Karen Organization of San Diego

Karen Organization of San Diego advances educational, civic, & economic opportunities for ethnic groups from Burma (Myanmar) while honoring cultural heritage. We help refugees navigate social service systems, access leadership and employment opportunities, and stay connected to their community and culture.

PROGRAMS

Looking to connect refugees and immigrants from Burma with culturally responsive support? KOSD’s Community Support Program provides case management, community workshops, health navigation, and women’s empowerment services to help individuals and families access resources, navigate U.S. systems, and strengthen their overall well-being. We welcome referrals from organizations and partners who are supporting refugee communities in San Diego.

Eligibility:

  • Refugees, asylees, or immigrants

Contact our office for more information:

We empower refugees from Burma to become active and informed community members through voter education, leadership development, and civic participation. The program also builds partnerships to advocate for refugee communities and support students pursuing higher education.

Eligibility:

  • 10+ years old

Contact our office for more information:

Are you a refugee or immigrant from Burma looking to build financial stability, start a business? Or are you a service provider supporting refugee and immigrant communities with economic advancement? KOSD’s Economic Development Program provides financial literacy education, small business technical assistance, entrepreneurship support, job readiness training, and career development resources to help individuals and communities achieve long-term economic success.

Eligibility:

  • Age 18 or older
  • Low-income individuals and families
  • Refugees or immigrants from Burma (Myanmar)
  • Residing in San Diego County

Contact Eh Eh Wha for more information:

Find us at the Global Marketplace every Thursday of the month from 10:00am-12:00pm for our weekly food distribution on a first come, first served basis.

Everyone is welcome and no registration is required. Must provide zip code and family size to receive food.

Please bring your own bags!

Contact Hsihsa Thaw for more information:

The KOSD Higher Education Scholarship is awarded to refugee students from Burma who are pursuing a college degree and demonstrate active community involvement.

Eligibility:

  • Applicant is a refugee student (or a student from a family with a refugee background) from Burma attending an accredited college or university
  • Full-time student at a college/university (at least 9 units)
  • Current resident of San Diego County
  • Has a GPA of 2.0 or above

Contact Prosperity Land for more information:

KOSD’s Family Engagement Program supports refugee and immigrant families from Burma by helping them navigate schools, access educational resources, and build strong support systems. The program provides parent education, youth mentorship, academic support, and culturally responsive activities for elders to promote family well-being, educational success, and community connection. We welcome referrals from organizations supporting refugee and immigrant families in San Diego. Our services are designed primarily for refugees and immigrants from Burma, while welcoming individuals from diverse refugee and immigrant communities. Services are offered in person; however, accommodations may be available based on individual needs.

Eligibility:

  • All ages
  • Low-income individuals and families
  • Refugees or immigrants from Burma (Myanmar)
  • Residing in San Diego County

Contact our office for more information:

A weekly tutoring program for K-5th grade will be held every Wednesday from 1:00pm-3:00pm at the KOSD Office (5354 University Ave Suite 1, San Diego, CA 92105) We will be providing homework help, reading support, and other extracurricular programming

Contact Paw Shar Wah for more information:

LANGUAGES

  • English
  • Burmese
  • Karen
  • Karenni

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