March 2009 Choice Translating continued its support of Somali Bantu refugees in Charlotte, NC, by helping organize a workshop that brought together community members and service providers to address specific areas of concern while safeguarding Somali Bantu cultural and religious customs on March 20, 2010, at The Hindu Center of Charlotte. Other partners participating in the event included the leaders of the nonprofit Somali Bantu Community, Mental Health Association of Central Carolinas (who hosted the event), Neighborhood Good Samaritan Center, Community Care Partners of Greater Mecklenburg, Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services, Community Health Services, Crisis Assistance Ministry, and Baitul Hemayah, Inc. Attendees learned how to access needed local services and resolve some of the shared challenges they face in adjusting to life in the United States. And the local community service providers, including representatives from the participating partners above, learned more about the Somali people and what their particular needs are.

The workshop organizers also wish to thank Compare Foods and The Hindu Center of Charlotte for their contributions to the workshop’s success. This event was made possible by a Front Porch grant from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation and supports Crossroads Charlotte, a community involvement program.