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Welcome to Salaam Community Center
Welcome to Salaam Community Center
About Us
Our Mission
Salaam Community Center is a community-based nonprofit organization deeply rooted in compassion, understanding, and unity. Our purpose is to serve the diverse communities of Maine, with a special emphasis on immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) populations. Recognizing the unique needs of these communities, we have curated a plethora of services and programs. Our culturally appropriate food pantry and soup kitchen offer nourishment that caters to varied tastes, while our cooking classes aim to bridge global cultures and cuisines. The community event center stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering unity and celebrating the rich tapestry of backgrounds and stories within Maine. Beyond food and events, our efforts in addressing food insecurity are unwavering. For those seeking spiritual solace, we provide a serene prayer and spiritual space. Our dedication to the younger generation and women is evident through our empowering youth engagement classes and specialized women's programs. Health and well-being are paramount, and we actively offer resources for substance use prevention, addiction, nutrition, and domestic abuse awareness. And during life's more challenging times, Salaam extends a helping hand with counseling services for the youth and the provision of emergency shelter, warming shelters, and cooling stations. At Salaam, our mission transcends mere services; it's about building a more inclusive, understanding, and empowered community for all.
At Salaam Community Center, we are committed to fostering compassion, understanding, and unity in Maine. Serving immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and BIPOC communities, our mission is to provide culturally resonant nourishment, bridge global cultures, address food insecurity, and offer spiritual solace. Through empowering youth engagement, women's programs, and comprehensive health resources, we dedicate ourselves to uplifting every individual. In the face of challenges, we stand ready with support, shelter, and counseling, striving always for a more inclusive, understanding, and empowered community for all."
Envisioning a future where every immigrant, refugee, asylum seeker, and individual from the BIPOC communities in Maine feels supported, understood, and united, Salaam Community Center aspires to be a beacon of hope, empowerment, and cultural resonance. We see a community where diverse backgrounds are celebrated, food and spiritual needs are met with respect, and every person—regardless of age or gender—thrives in health, safety, and opportunity, contributing to a harmonious and vibrant Maine for generations to come.
Our Vision
About Our Founder
Nadifa Mohamed is a remarkable individual whose life journey embodies resilience, dedication, and a profound commitment to community service. Born in Somalia, she experienced the challenges of displacement firsthand as her family sought refuge in neighboring Kenya, where she spent her early childhood in the Dadaab Refugee Camp. It was during these formative years that Nadifa developed a deep-seated passion for helping those in need.
Upon relocating to Lewiston, Maine, she embarked on a journey of educational achievement, graduating from Lewiston High School. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Southern Maine, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to academic excellence.
Nadifa's career has been a testament to her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes. For decades, she worked as a case manager, social worker, and interpreter, tirelessly advocating for the rights and well-being of immigrants and refugees, both in Kenya and her adopted home of Maine. She collaborated with prominent nonprofit organizations, including AK Health and Social Services and Maine Immigrants and Refugee Services, leaving an indelible mark on the communities she served.
Notably, Nadifa took on a pioneering role in her community by transforming the Masjid Salaam Mosque in Lewiston into a hub for more than just spiritual gatherings. Her groundbreaking work led her to become the first female executive director of the mosque, where she collaborated with multiple stakeholders to effect positive change. Her dedication culminated in securing a federal security grant to enhance the mosque's facilities, making it safer and more welcoming for all.
Furthermore, Nadifa's visionary leadership led to the inception of the Salaam Community Center initiative, a groundbreaking endeavor aimed at making mosque services more inclusive for all Mainers. Her work not only reflects her passion for creating harmonious and supportive communities but also exemplifies her unwavering commitment to building bridges and fostering understanding among diverse populations.
Nadifa Mohamed's life and career serve as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and determination in making a lasting impact on the lives of others. Her legacy continues to shape and enrich the communities she serves, embodying the very essence of positive change and inclusivity.
Regenerate
“"At Salaam Community Center, we believe in the power of unity and understanding. Together, we can bridge cultures, nourish hearts, and build a brighter future for all.”
— Nadifa Mohamed.