We are the largest Arab and Muslim community in NYC, and we have been empowering our own for 16 years.  

We've seen it all. Between the headlines, despite the political rhetoric - we are here, unfailingly. 2017 brought on new challenges and obstacles, and we haven't wavered. We have protected the most vulnerable in our communities, and put our leaders on the front lines of fighting for change.

As the staff and board of AAANY, we are our clients' family and their hope. We are often told that we remind them of the homes they left behind when they emigrated here. When our community faces prejudice and discrimination, whether in Bay Ridge or Washington, we are here to provide strength, resilience, and hope. Because this community; has given us so much over the years, our organization has grown to take on today's greatest political challenges. 

In times of political and social crisis, we want to raise $16,000 for our organization, to acknowledge 16 years of unshakeable commitment to our community.

Yes, we are that invested. AAANY is there for so many Arab Americans, Arab immigrants, Muslims and other communities of color who either cannot afford or cannot access services elsewhere. Your support can mean the difference between whether or not a new immigrant woman learns English, secures her citizenship, receives access to much needed public benefits programs, and registers to vote for a candidate who can protect her rights. Your support can also mean helping a father gain employment to feed his family, and crucial preparation for college. It's people like you who help make our neighbors' lives less stressful and more hopeful. 

At our core we provide vital social services, and our efforts have expanded in order to respond to emergencies at home and abroad. The Arab American Association of New York recently stepped up to provide legal services to Syrians and Yemenis fleeing their war torn countries. We provide Temporary Protected Status application assistance, adjustment of status, family petitions and legal assistance on assistance on application for asylum. 

But our work goes beyond social services and welcoming new immigrants and refugees into the community. We have always been about empowerment, engagement, and education--not just literacy, but knowledge and social consciousness. AAANY's advocacy programs include the Arab Women Activists and Leaders (AWAL), Union of Arab Women (UAW), Brooklynat, the Youth Racial Justice Program, and the Accompany Project -- which provides training in bystander intervention to stop hate speech and harassment right here in New York City. As an association led by strong women, we are here to build visibility, organize others, and use our voices for change. 

Our communities are living in a time of fear and uncertainty. 

We punch above our weight, but we need to you to continue to do this important work. Can you help us serve this community for another year? 

We are rightly concerned about what 2018 will bring, but we're not going to back down. We're building bridges and making hope possible. Here are highlights of what we have done in the past year, despite the turmoil and hostility around us: 

-provided services to over 5,000 people, most of whom are low-income, recent immigrant families

-boosted our mental health program, to provide short term counseling to our most vulnerable

-fought at the forefronts of movements for justice, including the Close Rikers campaign, National Women's March, Muslim Ban, and demanding the passage of the Right to Know Act.  

-provided Know Your Rights workshops in NYC schools, organizations, and religious centers to inform community members on their immigration rights

-registered over 500 community members to vote

-taught English to over 250 students, mostly recent immigrant mothers

You can always count on us.

We give our all to provide the most high quality service provision to new immigrants, refugees and asylees, and we are always ready to speak truth to power on issues impacting communities of color. We are always there - front and center, loud and proud with our community by our side.

WILL YOU BE THERE FOR US?

How You Can Help:

Please give what you can, $5, $10, $100, $1000 - all your donations are tax deductible. Our EIN# 11-3604756.

Donors will receive a shout-out in our Gala Journal and our website!

If you would like to purchase a ticket to our 16th Annual Gala on November 9th CLICK HERE