Afghan Cultural Society of MN

The Afghan Cultural Society (ACS) is an Afghan women-led, ethnic community-based organization that helps recently arrived refugee families adapt to life in the Twin Cities. ACS offers wraparound support: social and economic service navigation, youth education, health care system navigation, mental health support programs, and cultural preservation activities with the area’s 2,500+ Afghan community members as well as other immigrant populations. 

 ACS delivers assistance using a ‘self-help’ approach tailored the values and perspective of our community. ACS staff approach challenges and solutions in social and cultural frames that Afghans find familiar and comforting. Allowing the community to lead their own healing empowers collective decision making and promotes unique service approaches.  

This self-help approach permeates all ACS programs – ACS mental health support services are one example. Most Afghans are unreceptive to Western mental health treatment methods. Yet, most Afghans arrived in the United States deeply traumatized from their experiences of leaving Afghanistan. In 2021, ACS staff asked community members, in their own languages and cultural frames, how they would like to address the pain of suddenly leaving their homeland, family members, and friends. They suggested activities that bring community members together, preserve culture, and allow people to discuss shared struggles.

ACS launched women’s support circles and shortly thereafter began circles for men at their explicit request. In 2023 and 2024, we launched support circles for youth. Instead of gift card incentives, ACS draws community members in with classes and activities: chess, sewing, soccer, yoga, swimming, embroidery, photography, and language tutoring, among others. Time is set aside for psychoeducation, discussions, and guest presentations about available community services. Sessions seldom end on time, as participants enjoy the activities and the chance to build relationships with one another.

"I learned to take time for myself when I feel overwhelmed. The group helped me feel less alone."

- Belqis, Program Participant

"Initially, I believed there were no other Afghans living in this cold state. However, after joining the volleyball game, I discovered a strong and welcoming community. I am deeply grateful for the ACS men's program. For every newcomer, it is truly a beacon of hope during a time of loneliness. During my first month here, I felt isolated—but through ACS, I found connection, friendship, and joy among fellow Afghans."

- Rahmatullah, Program Participant

"It’s been over three years since we left Afghanistan. I used to worry what if my kids forget our language? But now, with these Dari classes, they can read and write again. I feel proud when I hear them speak and read in our own words."

- Parent of students enrolled in Farsi language tutoring

 ACS kindly requests your financial support for its innovative programs, like the women’s support circles. Funds are needed to provide direct assistance, match recent congressionally directed spending to acquire an office and community center in Cedar Riverside, and support cultural events like the our recent Afghan Culture Festival that took place at Cedar Cultural Center on November 3rd. Please consider a gift of whatever you can afford. All support is tax-deductible, and 100 percent of funds support direct services in the Twin Cities. 

 Your financial contribution to support the work we are doing in the our community is greatly appreciated.