Uniting for a Brighter Future: Parenting Education Program
The Oregon Somali Bravaness Community (OSBC) is proud to announce a new initiative designed to empower immigrant and refugee parents across Multnomah County. Building on our longstanding commitment to address social determinants of health, this parenting education program will provide culturally responsive workshops, resources, and support to families who face language barriers, unfamiliar social systems, and other challenges in the process of raising children.
Why Focus on Parenting?
In our work with Somali and East African communities, OSBC has identified a strong need for parenting support that respects cultural traditions while introducing effective practices backed by research. We believe that strengthening parenting skills and family bonds is a key step toward improving overall community health, educational outcomes, and long-term success for our children.
Evidence-Based & Culturally Tailored
Drawing on Nurturing Parenting and The Incredible Years—both recognized, evidence-based curricula—OSBC will offer classes that combine proven methods with important cultural adaptations. For instance, programming will be offered in Somali, Arabic, and English, ensuring that families can fully engage without language barriers. Facilitators will be trained by certified curriculum specialists, and OSBC’s existing community educators will receive additional instruction to tailor content for immigrant and refugee parents in ways that honor their heritage.
What to Expect
- Interactive Workshops: Parents learn through hands-on activities, group discussions, and shared experiences.
- Flexible Schedules & Locations: Sessions will be held both in-person at a local community center in Portland and virtually to accommodate busy schedules and transportation challenges.
- Childcare Provided: To remove one of the biggest barriers to attendance, we will offer onsite childcare during in-person sessions.
- Incentives & Family Support: Small tokens of appreciation, educational materials, and culturally relevant resources will be provided to encourage enrollment and completion of the program.
These new services build upon OSBC’s existing health education, housing, and economic support programs. By integrating parenting education into our range of offerings, we’re creating a more holistic system of support for families—one that recognizes the interconnected nature of well-being, economic stability, and positive family relationships.
Program Highlights
- Inclusive Outreach: We’ll partner with community and faith-based organizations, run social media campaigns, and host in-person information sessions to ensure all parents can learn about and access the program.
- Curriculum Fidelity & Quality: Regular check-ins and evaluations will help maintain the integrity of the evidence-based model while allowing for cultural nuances.
- Addressing Common Barriers: From offering sessions on weekends and evenings to providing transportation assistance and delivering content in multiple languages, we’re focused on making this program accessible to all.
Building Stronger Families, Together
OSBC’s goal is to strengthen and empower families so they can navigate parenting challenges confidently—especially for those raising children in a new cultural context. By prioritizing parental well-being and skill-building, we also contribute to healthier child development and create a supportive community network.
This innovative parenting education initiative is made possible by the Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative 2025 Multnomah County Programming Grant, which recognizes OSBC’s dedication to serving diverse and historically underserved communities. Through this grant, we’re able to provide free or low-cost classes, professional facilitation, and valuable resources that help parents thrive.
Want to Get Involved or Learn More?
If you’re a parent, caregiver, or community partner who wants to join or support this program, please reach out to OSBC at +1 503-206-8944 or visit our website. Together, we can lift families and ensure every child has the nurturing environment they deserve.
