Ujamaa Place helps Black men achieve holistic wellness 

Frequently throughout 2025, space in these pages will be given to organizations working to end racial injustice across the state. We hope that these reflections spark policy changes for a more equitable Minnesota. This week’s guest contributor is Francina Carter, advancement associate at Ujamaa Place.

Ujamaa Place supports young African American men, primarily ages 18 to 30, who are economically disadvantaged and have faced repeated cycles of hardship. Its mission is to address participants’ fundamental needs: personal, family, economic, social and spiritual, through a comprehensive, integrated program.

The foundation of Ujamaa Place’s work is its Theory of Transformation, a culturally grounded model that guides participants toward five key outcomes: stable housing, educational advancement, gainful employment, positive family and child relationships, and no involvement with the criminal justice system. 

Participants receive Individual Transformation Plans, tailored one-on-one coaching that encourages personal growth, education, and access to more than 37 supportive services. Coaches, many of whom are credible messengers who have overcome similar life challenges, provide guidance and mentorship to help participants navigate their journeys.

Recognizing the impact of trauma and systemic inequities, Ujamaa Place prioritizes wellness and mental health. Holistic wellness, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and social health, is integral to achieving the goals outlined in the Theory of Transformation. Mental health is more than the absence of illness; it is essential to personal growth, resilience, and overall well-being.

Upon entry, participants undergo a mental and chemical health assessment by a licensed wellness therapist. Early screening allows for timely interventions and informs each participant’s Individual Transformation Plan, including referrals to community-based partners and ongoing care.

Ujamaa Place offers a range of wellness services, including:

• Individual counseling for substance use and mental health concerns
• Psychoeducational groups on meditation, yoga, nutrition and fitness
• Trauma-informed, gender-specific process groups on cognitive restructuring, co-occurring disorders, coping skills, and cultural pain
• Case management and connections to community-based health services

Therapists are available for scheduled, drop-in, or crisis sessions, and all participants receive nutrition education and access to personal fitness training, recognizing the profound impact of nutrition and physical activity on health. 

Program participants attending Ujamaa Place activities receive nutritious breakfast and lunch Monday through Thursday, while residents at Ujamaa Place properties receive dinner daily. Partnerships, such as with the St. Paul YMCA, further expand access to fitness resources.

A unique component of Ujamaa Place’s wellness approach is its digital music program, developed in partnership with Walker West Music. Music creation helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, supports emotional expression, and fosters social connection. Group sessions provide a safe space for participants to explore feelings, process experiences, and build community, contributing to emotional and psychological growth.

At Ujamaa Place, wellness is both an individual and community endeavor. Participants are responsible for their choices and behaviors, yet the program recognizes that wellness is shaped by physical, social and cultural environments. 

Through culturally responsive programming, mentorship, and access to holistic services, Ujamaa Place equips young men to cultivate resilience, personal growth, and a positive sense of self, paving the way for sustained individual and community wellness.

Francina Carter is the advancement associate at Ujamaa Place. For more information, visit www.ujamaaplace.org.

Community Voices is a series created to amplify the voices of local organizations committed to dismantling disparities in Minnesota.