Discovering What is Possible: Mozana Shares her Journey with Bridging and Twin Cities R!SE
“People are my purpose,” says Mozana Ebrahim, a leader and manager at Twin Cities R!SE, a nonprofit with a mission to transform the lives of those impacted by racial or socio-economic barriers through personal empowerment, career training, and meaningful employment.
“Working at Twin Cities Rise taught me how to see people. ‘I see you.’ I see the whole person. Early in my life, I needed someone to help me, to see me.”
Mozana remembers how she experienced dignity and care at Bridging when she needed it most, nearly 15 years ago.
Soon to become a young mother, Mozana connected with Bethany Church in Woodbury, a community that became an important part of her support system for years to come.
“I wanted to have my baby and do the best that I could. A kind family from Bethany invited me into their lives and taught me a lot of things during this pivotal time of my life.”
“As a first-generation American, I became embedded in a new culture of individualism instead of collectivism, which differed from the culture in which I was raised. I wanted to set goals for myself and graduate high school. I had my baby and moved into my own home. It was at that time, I secured a referral to Bridging.”
The Impact of Bridging and A Furnished Home
“I remember going to Bridging all those years ago. There was a gentleman who was so welcoming. I didn’t want to take too much. He said, ‘Take what you need. Take what you want.’”
“At Bridging, you can really furnish your whole home. I remember the day I moved in. I had everything I needed. It felt like a home. I remember the big fluffy couch that was cozy. Being able to sit down there, I felt comfortable and safe. I got a dresser, artwork, and all the kitchen stuff I needed to cook for my toddler. My neighbors came over to help me move in, clean, and organize everything.”
“I remember being so excited to have my own place. Everything looked so nice. It felt like I finally had something of my own that I could share with my family. I felt a sense of independence. I thought, ‘Okay. Now I can go to work and make some money.’ I really started to think about my career.”
Envisioning Her Future, Practicing Empowerment at Twin Cities R!SE
Mozana pursued her education in human services, and for nearly a decade, she honed her skills in workforce development at Twin Cities corporations and nonprofits.
Two years ago, Mozana found her calling as a leader and manager for Twin Cities R!SE, a Bridging partner agency. She manages a team of 10 staff members in the Coaching Placement and Retention department. Together, the team works with participants for up to two years, as they develop skills that lead to career stability and growth.
“This was my dream job before I knew it was my dream job,” she says.
“Working at Twin Cities R!SE taught me to provide person-centered services, how to see people, and see the whole person. In my role, I have the leadership skills and tools to empower people in their jobs.”
“One of my favorite things about my job is my incredible, talented team and what we do as a collective. We value diversity of thought and bring this into our collaborative planning for our participants.”
Mozana thrives in her work, bringing her greatest strengths — compassion, empathy, and a keen ability to understand each person’s unique lived experiences and emotions — to hundreds of clients she and the team work alongside.
“In our programs, we focus on empowerment. We help people identify their strengths, cultivate the skills that empower them to thrive in their jobs, and secure viable employment. We practice important skills that help people take care of their emotional health and support them in overcoming systemic barriers that occur in society, so they can reach their goals.”
Mozana emphasizes that housing and a furnished home are vital for everyone as they tend to their emotional health, families, and employment goals.
Twin Cities R!SE coaches often assist with referrals to Bridging for participants who are entering into stable housing. Mozana coordinates all of the agency’s Bridging referrals and appointments.
“I’ve met the most talented, skilled, and resilient people who are looking for a chance or a second chance to exist in our society in a positive and meaningful way. It’s their own personal empowerment journey.”
“After participants go to Bridging, I often hear, ‘Now I can move forward.’ We can give someone that stability and safety of a furnished home, right here, right now. And Bridging offers the same warm and welcoming experience. It’s been consistent for the 15 years I’ve known Bridging.”
“I remember working with a teenager who had a solid plan. She wanted to get a job. She secured housing. I told her about Bridging, and she went there to furnish her home. It was life-changing for her. She could come home and feel like she was at home. She could pursue her goals.”
Celebrating Community Partnership: Twin Cities R!SE and Bridging
The strong partnership between Twin Cities R!SE and Bridging has continued to grow. Bridging has become an internship site for Twin Cities R!SE’s empowerment training. Participants gain valuable work experience and apply their empowerment skills alongside Bridging’s warehouse staff and volunteer team for eight weeks.
Celebrating Community Partnership: Twin Cities R!SE and Bridging
“We can create community partnerships and make them stronger to empower more people in our community. Donors need to know that they are partnering with the people and organizations that are doing work around this vital human piece, investing in and advocating for people who have been tossed through inequitable systems and fallen through the cracks their whole lives. Bridging and Twin Cities R!SE are doing important work that heals. That’s such a huge social return on investment.”
Nakuona
One of Twin Cites R!SE’s core values is Nakuona. In Swahali, it means, ‘I see you.’
“My life had changed so much. I needed someone to see me to get to where I’m at,” says Mozana. “We need to take care of each other.” I went through these steps myself. I set goals and advocated for myself and my family. Once my basic needs were met, I realized I had a lot of potential and competence. I have a lot to offer.”
“I am grateful for the many people who have helped me on my journey: Val and Steve and the Bethany Church community, my siblings and parents, my partner and children, my team at Twin Cities R!SE. A special thank you to Alex Merritt, who sees me. She helped me see what I have to offer and helped me grow. I am also grateful for the participants at Twin Cities Rise who have inspired me.”
“My story is my strength. To share my story is a strength, to show people what is possible.”
