Alaafia operates as a nurturing haven, providing empowerment, resources, and assistance to African immigrant families, individuals affected by Sickle Cell, and anyone seeking support services.
This safe space encourages open expression of concerns, offering comfort in shared experiences and dialogue.
OurMission
Alaafia’s mission is to ensure that every African immigrant and Sickle Cell person has access to the necessary services and personal development tools within their community.
OurHistory
Established in 2015, Alaafia is a culturally specific organization founded by a collective of African immigrants. Their shared aspiration was to positively impact the lives of fellow immigrant families grappling with challenges related to Sexual/Domestic Violence, Sickle Cell, Healthcare, Education, Personal Development, and Social Services.
Alaafia is committed to identifying optimal solutions for these challenges by utilizing diverse community resources and striving to address issues most effectively.
The founders envision a platform where African immigrant and Sickle Cell families can exercise their voices, actively participating in discussions concerning their well-being.
The name Alaafia means ‘Peace has come’ and it remains the cornerstone of our organization, holding significance even in the present day. Our goal is to extend tranquility and assurance to African immigrant and Sickle Cell families facing diverse challenges, achieved through our organization’s array of services and resources.
Alaafia stands as the exclusive culturally specific organization in Wisconsin that offers Digital Career Training to its clientele.
Our Core Values
Empowerment
Financial Independence
Advocacy
Prevention
Our Vision Our vision aspires to eradicate all forms of abuse and discrimination faced by African immigrants and Sickle Cell families.
To reinforce this vision, Alaafia has diligently created online videos promoting empowerment and leadership among families.
Our Services
Around-the-Clock Assistance: Available 24/7 through our hotline for immediate support.
Advocacy & Support: Offering help when needed most, including emergency provisions like food, clothing, and temporary housing solutions.
Healthcare Navigation Services: Helping you navigate healthcare services with ease.
Legal & Social Services Coordination: Facilitating access to essential legal and social support.
Customized Counseling: Providing culturally sensitive counseling alongside referrals to specialized mental health services.
Career Empowerment: Focused on career rehabilitation, offering employment training and job placement services.
Safe Space Suite: A welcoming area dedicated to safety and comfort.
Refreshment Area: Enjoy our tea and coffee bar, a space to relax and connect.
Community Engagement: Active outreaches to foster a supportive and inclusive environment.
Network Building: Creating and nurturing a supportive network for all.
Support Groups: Facilitating groups for shared experiences and mutual support.
Mobile Advocacy: Extending support directly to where you are, ensuring help is always within reach.
Cultural Competence Training: Offering training tailored to meet specific cultural needs.
Cybersexual Support Services: Assisting with the challenges of cybercrimes.
Digital Career Training: Equipping you with digital skills for modern vocational paths.
Vision in Action Our organization is dedicated to fostering gender equality and closing the pay gap for women across all opportunities we encounter.
Alaafia is committed to empowering African immigrant and Sickle Cell families to achieve financial independence.
We aim to establish the most extensive network for African immigrants, fostering connectivity and support.
We actively advocate for increased female representation in leadership roles.
Alaafia provides essential sex education to both boys and girls.
We educate African immigrants about their rights and inform them where to seek help when necessary.
Above all, we strongly encourage regular health checkups within the African immigrant community.
Alaafia places a high value on Respect. We take pride in respecting various cultures and beliefs, even if we don’t personally practice them. This principle remains unwavering as long as no harm is inflicted on anyone.
We openly denounce individuals who mistreat or belittle women and girls.
Monetary contributions are collected to facilitate meaningful events for our clients.
Diversity is our foremost priority.
We actively block anyone who attempts to undermine our core values, preventing their participation in our community.
Our Aims and Objectives Alaafia is dedicated to inspiring African immigrant and Sickle Cell families to achieve self-reliance, driven by a vision to create a better society. We persistently strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Our Advocacy Furthermore, Alaafia takes pride in advocating for our clients.
We engage in discussions with teenagers about education, early pregnancy, birth control, and regular medical checkups.
Our advocacy extends to educating families about technology’s role in combating violence and issues like cyberbullying.
Our Prime Project
Alaafia’s expanded program is tailored to cater to the needs of the Sickle Cell community. This endeavor bears the name “Strength in Sickle Cell.”
Alaafia serves as Wisconsin’s comprehensive Sickle Cell resource hub, your go-to destination for support, resources and information.
The project is centered around five key domains:
Digital Career Training for Sickle Cell Families: This facet is designed not only to aid individuals living with Sickle Cell but also to provide support for their families. Alaafia delivers specialized training to equip them for digital careers.
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services: Alaafia offers dedicated services and resources specifically crafted for individuals with Sickle Cell disease who are also affected by domestic and sexual violence.
Mental Health Support:Alaafia provides Mental Health Support for Sickle Cell families because it is a crucial aspect of comprehensive healthcare. Living with Sickle Cell can be challenging not just physically but also emotionally and mentally for both the individuals affected and their families. This program offers tailored psychological support to address the unique stresses and emotional burdens of managing Sickle Cell Disease.
Key aspects of this Mental Health Support program include:
Counseling Services
Support Groups
Educational Workshops
Access to Resources
Holistic Care Approach
Implementing this Mental Health Support program aims to enhance the overall quality of life for Sickle Cell families, ensuring they have the emotional and psychological support necessary to navigate the complexities of the disease.
Sickle Cell Educational Prevention and Treatment: This aspect encompasses educational efforts on Sickle Cell prevention, treatment options and potential cures aimed at patients and their caregivers.
Advocacy for Sickle Cell Legislation: Alaafia actively advocates for transformative legislation that can significantly impact the lives of those living with Sickle Cell.
“Strength in Sickle Cell” has devised a range of programs designed to uplift local communities. One of these programs offers digital training to assist our Sickle Cell clients in developing marketable skills, potentially leading to roles like Social Media Managers.
Furthermore, the project offers additional programs such as blogs, mentoring, provision of warm clothing, and opportunities for sponsoring Sickle Cell-afflicted children.
