About Us
African Community Services (ACS) began in 1995 as a Mutual Aid Society. Seven refugees assisted each other resolve problems and adjust to life in their new country. Initially, ACS provided service through a volunteer network of refugees. These committed people had successful experiences in the USA and wished to help others from Africa. The focus then, as it is now, is to help families establish strong foundations for surviving and flourishing in their new country. In the beginning, services were delivered from the home of one of the members. The group assisted families gain a sense of stability. They helped to secure basic needs such as shelter, food, and clothing. They assisted families to enroll children in school and child care. They connected families with healthcare, taught people how to shop for groceries and other household items, introduced families to cultural centers, translated and assisted with documents and other paper work, etc. and showed refugees how to navigate government programs such as welfare.
In 1998, ACS applied for and received 501 (c) (3) status. At that time, most of the service was still delivered by volunteers who were refugees themselves. Their commitment to people who recently arrived in this country from Africa and those that continue to struggle with the adjustment sustained the organization.