Photo by Lanre Olabinjo
Driving to Success continues to break barriers for New Americans in Fargo-Moorhead. In this update, we share a key milestone—our first teen participant to earn her license—and recognize the partners helping make stories like this possible.
Why This Matters
At the Immigrant Development Center, our Driving to Success program offers driver’s education and behind-the-wheel training to New Americans in the Fargo-Moorhead area. We developed this initiative to address barriers that often prevent individuals from obtaining their driver’s licenses, including language differences, limited scheduling options, and the lack of culturally responsive instruction. We recently marked a major milestone: our first teen participant received her driver’s license immediately after completing training. Stacy, a 17-year-old high school student from Cameroon, joined the program at age 16 and completed it after turning 17.
Photo by Lanre Olabinjo
Stacy’s Story
Stacy arrived in the United States a year ago with her mother and younger sister. Transportation was one of the major challenges they faced as a family. In her own words:
“My mom had to leave work just to drive us around,” she said. “Now I can take my sister to school and be more independent. It’s helped me be more productive, and I feel proud of myself.”
Now licensed, Stacy is preparing to begin college in the fall of 2025 and is exploring job opportunities to support her family.
“Now that I have my license, I want to find a job and see how I can contribute to society. I am also able to help my mum out and I’m really grateful to IDC and the sponsors for giving me this opportunity.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our program sponsors—Essentia Health and Sanford Health. With your support, we’ve been able to run multiple rounds of driver training, removing barriers to mobility and unlocking opportunities for families like Stacy’s.
What’s Next
We remain committed to expanding mobility access for more New Americans. For more on Driving to Success or how to support the next cohort, contact us at [email protected] or click the link here to get on the waitlist for the next cohort.
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Building Community Together: Somali Heritage Celebration in Downtown Fargo
FARGO, ND – On June 28, 2024, Broadway Square in downtown Fargo buzzed with excitement as the inaugural Somali Heritage Celebration unfolded. Organized by the Fargo-Moorhead Somali community and supported by the Immigrant Development Center, this event not only showcased cultural richness but also highlighted the center’s role in fostering community vitality and inclusivity.
The day was a vibrant tapestry of Somali music, dances, and the enticing aroma of authentic Somali cuisine. Children played joyfully with oversized blue building blocks, while parents and metro residents engaged in meaningful conversations under the warm summer sun. It was a moment where cultural boundaries dissolved, and connections were forged through shared experiences and appreciation for diversity.
Photo By Alyssa Goelzer
“Our community has been longing for opportunities like these,” reflected Fowzia-Adde of the Immigrant Development Center. “This celebration exemplifies our commitment to bridging cultural divides and building a stronger, more united community.”
Attendees were treated to captivating performances that illuminated the rich cultural heritage of Somalia, captivating the audience with rhythmic dances and soulful music. The scent of Somali delicacies filled the air, offering a culinary journey that delighted the senses and underscored the community’s warmth and hospitality.
Ahmed Makaraan, Executive Director of Eshara and a key organizer, emphasized the significance of such events in creating connections. “Today marks a pivotal moment in our community’s journey,” he shared. “It’s about coming together, learning from one another, and celebrating our shared humanity.”
The Somali Heritage Celebration not only celebrated the contributions of the Somali-American community to Fargo-Moorhead’s cultural mosaic but also served as a platform for dialogue, education, and mutual respect. It reinforced the importance of inclusivity and unity in a diverse society, showcasing the Immigrant Development Center’s dedication to empowering New Americans and nurturing a welcoming environment.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us in this celebration,” Makaraan added, distributing Somali flags to participants. “Together, we are shaping a community where everyone feels valued and welcomed.”
The Immigrant Development Center remains committed to promoting cultural diversity and community vitality in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Through initiatives that empower and support New Americans, we continue to foster connections and create opportunities for all residents to thrive.
Photo By Lanre Olabinjo
About Immigrant Development Center:
The Immigrant Development Center is dedicated to providing resources, support, and advocacy for New Americans in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Through education, community engagement, and empowerment initiatives, we strive to create a vibrant and inclusive community where diversity is celebrated and all individuals can thrive. For inquiries or to get involved, please contact us at contact@immigrantdevelopmentcenter.
A well-crafted resume is essential for making a strong first impression on potential employers. It highlights your skills, experiences, and accomplishments, making you stand out in a competitive job market. A good resume can open doors to new opportunities and help you secure the job you want.
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– Name: Write your full name.
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Name: John Doe
Address: Fargo, ND 58103
Phone Number: (123) 456-7890
Email: [email protected]
2. Objective
– A brief statement about your career goals and what you aim to achieve with this job.
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Objective: Seeking a position as a Customer Service Representative to use my communication skills and help improve customer satisfaction.
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– Job Title: Your position.
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– Dates of Employment: Start and end date.
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Job Title: Sales Associate
Company Name: ABC Store
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Dates of Employment: January 2018 – December 2020
Responsibilities:
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– Degree: Your qualification.
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School Name: Anytown University
Location: Anytown, USA
Graduation Date: May 2017
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Call for Artist Proposal Update!
IDC has decided to extend the deadline for mural proposal submissions. If you were unaware or unable to submit a proposal previously, we encourage you to submit one by our new deadline
May 19, 2023
The International Market Plaza (IMP) is soliciting proposals for a permanent public mural or art installation on its street-facing wall along Main Avenue in Fargo. IMP, located at 1345 Main Avenue, is an international dining and shopping experience.
In September, murals commissioned for the Plaza were vandalized. The Fargo/Moorhead community subsequently collected funds to reimagine the vandalized artworks with a new mural or installation. IMP is currently accepting proposals for permanent public artwork(s) through this call for artists.
- Theme: Together we are stronger united as one
- Budget: Up to $8,000
- Proposal Due: May 19, 2023
April 04, 2024
IDC Contact:
Fowzia Adde, Executive Director| (701) 541 9794| [email protected]
Immigrant Development Center Selected for Funding & Training Grant
from NALCAB to Support Minority Business Owners
Funding is part of $1.5 million investment from MBDA
to increase access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs
(Moorhead, MN) — The National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) has awarded Immigrant Development Center $70,000 in funding and specialized training to adopt new lending technology and improve systems and processes. The training will equip lenders with the knowledge and skills to better serve minority business owners (MBEs) in the Fargo-Moorhead are. This award is supported by the US Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).
The Immigrant Development Center was selected as one of seven established nonprofit lenders across the country that provide small business lending and development services to low-wealth and underserved populations that have difficulty accessing capital. Along with grant funds, awardees will receive technical assistance to enhance staff lending expertise, operational efficiency, and IT/software performance. [Immigrant Development Center will also be certified to access the NALCAB Small Business Loan Guarantee (SBLG) Program – a flexible new loan product that increases the size and frequency of business loans going to MBEs by lowering the overall credit risk of participating nonprofit lenders and allowing them to lend more confidently to borrowers with limited collateral and credit history.
“This support from MBDA through NALCAB will be truly transformational, allowing us to scale our programs and unlock the full economic potential of immigrant entrepreneurs in our community. We are grateful to NALCAB and MBDA for their tremendous support”-Fowzia Adde Executive Director, IDC.
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Immigrant Development Center Selected for Funding & Training Grant
from NALCAB to Support Minority Business Owners p. 2
About IDC
The Immigrant Development Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic opportunity for New Americans in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Through business training programs, micro-loans, and counseling services, we equip immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs to launch successful businesses and contribute to local economic growth. Our vision is an inclusive regional economy where all business owners have access to resources to build companies that create jobs and foster vibrant communities.
About NALCAB
The National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) is the hub of a national network of 200+ member organizations that are anchor institutions in geographically and ethnically diverse Latino communities in 46 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico. NALCAB supports its member institutions through funding, training, research and advocacy, enabling them to invest in their communities by building affordable housing, ensuring equitable neighborhood development, supporting small business growth, and providing financial counseling on issues including credit building and homeownership. As a grant maker and US Treasury certified CDFI lender with offices in San Antonio and Washington DC, NALCAB serves hundreds of thousands of low- to moderate-income people, advancing economic equity and inclusivity.
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“Driving to Success” stands as a beacon of hope and support for New Americans in the Fargo-Moorhead area. As newcomers to the United States, these individuals often face formidable challenges, particularly in obtaining their driver’s licenses—a pivotal milestone towards integration and self-sufficiency. Recognizing these hurdles, this program was born out of a collective desire to uplift and empower our community members, irrespective of their backgrounds or circumstances.
Addressing Unique Challenges and Comprehensive Support
For many New Americans, obtaining a driver’s license is not merely a matter of convenience but a critical step towards economic and social integration. However, this process often poses significant challenges, including language barriers, accessibility issues, and scheduling conflicts. The Driving to Success program was created to provide tailored solutions and support to individuals facing these hurdles. At its core are customized permit classes with interpreters and translated materials, ensuring that participants receive the necessary education and resources to navigate the complexities of the driver’s license application process. Through flexible online classes and comprehensive learning materials, we aim to empower New Americans with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed.
A Collaborative Effort
The success of the Driving to Success program would not have been possible without the generous support of Essentia Health. Their funding has enabled us to expand our reach and impact, reaching more individuals and communities in need. Additionally, we are grateful for the collaboration of Story North Productions, whose insightful video production has shed light on the experiences of program participants and the transformative impact of the program.
Over the course of 4 transformative months, “Driving to Success” has made a tangible impact on the lives of 27 participants. This diverse cohort—comprising individuals from various age groups and cultural backgrounds—embodies the rich tapestry of our community. Through customized permit classes, hands-on instruction, and comprehensive education, participants have not only gained essential driving skills but also newfound confidence and independence.
Summary of Impact
Our program’s success transcends mere statistics; it reflects a deep-rooted commitment to community empowerment and inclusivity. Despite encountering challenges such as oversubscription and language barriers, we persevered, implementing innovative solutions to ensure accessibility and flexibility. Through “Driving to Success,” we have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of community-driven initiatives. Beyond obtaining driver’s licenses, our program has fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment among participants, paving the way for brighter futures and boundless opportunities.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate the achievements of our participants, we remain steadfast in our mission to serve the Fargo-Moorhead community. This is just the beginning of our journey—a testament to the resilience and strength of our collective spirit. Moving forward, we envision expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and continuing to be a beacon of hope for all who call this community home.
In the spirit of unity and solidarity, we invite you to join us as we strive to build a brighter, more inclusive future for Fargo-Moorhead and beyond.
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