The DeKalb County Board of Health is helping refugees take charge of their health and well-being.

The agency's Center for Community Health Transformation recently awarded a total of almost $50,000 to four refugee-led groups. A Whitehead Foundation grant is the source of the funding.

The community projects focus on promoting independence through education. The Somali Women's Group teaches women English as a second language and is using its funds for instructors, facility costs and supplies. Sisters Helping one Another with Resources and Education ("SHARE") will assist women with the training, technical assistance and start-up costs needed to start their own businesses. The Refugee Women's Network is teaching women to drive and helping them obtain driver's licenses. Lastly, the Coalition of Concerned Africans will provide African children with tutoring and activities to promote cultural awareness and parental involvement in education.

The Center for Community Health Transformation prepares individuals, organizations and communities to gain control over their health and standard of living. The center fosters the use of knowledge, partnerships and problem-solving abilities to achieve improved health outcomes.

For more information about the Center for Community Health Transformation, call (404) 508-7845. For information about other DeKalb County Board of Health programs and services, call (404) 294-3700 or visit dekalbhealth.net.

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