The SCC, a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, was initially created (March, 2003) in response to critical need for support
services for elders in the Slavic community. In the Twin Cities, a rapidly growing elderly Russian-speaking population had
never learned to speak English. They became socially isolated which caused some individuals to demonstrate symptoms of
mild depression. This was identified as the initial problem to be addressed within the Russian-speaking immigrant community
and families.
In 2006, the Slavic Community Center (SCC) entered a new phase as a service provider to the Russian-speaking community
in the Twin Cities. The organization matured into the “Program Development stage”. The SCC began to create programs
that proactively respond to the needs of the community. Programs increased the diversity of services that can reach a
broader demographic group for multiple years.
Today, there is a need to create a bridge that allows Russian-speaking immigrants to engage and become part of the
broader community. Our agency supports and unites the Minnesota metro area’s Slavic community by reaching out and
working with people within the communities in which they live. From the day that new immigrants arrive to the generations
that follow, we are committed to building bridges between new arrivals from the FSU and existing communities and
resources. Our main goals are to:
As immigrants, it takes time and assistance to become familiar with the customs and culture of the USA. Many in the Eastern
European immigrant community (EEIC) have Social and Health Services’ (SHS) needs which are not being addressed for
three primary reasons:
Many things that are taken for granted by the people that live in the USA are foreign to the new immigrant. The SCC
provides programs that help to bridge the gap. For instance, in 2006 the following 3 main programs were provided.
The bridge to integration is a 2-way path. The people in the broader needed to be educated so the new comers are not seen
as strangers but as people with their own rich culture and history. An oral history program was accomplished by interviewing
21 Russian war veterans of WW II. A book will be published in 2007 based on these interviews.
The SCC is a 21st century community center. The business model is based on a Service Provider Activity Wheel. The SCC
provides services where the recipients of the service are located. Collaboration with institutions and organizations provides
sites for programs. This provides a model that reduces costs and increases participation.
We want to thank foundations, donors, volunteers and employees that helped 346 people get services that were not
provided, available, by anyone else. Our thanks are also extended to everyone that helped the SCC with another successful
year.
services for elders in the Slavic community. In the Twin Cities, a rapidly growing elderly Russian-speaking population had
never learned to speak English. They became socially isolated which caused some individuals to demonstrate symptoms of
mild depression. This was identified as the initial problem to be addressed within the Russian-speaking immigrant community
and families.
In 2006, the Slavic Community Center (SCC) entered a new phase as a service provider to the Russian-speaking community
in the Twin Cities. The organization matured into the “Program Development stage”. The SCC began to create programs
that proactively respond to the needs of the community. Programs increased the diversity of services that can reach a
broader demographic group for multiple years.
Today, there is a need to create a bridge that allows Russian-speaking immigrants to engage and become part of the
broader community. Our agency supports and unites the Minnesota metro area’s Slavic community by reaching out and
working with people within the communities in which they live. From the day that new immigrants arrive to the generations
that follow, we are committed to building bridges between new arrivals from the FSU and existing communities and
resources. Our main goals are to:
- Respond to individual needs to improve independence; especially for elders;
- Provide stimulating educational and cultural opportunities for community members of all ages;
- Promote social interaction and community building amongst Slavs, with other immigrant groups,
- and with mainstream society; and
- Equip new Slavic people with the information (and skills) necessary to make the transition to American culture.
As immigrants, it takes time and assistance to become familiar with the customs and culture of the USA. Many in the Eastern
European immigrant community (EEIC) have Social and Health Services’ (SHS) needs which are not being addressed for
three primary reasons:
- The EEIC culture does not encourage open response to illness.
- Providers in the metropolitan area may not understand the EEIC
- The EEIC does not understand how to access the SHS service system
Many things that are taken for granted by the people that live in the USA are foreign to the new immigrant. The SCC
provides programs that help to bridge the gap. For instance, in 2006 the following 3 main programs were provided.
- School Navigator
- Health and Safety in the Community (Community POWER)
- Financial Literacy
The bridge to integration is a 2-way path. The people in the broader needed to be educated so the new comers are not seen
as strangers but as people with their own rich culture and history. An oral history program was accomplished by interviewing
21 Russian war veterans of WW II. A book will be published in 2007 based on these interviews.
The SCC is a 21st century community center. The business model is based on a Service Provider Activity Wheel. The SCC
provides services where the recipients of the service are located. Collaboration with institutions and organizations provides
sites for programs. This provides a model that reduces costs and increases participation.
We want to thank foundations, donors, volunteers and employees that helped 346 people get services that were not
provided, available, by anyone else. Our thanks are also extended to everyone that helped the SCC with another successful
year.
Summary
Slavic Community Center
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