The Karen Organization Of Minnesota

Employment and financial empowerment programs kom provides workforce readiness skills, job placement, and vocational training to about 300 people per year. In 2024, 63 adults completed credentialed training in human services, interpreting, commercial driving, and construction trades. Kom placed 142 adults in jobs and provided workforce readiness training and support services to improve job retention. 81 people received support through financial workshops and coaching to increase their household's net income and access financial services.

Youth serviceskom partners with the minnesoeta refugee resettlement network to offer academic and career coaching for about 50 refugee youth in grades k-12. Kom also leads after-school tutoring, socioemotional and cultural activities, and volunteer mentorship for about 75 karen/karenni youth in grades 6-12 st. Paul public schools. During the 2023-2024 school year, 92% of students in kom's after-school programs reported increases in their ability to overcome problems, manage stress, build healthy relationships, understand cultural differences, and use leadership skills.