Connect, Engage, and Thrive: African Services Committee

A Brief History

African Services Committee (ASC) was founded in 1981 by Ethiopian refugees with the aim of providing refugee resettlement assistance along with employment and housing placements and referrals to area service providers. Over the past 24 years, ASC has grown to become a multi-service agency dedicated to improving the well-being and self-sufficiency of the African immigrant community in New York City. ASC is the oldest and largest non-profit serving the African immigrant community in New York City.

Mission and Values

African Services Committee (ASC) is a multi-service human rights agency in Harlem dedicated to assisting immigrants, refugees, and asylees from across the African Diaspora. ASC's mission is to improve the health and self-sufficiency of the African community in New York City. The organization strives to achieve this mission through a variety of programs and services, including health, housing, legal, social welfare, education, nutrition, and advocacy. African Services Committee is a non-profit organization based in Harlem and dedicated to improving the health and self-sufficiency of the African community in New York City. Founded in 1981 by Ethiopian refugees to give a helping hand to other newcomers, today African Services is a multiservice agency assisting immigrants, refugees and asylees from across the African Diaspora. ASC's values are rooted in its commitment to social justice, human rights, and the empowerment of the African community. The organization believes that all people deserve to live with dignity and respect, and that everyone has the potential to achieve their full potential. ASC works to create a more just and equitable world for all, and to ensure that the African community has the resources it needs to thrive.

Services Offered

African Services Committee (ASC) provides a wide range of services to immigrants, refugees, and asylees from across the African Diaspora. These services are designed to help individuals and families overcome the challenges they face when arriving in a new country and to build a better future for themselves. The organization's services are tailored to meet the specific needs of the African community, and they are delivered with compassion, respect, and a commitment to social justice. ASC's services include⁚

  • Health Services⁚ ASC provides a range of health services, including HIV/AIDS testing and counseling, mental health services, and referrals to healthcare providers.
  • Housing Services⁚ ASC provides housing assistance to individuals and families, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing placement.
  • Legal Services⁚ ASC provides legal assistance to immigrants, refugees, and asylees, including help with immigration applications, asylum claims, and other legal matters.
  • Social Welfare Services⁚ ASC provides social welfare services, including case management, financial assistance, and referrals to other community resources.
  • Education Services⁚ ASC provides educational services, including English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, job training programs, and educational advocacy.
  • Nutrition Services⁚ ASC provides nutrition services, including food assistance, nutrition education, and cooking classes.
  • Advocacy Services⁚ ASC advocates for public policy that ensures immigration reform and quality and affordable health care for undocumented people. With a focus on immigrants, refugees, and asylees from across the African Diaspora, the agency also advocates for the rights of people living with HIV.

Impact and Achievements

African Services Committee (ASC) has had a profound impact on the lives of countless immigrants, refugees, and asylees from across the African Diaspora. The organization's dedication to improving the health and self-sufficiency of the African community in New York City has resulted in a number of significant achievements, including⁚

  • Providing essential services to over 8,000 people each year.
  • Advocating for public policy that ensures immigration reform and quality and affordable health care for undocumented people.
  • Delivering 15-days mobile testing services for more than 20,000 people in 13 cities/towns with the aim of expanding access to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.
  • Empowering communities through its advocacy work and by organizing community members to fight back and share their stories.
  • Fostering hope and empowering individuals and families to build a better future for themselves.
  • Providing free HIV and TB clinical services to nearly 200,000 of the most marginalized and educated approximately 1,000,000 people in HIV prevention.
ASC's impact is a testament to the power of community-based organizations to make a real difference in the lives of those in need. The organization's commitment to social justice, human rights, and the empowerment of the African community has made it a vital resource for thousands of people in New York City.

Advocacy and Community Engagement

African Services Committee (ASC) is deeply committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of the African community. ASC understands that systemic issues often create barriers to opportunity and integration for immigrants, refugees, and asylees. The organization actively engages in advocacy efforts to create a more just and equitable society for all. ASC's advocacy work focuses on several key areas, including⁚

  • Immigration reform⁚ ASC advocates for policies that promote fair and humane immigration practices, including pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
  • Healthcare access⁚ ASC advocates for affordable and accessible healthcare for all, including undocumented immigrants.
  • HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment⁚ ASC advocates for increased funding for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs, particularly for those serving the African community.
  • Social justice⁚ ASC advocates for social justice issues that impact the African community, such as racial equity, economic justice, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Beyond advocacy, ASC actively engages in community engagement initiatives that empower the African community. The organization believes that community members are the best advocates for their own needs. ASC provides opportunities for community members to participate in decision-making processes, develop leadership skills, and build a sense of collective power. These initiatives include community forums, workshops, and training programs. Through its advocacy and community engagement efforts, ASC works to create a more just and equitable world for all.

Financial Sustainability and Partnerships

African Services Committee (ASC) is a non-profit organization that relies on a variety of funding sources to sustain its operations and provide vital services to the African community. ASC's commitment to financial sustainability is essential to its ability to continue serving the community effectively and to expand its reach. ASC secures funding through a combination of grants, contracts, and private donations. The organization actively seeks grants from government agencies, foundations, and corporations. ASC also contracts with various organizations and government agencies to provide specific services. Private donations play a crucial role in supporting ASC's work. Individuals, families, and corporations make generous donations to support ASC's mission. ASC recognizes the importance of partnerships in achieving its goals. The organization collaborates with a wide range of partners, including other non-profit organizations, government agencies, community groups, and businesses. These partnerships allow ASC to leverage resources, expand its reach, and create a more comprehensive and impactful approach to serving the African community. ASC's commitment to financial sustainability and partnerships ensures that the organization can continue to empower and support the African community for years to come.

Contact Information

If you are interested in learning more about African Services Committee (ASC), its services, or how you can get involved, you can reach out to them through the following channels⁚

  • Phone⁚ (929) 269-6494
  • Email⁚ immigrationafricanservices.org
  • Website⁚ https://www.africanservices.org
  • Address⁚ 429 West 127th Street, New York, NY 10027 USA
ASC's staff represents more than 20 countries and speaks over 27 languages, ensuring that they can effectively communicate and provide support to a diverse community. ASC is committed to providing culturally competent and linguistically appropriate services to all individuals seeking assistance. You can also connect with ASC on social media through their various platforms. By staying connected with ASC, you can stay updated on their latest initiatives, events, and opportunities to contribute to their mission.

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