Arab-American Family Support Center

For almost 150 years, settlement houses like AAFSC have helped immigrants to succeed by teaching them English, helping to feed and house them, and supporting their mental health. Last month, AAFSC called on NYC government and philanthropists to invest in nonprofits like ours supporting newly arrived migrants. This week, University Settlement Society of New York has added its voice in this NYN Media op-ed.    Every member of the settlement house movement—coordinated in New York so ably by United Neighborhood Houses—will always do everything they can to support NYC’s newest arrivals. But we are providing a fraction of the support that we might—and less than settlement houses have done in the past—without a much greater commitment from NYC’s investor class. The time to act is NOW. https://lnkd.in/ebvSWT-e

Our colleagues at fellow settlement house Chinese-American Planning Council created an amazing community space and had us along for a visit. So inspiring!

Since the spring of 2022, more than 200,000 asylum seekers have entered New York City and AAFSC has been on the front lines supporting them. This week, BK Reader published a story highlighting our role as a 'second home' for many newly arrived migrants. While government programs struggle to keep up with the growing number of new arrivals, nonprofits like ours have stepped up by offering ESOL classes, caregiver support classes, mental health counseling, and distributing essential items like toiletries, clothing, and food. AAFSC Associate Director of Readiness Initiatives Paul McKenney told BK Reader, “As people come to New York after a long and terrible journey, they’re really just looking for somewhere to go where they can feel a little bit better about themselves in the world around them. I think that’s the most important thing we can offer people here.” AAFSC will also be featured in Brooklyn Org's “Show Brooklyn Some Love” campaign throughout June at sights across Brooklyn. To read the full story and learn more: https://lnkd.in/e-ZTd8A4

At F.Y. Eye, we believe that nonprofits are the trusted voices shaping our communities. Brooklyn Org is reimagining community-based philanthropy to be more inclusive and engaging for everyone in Brooklyn who supports social change. We are honored to support Brooklyn Org in their "Show Brooklyn Some Love" campaign, shining a spotlight on the essential work of organizations like Mixteca, Groundswell, Arab-American Family Support Center, Worker's Justice Project (WJP), Sure We Can NYC and more. ✨ Catch Brooklyn Org throughout the month of June on buses, billboards, and wild posters throughout the borough, highlighted by a massive Bedford Avenue (L Train) subway station takeover this June. Design: Mother Design Public Relations: Anat Gerstein Inc #ShowBrooklynSomeLove #Brooklyn #NonprofitLove #Community

Thank you to everyone who attended the press conference and to all of our amazing partners for their unwavering support. We extend a special thank you to Councilmembers Jennifer Gutierrez and Shahana Hanif for championing literacy and keeping this crucial topic at the forefront of New York City Council. Together with LINC, City First Readers, and our incredible community of supporters including Arab-American Family Support Center, Brooklyn Public Library, The Child Center of NY; THE COMMITTEE FOR HISPANIC CHILDREN AND, Family Health Centers at NYU Langone Health, Hunts Point Alliance for Children (HPAC), JCCA, Jumpstart, ParentChild Plus, Queens Public Library, Reach Out and Read, SCO Family of Services, Play Read VIP, we rallied for a $6.5 million investment in early childhood literacy. This movement is just beginning, and we need your voices to keep the momentum going. Sign the petition and stand with us to secure a brighter future for our youngest readers: bit.ly/cfr24

AAFSC's Senior Case Planner, Mihad, joined NYC Council Member Alexa Aviles and journalists from the nonprofit immigration news site Documented at the Center for Brooklyn History for an important conversation on asylum seekers and newly arrived migrants in NYC. Mihad spoke about her own journey coming to the U.S. while pregnant as an asylum seeker, and the hurdles she encountered after arriving here. Mihad drew on this personal experience to highlight the importance of the services AAFSC's staff provide to newcomers in NYC. The journalists from Documented—including Rommel H. Ojeda, Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio, and Oluwafisayo Okare—complemented this by speaking about the broader challenges newly arrived migrants face and how communities are coming together to pitch in and help. Thanks for representing AAFSC in such a moving way, Mihad. And to Brooklyn Org and Brooklyn Public Library for your support!

Keep an eye out for us in #Brooklyn! A big thanks to Brooklyn Org for including representation of NYC's immigrant and refugee communities in their newest 'Show Brooklyn Some Love' campaign.

AAFSC Statement on the Killing of Palestinian Civilians in Rafah We are horrified by the violence taking place in Gaza, especially in Rafah. As an organization that serves and advocates for the well-being of children and families, we cannot be silent. The mass killing of our Palestinian brothers and sisters in Rafah--after being forcibly and repeatedly displaced from their homes--is a stain on our collective consciousness. The impact on Palestinian children and families is catastrophic. With the death count now over 36,000 (Al Jazeera), there must be an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire. Our tax dollars should fund safety and community care, not contribute to a genocide. Email your elected officials and demand action: https://lnkd.in/eNj8iVn2 #Gaza #Palestine

AAFSC Statement on the Killing of Palestinian Civilians in Rafah We are horrified by the violence taking place in Gaza, especially in Rafah. As an organization that serves and advocates for the well-being of children and families, we cannot be silent. The mass killing of our Palestinian brothers and sisters in Rafah--after being forcibly and repeatedly displaced from their homes--is a stain on our collective consciousness. The impact on Palestinian children and families is catastrophic. With the death count now over 36,000 (Al Jazeera), there must be an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire. Our tax dollars should fund safety and community care, not contribute to a genocide. Email your elected officials and demand action: https://lnkd.in/eNj8iVn2 #Gaza #Palestine

AAFSC traveled up to Albany on Tuesday with NYC’s first ever Coalition of MENA New Yorkers to urge lawmakers to support the MENA Disaggregation Bill. We had the opportunity to join MENA community members and share stories with NYS Senators and Assemblymembers about how the lack of a MENA category on NYS data collection forms impacts AAFSC’s clients. For too long, Middle Eastern and North African communities have been labeled as “White” in government data, despite distinct identities and experiences. This bill could change how MENA communities are represented and supported in healthcare, education, employment, and housing. As of today, this bill is one step closer to passing. Thank you to our coalition partners MALIKAH, Muslim Community Network, CACF: Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, Arab American Association of New York, Asiyah Women's Center, Emgage, The New York Immigration Coalition, Yemeni American Merchants Association and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, Assemblymember Steven Raga, Sen. Michael Gianaris, and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas for rallying behind this important legislation! To learn more via City & State: https://lnkd.in/dw5cWE-w To contact your state representatives and take action: https://lnkd.in/dshKkKSt #RecognizeMENANow #LobbyDay