. going it alone
General services do important work, but language and cultural gaps can leave people behind. Here’s the difference a community-led approach makes.
- Staff who speak Somali and English, face to face
- Phone interpreters, if available
- Respect for faith, family roles and community norms
- One-size-fits-all approach
- Explained step by step until it makes sense
- Printed handouts with medical terms
- We sit with you and help complete them
- Online portals and long hold times
- A mentor who knows your neighbourhood
- Referrals without follow-up
- Free community programs
- Some services have fees or waitlists
- Our values
How we show up for you
These values guide every phone call, clinic visit and town hall.
Compassion first
We lead with kindness and never judge anyone for asking for help.
Privacy you can count on
What you share with us stays with us, unless your safety is at risk.
Community-led
Our board, staff and volunteers come from the community we serve.
A voice for fairness
We advocate for immigrants and marginalized neighbours so policies work for everyone.
Two homes, one heart
We honour our Somali heritage while building proud Canadian futures.
- Monthly newsletter
Be part of the story we're writing together
Join our newsletter to hear about volunteer opportunities, community celebrations and the milestones we reach together in Edmonton.
- Town hall dates and know-your-rights workshops
- New English classes and health clinics for elders
- Job and training openings for youth
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