Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York

Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York Resettling in a new country and beginning a new life comes with many challenges. SBCO was formed to help refugees adapt and transition into a new life.
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The resettlement of the Bantu people in the U.S. was the start of a different kind of a resettlement because they were the first African group to have had a large number of the same population with similar dialects to ever be granted a resettlement in the country as a persecuted minority. Due to civil conflict and political unrest in Somalia, the Bantu were among the people that sought refuge in the diaspora. After living in varies refugee camps for many years, the group was accepted to resettle in many American cities including Buffalo. They began to arrive to Buffalo in the summer of 2003 with the help of local resettlement agencies, however; the work of these resettlement agencies was limited to a few months, which left the refugees to continue to struggle with educational, employment, housing issues and basic living supports. In 2005, a group comprised of prominent refugees and community leaders met to discuss the needs of their struggling community and they devised solutions to fill gaps in supportive services for the community. These gatherings led to the creation of the Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo (SBCO). The organization has expanded from home meetings to having their own office space located in the heart of Buffalo’s Westside. Services currently available include: -Intensive translation and interpretation for adults and children in Chizigula, May May, Somali and Swahili -Case management for adults and children, including social services, health care access, public school registration, immigration resources and other services -Dispute and conflict resolution within the community -After school program for refugee and immigrant children in grades K-12, where homework assistance, academic skills building, mentoring and social integration are provided

Mission: To educate and empower refugees and immigrants in Buffalo and Erie County to become self-sufficient and active citizens, preserving their traditions, languages and cultures which add unique richness to the dynamics of an ever changing community.

Operating as usual

Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York
11/21/2018

Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York

Last day of summer camp at St. Mary's school for the Deaf. 08/17/2018
10/16/2018

Last day of summer camp at St. Mary's school for the Deaf. 08/17/2018

Orchard park Soccer clinic 08/20/2018
10/16/2018

Orchard park Soccer clinic 08/20/2018

Our vehicles from the Grant.Thank you United Way of Buffalo & Erie County and The General mills.
07/03/2018

Our vehicles from the Grant.
Thank you United Way of Buffalo & Erie County and The General mills.

Hello all Somali Bantus in Buffalo,NY. we are recruiting a Somali Bantu Girl Scout. Ages are 5 years to 17 years. If you...
05/14/2018
Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York

Hello all Somali Bantus in Buffalo,NY. we are recruiting a Somali Bantu Girl Scout. Ages are 5 years to 17 years. If you are intrested or you know someone who might be intrested, please let us know.
You can send your information by email/Phone or come to the office.

Somali Bantu Community Organization.
83 Grant St.
Buffalo,NY 14213
716-881-9100
www.sbcob.org
[email protected]

Empowering Families Today for a Better Tomorrow

Thank you so much United Way of Buffalo, Erie County and General Mills for giving us the opportunity to accept our first...
04/16/2018

Thank you so much United Way of Buffalo, Erie County and General Mills for giving us the opportunity to accept our first grant.

Photos from Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York's post
04/16/2018

Photos from Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York's post

Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York
04/16/2018

Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York

Somali Bantu Community Farm...
08/01/2017

Somali Bantu Community Farm...

Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York's cover photo
07/19/2017

Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York's cover photo

Profile Pictures
07/17/2017

Profile Pictures

Photos from Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York's post
07/16/2017

Photos from Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York's post

Somali Bantu Community Day celebrations...
07/08/2017

Somali Bantu Community Day celebrations...

07/01/2017

What do you plan to do a week from today? We have a great event planned for you on Saturday, July 8 at LaSalle Park. Please come out and join us as we celebrate our culture and tradition!

Members of the Somali Bantu Community of Buffalo working in their community garden at Providence Farms in East Aurora, N...
06/05/2017

Members of the Somali Bantu Community of Buffalo working in their community garden at Providence Farms in East Aurora, New York.

05/05/2017

Hello everyone on behalf of the SOMALI BANTU COMMUNITY ORG. OF BUFFALO, NY. We thank the sisters of St.Mary, students of Daeman and Canisius Colleges, and anyone who is involved in our community, specially for the AFTER SCHOOL program.
The work you guys are doing for our kids is an imaginable, and We thank you for that.

AFTER SCHOOL CLOSING pictures and video clips coming soon.

We thank the University Pediatric Dentistry for joining our Say Yes Summer Program today to provide proper dental hygie...
08/05/2016

We thank the University Pediatric Dentistry for joining our Say Yes Summer Program today to provide proper dental hygiene information to our children.

We thank the University Pediatric Dentistry for joining our Say Yes Summer Program today to provide proper dental hygiene information to our children.

Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York's cover photo
07/17/2016

Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York's cover photo

07/12/2016

On behalf of the organizing committee of the 1st Annual Somali Bantu Community Day, we would like to thank all who have attended the event.

We would also like to extend this appreciation to the officials who founded time in their busy schedules to join us.

The purpose of the event was to bring all people from Somalia (after a long displacement in the diaspora) together to celebrate their cultures and traditions while thanking city and state officials for allowing them to resettle in the Western New York region.

July is officially recognized as Somali Bantu History Month in the City of Buffalo.

We hope that you found the event to be informative and worthwhile.

07/08/2016

Come join us TOMORROW as we celebrate our 1st Annual Somali Bantu Community Day at LaSalle Park. The event will start with a soccer tournament promptly at 10AM. The tournament will be paused at 12PM for cultural presentations until around 2PM and will resume subsequently.

This event is free of charge and open to the public. A taste of cultural food will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!

07/07/2016

On behalf of the board and members of the Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York, we would like to thank all who support and recognize the month of July as Somali Bantu History Month in the City of Buffalo.

We consider this month to be significant and symbolic. We invite you all to join us this Saturday, July 9 at 12 o'clock at LaSalle Park for a celebration of culture and tradition.

What do you plan to do a month from today? We have a great event planned for you on Saturday, July 9 at LaSalle Park. Pl...
06/09/2016

What do you plan to do a month from today? We have a great event planned for you on Saturday, July 9 at LaSalle Park. Please come out and join us as we celebrate our culture and tradition!

05/05/2016

Are you a certified NYS teacher and looking for a summer employment? SBCO is looking to hire a summer camp lead teacher. If you are interested, please forward your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

For more information about this opportunity, please contact our office at (716) 881-9100 and ask to speak with the executive director.

05/05/2016

Attention BPS Parents:

SBCO is accepting applications for summer camp. If you have a school age child that is interested in a summer camp, applications are due on Wednesday, May 25, 2016.

Please contact our organization as soon as possible to register and enroll your child. Seats are limited and will be on a first come, first served basis.

For more information about this program, call our office at (716) 881-9100 or email at [email protected].

04/26/2016

Resettling in a new country comes with many challenges. SBCO was formed to help refugees adapt and transition into a new life.#somalibantu #funfact #newlife

04/26/2016

SBCO is planning to have their annual community day at Lasalle Park this year, on July 9th at 12pm at Lasalle Park. Please come out and join us !

04/16/2016

Don't forget, SBCO is planning to have their annual community day at LaSalle Park. The event will take place on July 9th at 12pm at LaSalle Park. Please come and join us on this special day.

04/07/2016

The bantu people were the first African group to have had a large number of the same population with similar dialects to ever be granted a resettlement in the country as a persecuted minority.

FYI Daemen College's Nursing program is hosting a health fair for refugees. The event will be on April 19 from 2-6pm at ...
04/05/2016

FYI Daemen College's Nursing program is hosting a health fair for refugees. The event will be on April 19 from 2-6pm at the Jewish Family Services. This event is free.

04/03/2016

Did you know SBCO provides Intensive translation services for adults and children, immigration resources, helps dispute conflict resolution within the community, as well as provide civic engagement, including citizenship to its members and the community?

04/01/2016

Don't forget, SBCO is planning to have their annual community day at Lasalle Park this year. This event will take place on July 9th at 12pm at Lasalle Park. Please come and join us on this special day.

Address

161 Vermont St
Buffalo, NY
14213

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 12:00
Friday 14:30 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 12:30

Telephone

(716) 881-9100

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On behalf of the board and members of the Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, New York, we would like to thank all who support and recognize the month of July as Somali Bantu History Month in the City of Buffalo. We consider this month to be significant and symbolic. We invite you all to join us this Saturday, July 9 at 12 o'clock at LaSalle Park for a celebration of culture and tradition.

Please consider donating to this wonderful after school program. It is an important function of the organization and needs all the help they can get. Spring It On is on March 24. To donate, follow this link https://www.springiton.org/organizations/somali-bantu-community-organization-of-wny-inc

Here is a short video about our mentoring program. This program prepares children and young people to step up to their challenges by opening up to new opportunities that provide guidance and leadership. We recognize that in order for children and young people to be successful in the classrooms and become community oriented individuals, there has to be a collaborative effort among community stakeholders, and this program offers that opportunity.

Maryann Abdi is an incoming Freshman to Hutch Tech Central High School. She interned with our organization through the Mayor's Summer Youth Internship Program.

Ateang Deng is a Junior at Hutch Tech Central High School. She interned with our organization through the Mayor's Summer Youth Internship Program.

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I was informed that The Salvation Army on Grant Street is giving away food: Please show up with your ID... This is taking place until 1pm today! 187 Grant street. Spread the word...
We are looking for Interpreters in the Buffalo New York Area. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES• · Provide interpreting services as an independent contractor · Comply with Interpreter Code of Ethics · Perform duties in a professional manner · Turn in client worksheets within 24 hours of Appointment QUALIFICATIONS · Must demonstrate fluency in English and language you are interpreting• · Effective in time management · Professional demeanor and appearance• · Medical or legal interpreter training preferred• · Prior interpreting preferred · Completed Immunization Records • · Proof of citizenship or valid work permit• · Reliable transportation• · Must be 18 years of age or older · High School Diploma · Preferably some college degree · Pass Background Check Application Questions You have requested that Indeed ask candidates the following questions: · How many years of Interpreting experience do you have? · Are you fluent in English and the language you are interpreting in? [email protected] https://globallanguageconnections.com/ Global Language Connections 3618 East Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55406 P: (612) 249-6100
Please share! Event on the East Side at the Matt Urban Center this Thursday. The workshop will focus on home repair & buying a home. We will have Somali interpreters onsite to help with languages needs.
Hi
countytracks.com/2018/03/african-refugees-in-vermont-dance-it-out/
"Faas Waa" by A2VT
I am in need of a Mushunguli interpreter in Buffalo, please let me know if anyone speaks both English and Mushunguli.
#makingadifference Every once in a while something special happens that may only impact a tiny corner of the world, but ultimately changes lives in meaningful ways. This weekend, one of those special things happened on a picturesque farm just outside of East Aurora. The farm is aptly named, Providence, a word Webster’s defines as, “God or nature providing protective or spiritual care. The owner of the farm is Dr. Christopher Kerr, CEO for Buffalo’s Center for Hospice & Palliative Care where care, support, advocacy, and education are ministered to those impacted by serious illness and loss. This distinctive farm and caring physician form the backdrop of a story about East Aurora neighbors Gwen Beiter Warren and Kristin Weiss and their developing friendship with members of the Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo. These African immigrants have become an impactful force on Buffalo’s West Side due in part to their mission to, “educate and empower refugees and immigrants in Buffalo and Erie County to become self-sufficient and active citizens, while preserving their individual traditions, languages and cultures to add unique richness to the dynamics of an ever-changing Western New York Community.” When Kristin and Gwen were recently introduced to members of the community they formed an immediate bond. The suburban women learned that the urban immigrants hail from an agricultural-based society, which they obviously cannot sustain on Buffalo’s West Side. The two women also understood the magnitude of losing part of one’s culture and lifestyle. That understanding inspired Gwen and Kristin to devise a plan that began with approaching Dr. Kerr and his Providence Farm with a request to “borrow” a few acres of land on which the Somali Bantu Community could establish a garden. From there, Gwen set up a GoFundMe Page, which she promoted through social media. She defined the project as a funding source for needed materials to provide the African immigrants the opportunity to grow and harvest food for their families, as was their tradition. Within twenty-four hours of the GoFundMe Page launch, generous Western New Yorkers had donated beyond the project’s original $1,000 garden goal. Gwen and Kristin took the money and invested in hoes, shovels, trowels, 800 feet of garden hose, fertilizer and vegetable dusting spray, along with a six-month rental of a porta john. Seeds were donated by a variety of individuals and less than a week after hatching their idea, The Providence Farm urban/suburban garden was on its way. The thing is, a Western New York growing season is not always kind to seeds planted in June. Unusual growing conditions or an early frost may destroy the plants before they are ready for harvest. Enter yet more caring WNY’ers, this time from the nearby Town of Hamburg. Farmers Bill and Terry Zittel, owners of Zittel's Country Market on Southwestern Boulevard, donated 20 flats of peppers, tomatoes, peas and lettuce plants to the Somali Bantu Garden, thereby ensuring a harvest of vegetables for their community. And that is why this weekend, amid Saturday’s glorious sunshine and Sunday’s scattered rain showers, Gwen Beiter Warren and Kristin Weiss, along with their husbands, Bill and Paul, joined with members of the Somali Bantu Community on the Providence Farm of Dr. Christopher Kerr. There they plowed, dug, planted and watered vegetable seeds funded by generous WNY'ers and planted vegetable plants donated by farmers, Bill and Terry Zittel. Something special that happened in this tiny corner of the world, that impacted and will continue to change the lives of many in meaningful ways.