WHAT WE DO

The African Community Center operates a reception and placement program through ECDC, the Ethiopian Community Development Council.  

RECEPTION AND PLACEMENT

The Reception and Placement Program begins before refugees even arrive; first by furnishing and stocking an apartment for the soon-to-arrive clients.

INTEGRATION

The Integration Department is composed of four grant-funded case-management programs aimed at providing continued support beyond the initial 90-Day Reception and Placement period.

EMPLOYMENT

The Employment Team works to ensure the economic independence of refugees who might be unfamiliar with American employment practices. We assist clients through three programs.

WHO WE HELP

While ECDC was initially created to meet the needs of a growing Ethiopian community, our refugee resettlement program has served clients from all over the world.

REFUGEES

Those who have been forced to flee their countries due to a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Refugees are approved for admittance overseas, and assigned to a resettlement agency, like ECDC, before arrival in the United States.

SPECIAL IMMIGRATION VISA HOLDERS

These clients, either Iraqi or Afghan nationals, served with the U.S. military or government in their respective home countries. As a result they are often under tremendous threat of violence. They are approved for admittance in their home countries, and assigned to resettlement agencies before arrival.

ASYLEES

Asylees arrive in the United States, and upon reaching customs, request humanitarian asylum due to fear of persecution. They are not initially assigned to a resettlement agency, but once their asylum has been approved, they can access all ECDC programs except the Reception and Placement program.

GET INVOLVED

While ECDC was initially created to meet the needs of a growing Ethiopian community, our refugee resettlement program has served clients from all over the world.

Your donation will help refugees from around the world build new lives in our communities. We accept both financial and in-kind donations. Any donation will go a long way to ensuring a safe path towards self-sufficiency and independence.

At ECDC-ACC, we rely heavily on our volunteers to ensure our clients feel welcomed. We encourage all who are passionate and motivated about refugee resettlement to volunteer. We will work with each prospective volunteer to find the best way they can help based on their interests, skills, and availability.
ACC interns are a crucial part of our team. Not only do we benefit immensely from their commitment and hard work, but they gain invaluable experience working first-hand with clients.
Working at ACC DC Metro is an opportunity to learn and grow in a dynamic and multicultural environment, while making a difference in the lives of vulnerable immigrant communities.

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