Mission Statement
The Somali Associations of Arizona's mission is to encourage and promote economic self-sufficiency of the refugee community and to facilitate successful integration into mainstream society, while addressing existing cultural and economic values.
Brief History
In 1992, as the first Somali refugees arrived in Phoenix, the Somali community in Arizona collectively decided to establish a mutual assistance association, the Somali Association of Arizona. Arriving Somalis needed more than shelter, food and clothing. They needed language interpretation and socialization. They needed to understand the laws and customs of this country - merely the appearance of a police officer would strike terror in their hearts as they equated this presence with experiences in their homeland.
Through helping with these basic needs, the Somali Associations of Arizona (SAA) was born. The SAA was officially chartered in 1992 and granted 501(c) (3) status by the Internal Revenue Service in 2001. The organization continues to help needy and newly arriving refugees in Arizona through a variety of direct services and key community partnerships.
Our Vision
The Somali Associations of Arizona seek to find balance, a way to honor heritage and experience while embracing the country and people welcoming Somali refugees to a new home in the United States and in Arizona. This desire, this dream, this destiny, is contained in the mantra:
"We are all refugees; we are all Americans."
