Arab-American Family Support Center

The Arab-American Family Support Center (AAFSC) is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization established in 1994 to provide culturally and linguistically competent, trauma-informed social services. While we support anyone who walks through our doors, over our 28 years of experience, we have developed expertise in serving Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, Muslim, and South Asian (AMENAMSA) immigrant and refugee communities.  

SCHOOL SUPPLY FUND

Low-income immigrant and refugee families face the highest economic pressure to provide school supplies and essential items for their children. We aim to set immigrant families up for success this school year by purchasing new school supplies and distributing them at a community supply drive on September 1st. Any amount you choose - $20 (writing tools), $50 (a backpack), or $75 (full school supply bundle) - will alleviate the financial burden put on families who should not have to choose between food and new school supplies. To kick off the new school year and celebrate your impact with our youth, join us on September 1st for a student showcase! You can learn more and RSVP, here. 

OUR FAMILY ESSENTIALS PANTRY

In response to rising food and economic insecurity, AAFSC launched our Family Essentials Pantry. This Pantry aims to provide a steady supply of critical resources for families, including culturally appropriate fresh and nonperishable food items, infant formula, diapers, and more. We believe no one should have to make a decision between buying diapers, paying rent, and purchasing dinner. With your support, our Family Essentials Pantry will maintain a consistent stock of food and scale the resources we distribute to NYC’s most vulnerable immigrant and refugee families.  

Our Family Essentials Pantry is currently housed at our Atlantic Avenue Community Center, a space open to all, including caregivers attending parenting classes, adult ESOL learners striving to become U.S. citizens, and young adults building supportive relationships and standing in solidarity with one another. Being rooted in, by, and for the community, your contributions will directly and positively impact our neighbors.

Each year, AAFSC provides direct services to 10,000 community members, in addition to the following accomplishments: 

1. Distributing over $800,000 through Emergency Relief Fund during COVID-19 to target housing and food insecurity
2. Supporting 4,147 clients in overcoming conflict and abuse through domestic violence and case management support
3. Providing 8,190 clients with mental health counseling, food security assistance, and legal services 
4. Distributing over 41,000 diapers in just two weeks to families facing diaper need in Brooklyn, NY

Thanks to the ongoing generosity of our supporters, we have been able to extend our reach across all five boroughs to those who are at risk of becoming food insecure or falling into situations of harmful debt. But at a time when we've witnessed a 357% increase in demand for our nutrition assistance services, we need you to join our fight. 

For the 2022 A Community Thrives Challenge, please consider sending a gift of strength— no matter the size— to AAFSC between July 18 and August 12. With your help, we can continue to support vulnerable, low-income, immigrant and refugee clients in need of food, school supplies, or other essential family resources and launch our community members on a sustainable path to mobility and success.