Quitting smoking is a journey — and support can make all the difference.
Sabathani Community Center’s Smoking Cessation Program helps adults take steps toward becoming tobacco-free through education, encouragement, practical tools, and community connection. Designed to meet participants where they are, the program provides access to trained facilitators, evidence-based cessation strategies, and supportive peer engagement in a welcoming, judgment-free environment.
Participants will explore techniques for behavior change, stress management, goal setting, and maintaining long-term wellness while building support alongside others working toward similar goals.
Program Benefits
- Access to trained facilitators and evidence-based cessation strategies
- Peer support in a safe and supportive environment
- Improved health outcomes and reduced long-term health risks
- Access to nicotine replacement resources and referrals
- Practical tools to support long-term tobacco-free living
Who Can Participate?
This program is open to:
- Adults ages 18+
- Individuals motivated to reduce or quit smoking or tobacco use
Upcoming Opportunities
Community Quit Club
A supportive, community-centered space to connect with others, share experiences, learn practical tobacco cessation strategies, and encourage one another along the way. Upcoming sessions:
- Welcome to the Community Quit Club & Setting Your Goals – Thursday, October 22 • 4–5pm
Breathing Free Conversations
A group-based smoking cessation sessions focused on education, support, behavior-change strategies, and community connection. Upcoming sessions:
- Healthy Futures Edition – Wednesday, November 13 • 1–3pm
Join the Community Advisory Group
Sabathani Community Center is seeking community members to join our Smoking Cessation Community Advisory Group. Members will share their perspectives, review program ideas, identify barriers to quitting tobacco, and help develop culturally relevant resources and outreach efforts that reflect the needs of Black residents in South Minneapolis.
What’s involved?
- Quarterly 90-minute meetings at Sabathani Community Center
- Opportunities to share ideas and help guide program development
- Stipends provided for participation
- Food and refreshments provided
No special experience is required, just an interest in community health and a willingness to share your perspective.
Interested in joining? Contact Tisha Smith, Smoking Cessation Coordinator, at 612-821-2307 or tsmith@sabathani.org to learn more or apply.
Help others as a Community Ambassador
Sabathani is also recruiting Smoking Cessation Community Ambassadors to connect people with cessation resources, participate in community outreach, and promote healthier, tobacco-free living.
No previous experience is required, and training is provided. Ambassadors can earn up to $1,750 over the six-month program by completing training and meeting participation requirements.
Applications for the Smoking Cessation Community Ambassador program are now closed.
Interested in Learning More?
For questions or to express interest in upcoming smoking cessation offerings, contact Tisha Smith:
Phone: 612-821-2307
Email: tsmith@sabathani.org
Program Contacts
Shaunequa James
Director of Health Equity
Email: sjames@sabathani.org
Phone: 612-821-2318
Tisha Smith
Program Coordinator
Email: tsmith@sabathani.org
Phone: 612-821-2307
Funding & Program Initiatives
Sabathani Community Center’s Smoking Cessation Program includes services and activities supported through two Minnesota Department of Health initiatives:
- Quit Partner Ambassadors
- Community Driven Approaches to Cessation
These initiatives help expand access to tobacco cessation education, support, and resources for our community.