The Founder’s Story

Abdikadir Ibrahim, widely known as Kadir, grew up in Somalia, a place rich with culture and community, but where certain struggles are often hidden or misunderstood.

From a young age, Kadir witnessed the unspoken burdens of mental health. In his community, if someone expressed anxiety, depression, or overwhelming stress, they were often labeled as “crazy.” Talking about mental health simply wasn’t accepted. People suffered in silence, and reaching out for help carried heavy stigma.

Tragically, Kadir’s family was also touched by cancer, a disease that many in Somalia either deny or misunderstand. When his father became ill with cancer, there was little knowledge or acceptance of the disease. Treatment options were limited, and open conversations were nearly impossible. After a difficult journey, Kadir’s father passed away. This loss weighed heavily on Kadir, not only as grief, but also as frustration that so many still dismiss cancer as “not real,” or see it as shameful.

Living Through Mental Health Challenges

Years later, as Kadir faced his own battles with mental health, he felt the same stigma he witnessed in Somalia. Even after moving away and experiencing broader communities, he realized that mental health struggles and misconceptions still run deep everywhere. Feelings of isolation and being misunderstood were painfully familiar.

It was in these moments that Kadir found the profound importance of resilience. Whether dealing with grief, depression, anxiety, or the stress of major life changes, he learned that strength isn’t just personal, it grows from community. Knowing someone else understands, listens without judgment, and walks alongside you makes all the difference.

A Vision for Change

Kadir founded Resilience Society to create exactly that kind of community. Inspired by his own journey and by countless others who suffer quietly, he envisioned an organization that would:

• Break the stigma around mental health.

• Support people affected by cancer, whether they are patients, survivors, or grieving loved ones.

• Foster resilience by helping people navigate life’s many transitions, from caregiving, to grief, to adjusting to new homes or roles.

• Build strong social connections, so no one ever feels truly alone.

Starting Small, Dreaming Big

At first, Resilience Society was simply conversations — Kadir sitting with friends, listening to their stories, or sharing his own. It grew into informal gatherings, walks, and later into Resilience Runners, a group where people come together to run or walk for health, hope, and solidarity.

From there, the programs expanded: mental health workshops, peer support groups, and social events that welcome everyone, regardless of background or struggle. What began as one person’s pain has grown into many people’s healing.

Moving Forward Together

Today, Resilience Society continues to honor the memory of Kadir’s father and countless others who faced these battles without support. It carries forward a promise: that in our community, it’s okay to speak about mental health, to seek help for cancer, to mourn openly, and to ask for support during life’s hard transitions.

Brother Kadir often says:

“Resilience isn’t just about standing back up — it’s about standing together.”

Through every program and every conversation, Resilience Society builds a world where no one has to pretend, hide, or walk alone. That is our story, and we invite you to be part of it.

Resilience Society is a community organization dedicated to supporting people through life’s toughest challenges. We focus on mental health, cancer awareness, and helping individuals navigate major life transitions, while building strong social connections that foster true resilience.

Today, Resilience Society offers programs like Resilience Runners, mental health workshops, peer support groups, and inclusive community events. We strive to break the stigma around mental health, support those impacted by cancer, and help people grow stronger together through every season of life.

At our core, we believe resilience isn’t just about bouncing back — it’s about standing together. Whether you’re seeking support, connection, or simply a place to belong, Resilience Society welcomes you.