Service
Providers

Are you a service provider who works with the African community?
Our staff understands how to resolve conflicts in culturally responsive ways.

Are you a service provider who works with the African community?

Our staff understands how to resolve conflicts in culturally responsive ways.

Partner with us to better serve the communities we both care about.

Partner Together
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    Compassion
    Oriented

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    Culturally
    Responsive

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    Professionally
    Experienced

We believe there should be an accessible path toward resolution.

African communities are coming to find that many of the old methods of resolution - within the community and also between the community and others - no longer work as they incorporate into American culture.

There are cultural and systemic barriers to resolution that are unique to African communities. One-size-fits-all programs are often under-equipped to effectively help these demographics.

In the end, there are a lot of obstacles to justice for our Somali and East African neighbors.

But, that’s where we come in.

We started Center for Multicultural Mediation to help people in Somali and East African communities find resolution.

You want the best possible service for the Somali and East African communities you serve and our staff understands what it takes to get there. We can help your organization navigate this process in culturally responsive ways.

Partner Together

We work with:

  • State, county, and local governments
  • Housing authorities
  • Nonprofits
  • Partner mediation providers
  • Law Enforcement
  • Healthcare Providers
  • Schools
  • Businesses

Services

Mediation

Voluntary mediation between two parties provides space for both parties to face their conflict and collectively reach a solution that works for everyone.

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Facilitation

Facilitating difficult conversations, misunderstandings, and culturally involved conflicts between services providers, members of African communities, and the broader community of the Twin Cities.

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African Youth Diversion Program

Diverting youth from the criminal justice system to alternate resolution possibilities provides a way to redirect youth toward healthy, productive lives.

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Training and Education

We provide culturally aware dispute resolution education and training to organizations, businesses, schools, and service providers who are working with African community members.

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"Community Mediation & Restorative Services is grateful for Abdi Ali's partnership with a variety of services ranging from Harassment Court mediations that are moved from the Court to the community and restorative leadership training for East African youth. Abdi connects, deeply, with people whether presenting to a workshop with 50 people or in a one-on-one conversation with a youth."

- Beth Bailey

Executive Director, CMRS

“Center for Multicultural Mediation is a truly special agency, providing culturally-specific support and education to youth and families in their greatest time of need.  They take a special interest in developing deep and lasting connections with families, based on trust, respect and understanding.  This approach at juvenile justice prevention, intervention and diversion is one that JJAC finds incredibly effective.  We are thrilled to support this unique program and feel proud of the community impact it has made.”

Gary Charwood

Chair, Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (JJAC)

Current Partners & Supporters

African communities are facing many obstacles to conflict resolution

  • Lengthy or unhelpful processes
  • Unresolved community tension
  • Frustrating language barriers
  • Broken, disconnected families
  • Misunderstood cultural norms
  • Lack of resources

Healthy conflict resolution is possible

Culturally responsive mediators and facilitators lead to true resolution. Healthy conflict resolution means...

  • Healthy Communities
  • Less Generational Conflict
  • More family unity
  • Peace of mind
  • Money, time, and energy saved
  • Feeling heard and understood
  • A more effective justice system
Partner Together

How it works:

  • 1

    Bring both parties together

  • 2

    Facilitate culturally-aware conflict resolution

  • 3

    Contribute to a healthy community

Let's partner together to serve our Somali and East African neighbors

Partner Together

"The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority turned to Abdi for some of the most complex and crucial engagement in our 30-year history. The challenge was to help the vulnerable, low-income families we serve to understand a major transition in the federal programs we use to fund our extensive housing across the city. The subject matter is technical, with a high risk for confusion, fear, and misunderstanding. With Abdi, MPHA knew we were getting someone with the experience to translate difficult concepts across language and cultural barriers. He led residents through tough but productive discussions, and he fostered a constructive conversation that helped MPHA truly hear and learn from those most affected by our decisions. In heated situations, Abdi brought a calm and cooling touch. He has rare skills, and we look forward to working with him again."

Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, MN

"The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is proud to partner with the Center for Multicultural Mediation on our juvenile diversion initiatives. Since 2018, this joint effort between the two organizations has served primarily Somali-American and recent African immigrant youth and families.  The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office refers eligible youth who have committed non-violent and less serious crimes to the Center for Multicultural Mediation.  The Center for Multicultural Mediation then works in the community to develop a diversion plan with the youth and their families that can include community service, school support, counseling and other services. The goal is to address the cause of the behaviors and repair the harm to the community without creating a court record. Youth who successfully complete the diversion program with the Center for Multicultural Mediation  have their case dismissed."

Hennepin County Attorney's Office, MN

Service Provider Partnership