Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
WellShare International had 14 domestic programs and 3 international programs in 2015. Some highlights include:
East African Smoke-Free Program: To date, over 3,000 community members have been directly reached; more than 77,800 were indirectly impacted through outreach activities.
In 2015 the program reached 2,377 individuals through 46 outreach activities. A youth event including skits and poetry around tobacco use was seen by approximately 250 Somali and other East African youth.
Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative: A series of Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshops for elders in the Somali community was joined by over 30 participants. WellShare community health workers led 100 farmer’s market tours for individuals eligible for Electronic Benefits Transfer. Over 500 Community Health Workers and stakeholders were reached by the MN Community Health Worker Peer Network.
Somali and Karen Reproductive Health Programs: Over 300 Somali men and women received reproductive health information and services. Nearly 40 Karen men and women participated in Karen-language community classes. Over 600 health care professionals, educators, and other social service professionals were engaged in conferences, trainings and health fairs that WellShare staff participated in.
Uganda Child Spacing Program: The Arua District Partnership for HIV/AIDS and Family Planning Integration project trained 50 village health teams to provide integrated family planning counseling along with HIV/AIDS prevention education. The project reached 3,522 clients through project-trained Community Owned Resources Persons/Village Health Team members and 19,041 people with family planning messages during group discussions and home visits.
Current Goals
WellShare International plans to continue its current programming, as well as expand into new areas, including pilot programs with the American Indian community in the Twin Cities (Little Earth). We have extended our East African Smoke-Free Program, our Eliminating Health Disparities Program, our Reproductive Health program, and our Uganda Child Spacing Program to be continued throughout the next few years. We are working with potential partners to expand our international programming, as well as our domestic and international volunteer program.
Community or Constituency Served
We primarily serve refugee and immigrant communities in the Twin Cities, including Somali, Karen, and Hmong. We are beginning to pilot a program working with the American Indian community in Minneapolis as well, and we serve rural populations in East Africa.
Geographic Area Served
Minnesota, Uganda, and Tanzania.
