Immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers make up about .

Somali Family Service of San Diego, or SFS, began in 2000 as Somali immigrants arrived after the 1991 civil war. At that time, culturally specific support services were limited.

Mustafa Sahid, director of operations for SFS, said the organization started with humble beginnings.

“There was a large increase of gang violence within the youth at the time. There wasn't much support,” he said. “So, we started with our LION Youth program, which stands for Leaders in Our Neighborhood, and it grew from there.”

In addition to immigration and refugee assistance, SFS now offers programs in youth support, education and training, economic development and health and wellness.

While the organization initially focused on the Somali community, Sah

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