Generation Hope is a Minneapolis-based 501(c)(3) organization founded by Abdirahman Warsame and Khadar Abi in 2019.
Since its inception, Generation Hope has been dedicated to creating a better, safer, and more connected community for individuals experiencing drug addiction and substance use disorders in the greater East African community of the Twin Cities Metro area.
We are a Somali-led organization, and our team includes individuals in recovery, mental health professionals such as licensed counselors and peer recovery support specialists, and community members.
To date, we have reached thousands of individuals through our organization’s outreach efforts and have connected hundreds of East African youth to culturally specific treatment and services for substance use disorders, particularly opioid addiction.
Since our formation, we have collaborated with community organizations, nonprofits, medical facilities, mental health professionals, government agencies, and other stakeholders who share our goals.
We have hosted numerous events in the Twin Cities area, including locations like the Brian Coyle Community Center and the People’s Center, and we work closely with culturally specific treatment centers to connect East African individuals with culturally responsive treatment options.
Our Mission
Generation Hope's mission is to empower and support the East African community in understanding and overcoming addiction, fostering hope and recovery — while also breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction.
Our Vision
Our vision for Generation Hope is a world where the East African community has access to resources for overcoming addiction and mental health challenges without stigma, and where individuals are empowered to seek help without fear of judgment.
We envision a society that recognizes addiction as a disease and where prevention and treatment resources are widely available.
We foresee a future in which mental health and addiction are openly discussed, and individuals are met with empathy and support on their journey towards recovery.
Generation Hope plays a vital role in this vision by creating a safe and supportive community that helps break down barriers, paving the way for a brighter future for all.
What We Do.
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Generation Hope is the first culturally-specific nonprofit organization in the East African community dedicated to addressing addiction and mental health.
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We are an East African-led organization.
With a team that includes individuals in recovery, mental health professionals such as licensed counselors and peer recovery support specialists — as well as committed members of the community
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The personal experiences of our team with addiction and recovery have earned us a reputation as a trusted resource in our community and beyond.
We believe in providing dedicated resources and support to individuals seeking to overcome addiction and mental health challenges.
Meet The Board
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Khadar Abi
Board President
Khadar Abi, a certified peer recovery specialist and LADC, is the Co-Founder of Generation Hope and CEO of Spark Recovery. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Khadar was among the first to vocalize concerns about the burgeoning opioid crisis impacting our community. Drawing from his personal journey with addiction, he is unwavering in his commitment to provide vital resources and outreach to those battling the opioid epidemic. Recognizing a distinct lack of peer mentorship for individuals in the Somali community facing addiction, he initiated Spark Recovery to bridge this gap. As a passionate advocate for East African youth, Khadar’s mission is to fortify his community and support individuals in achieving long-lasting sobriety. A testament to his resilience, he has been sober since May 2018.
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Yusra Mohamud
Secretary
Yusra Mohamud, co-founder of the Minnesota-centric podcast "Eat and Talk," shines a spotlight on the community's unsung heroes. Through her platform, she amplifies the voices of entrepreneurs, artists, creators, chefs, health professionals, athletes, and more, inspiring others with their compelling narratives. Beyond her role as a podcaster, Yusra leverages her 7 years of expertise in finance and small business sectors, specifically within middle market and commercial banking, to guide budding ventures as a Business Advisor. Dedicated to financial empowerment, she imparts financial literacy to Minneapolis/St. Paul public schools and small businesses throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Embracing her identity as a first-generation Somali-Eritrean, Yusra cherishes time spent cooking, diving into books, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. Driven by a profound understanding of the complexities of addiction, she knows the indispensable role of community in overcoming such challenges. Recognizing that no one can conquer addiction in isolation, Yusra joined Generation Hope's board. Her unwavering commitment sees her immersed in the recovery community daily, echoing the belief that collective strength paves the path to genuine transformation.
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Asia Mohamed
Treasurer
Asia Mohamed, the Founder & CEO of Premier Starter, is dedicated to illuminating the path towards a better future for marginalized communities. Her inspiring mission: bridging racial inequity and financial illiteracy in America through financial education, mental well-being, and entrepreneurship. Asia is a passionate mental health advocate, a compelling speaker, and a tireless champion for personal development and community enrichment. She is on Mayo Clinic's Office of Entrepreneurship Steering Committee & The StartUp Club - Frontier & Emerging Market Advisory Board. Asia's boundless heart knows no borders; she finds joy in exploring the world, connecting with communities, and giving back generously