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Getting Back-to-School Ready in Kensington, Brooklyn

Before heading back-to-school, AAFSC partnered with Council Member Shahana Hanif to distribute over 500 backpacks and offer resources to immigrant and refugee community members in Kensington, Brooklyn.

August 22, 2023

Community Health & Well-Being


COVID-19 Vaccine Education Workshops Evaluation

This new AAFSC Research Institute report examines the efficacy of culturally tailored vaccine education and offers recommendations to COVID-19 vaccine providers on how to effectively reach immigrant communities.

Community Health & Well-Being


Dar Yemma, a Moroccan gem in Astoria’s “Little Egypt”

AAFSC and Epicenter NYC spoke to Saber, a 25-year-old restaurant owner from Algieria, about his immigration story, the inspiration behind opening his own business, and how Dar Yemma is creating a space for the North African diaspora.

April 20, 2023

Food Security Initiatives, Cultural Competency


A Taste of Palestine in Bay Ridge

AAFSC and Epicenter NYC spoke to Mahmoud, a Palestinian immigrant from the Old City of Jerusalem, who opened up Al-Aqsa Bakery & Restaurant in 2018. Read more about the ways Mahmoud is serving his community of Bay Ridge during the holy month of Ramadan.

March 30, 2023

Food Security Initiatives, Cultural Competency


AAFSC is Collaborating with Epicenter NYC for Ramadan 2023

Ramadan is a special month for Muslims around the world. It’s more than a fast, and has a different meaning for everyone who observes it. Epicenter NYC speaks to AAFSC staff members, Mirum and Seeran, about what Ramadan means to them.

March 22, 2023

Food Security Initiatives, Cultural Competency


مسارات جديدة للمتحدثين باللغة العربية لتوسيع نطاق الوصول إلى التغطية الصحية: هذا هو السبب في أهمية ذلك

In partnership with The Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit and the Yemeni American Merchants Association (YAMA), AAFSC is expanding access to health coverage for Arabic language speakers.

February 10, 2023

Community Health & Well-Being


AAFSC is Awarded Brooklyn Community Foundation’s 2023 SPARK Prize

AAFSC is thrilled to announce that we are one of five winners of Brooklyn Community Foundation’s SPARK Prize!

January 17, 2023

Racial Equity & Inclusion



Program Highlight: Anti-Violence Program

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, AAFSC speaks to Alba, our Senior Case Manager & Advocate, about her work supporting survivors throughout the Family Justice Centers in NYC.

October 27, 2022

Anti-Violence Program


Little Amal Event Video

Little Amal, a 10-foot-tall Syrian refugee puppet visited us in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and celebrated the diverse culture of the Arab-American community in NYC through dance, music, food, and collective spirit.

October 12, 2022


Adult Readiness Program Highlight

In our Adult Readiness Program Highlight video, we speak to Paul, AAFSC’s Associate Director of Adult Readiness initiatives, who shares more about the program and welcoming back their students to in-person instruction.

Adult Readiness, Caregiver Child Bonding Circle


NYT Survey: Are You of Middle Eastern or North African Descent?

The New York Times is conducting a survey that explores how people of Middle Eastern and North African descent in the United States identify themselves, available in English, Arabic, and Persian.

October 11, 2022

Racial Equity & Inclusion, Cultural Competency



Participatory Budgeting in Briarwood, Queens

AAFSC’s intern, Andrew Williams, reflects on a year-long participatory budgeting process which led to the planting of two community gardens in Briarwood, Queens.

September 27, 2022

Community Health & Well-Being, Racial Equity & Inclusion, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


Podcast: Halal food pantries across NYC aren’t getting the support they need

Throughout the pandemic we’ve witnessed a surge in food insecurity and long lines at pantries across the city. In this podcast episode, Epicenter NYC speaks to AAFSC about the accessibility of halal food aid in NYC.

September 15, 2022

Food Security Initiatives, Community Health & Well-Being


Young Adult & Youth Program Highlight

In the spirit of heading back to school, we’re highlighting our Young Adult and Youth Program! We sat down with Murrim and Mohamed, AAFSC’s Young Adult and Youth Program Coordinators & Facilitators, who share with us the various youth programs – including AYWA, MENAR, and Funny Girls – their team leads, as well as how their personal experiences as immigrants helps them connect with youth in the AMENAMSA community.

September 8, 2022

Young Adult & Youth Program


Arab Americans, tired of being invisible in federal data, demand to identify as MENA, not white

MENA communities face systematic inequities due to a lack of representation in the Census and other federal programs. AAFSC speaks with USA Today about establishing a MENA category for our communities.

September 7, 2022

Racial Equity & Inclusion, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


Meet A.

Fleeing the war in Yemen, A. resettled to the U.S. and quickly found a safe space in our Young Adult and Youth Program. After receiving academic and socioemotional support, A. quickly became a leader within our AYWA program and is now a mentor for young girls like herself.

August 25, 2022

Young Adult & Youth Program


Accessibility of Halal Food Aid in NYC

A mixed methods study on the availability of halal food aid in NYC and the barriers food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens face in providing halal food. 

Food Security Initiatives, Cultural Competency


A Call to Action: Voting Rights for Immigrant Communities in NYC

AAFSC Volunteer, Sajila, recaps her experience joining an Our City, Our Vote rally to defend Intro 1867 outside the Staten Island Courthouse.

August 1, 2022

Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


Mindfulness Project Toolkit

Created by five Briarwood Youth Ambassadors, this Mindfulness Toolkit aims to promote resilient mental health through relaxation, stretching, and awareness of oneself.

Community Health & Well-Being, Young Adult & Youth Program, Racial Equity & Inclusion


Meet Leyla

After speaking to AAFSC about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among her friends and family, Leyla is now effecting change directly in her community and supporting people with COVID-19 vaccination resources.

July 21, 2022

Community Health & Well-Being, Racial Equity & Inclusion


Meet Nada

Seeking academic and social-emotional support for their children, Nada’s family reached out to AAFSC. Inspired by the performance and leadership skills of other immigrant girls from local Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, Muslim, and South Asian communities, Nada joined Funny Girls and now thrives as an active member developing her life skills, confidence, and strong community bonds.

Young Adult & Youth Program


Meet Asma

At risk of homelessness due to an abusive partner and landlord, Asma enrolled in AAFSC’s Anti-Violence Program to receive immediate crisis intervention and case management support. Through a referral to our housing response unit, Asma was successfully granted a Section 8 housing voucher and is now acclimating to her new life, while still connected to a robust support network.

Anti-Violence Program


Meet Maria

Through a New York City Family Justice Center referral, Maria turned to our Anti-Violence program for immediate support. An Emergency Housing Voucher was just one step towards Maria’s healing journey.

Anti-Violence Program


Meet Thuraya

As a long-time participant of AAFSC’s Young Adult and Youth Program, Thuraya set her sights on college and turned to her support network at AAFSC to help achieve this goal.

July 20, 2022

Young Adult & Youth Program


Meet Alba

Fleeing from her abusive partner, Alba left her home in search of a new beginning. Through our Emergency Relief Fund, AAFSC delivered nearly $1,000 for food, baby supplies, and winter clothing while she waited for government assistance to arrive.

July 21, 2022

Anti-Violence Program, Community Health & Well-Being


Meet Sadia

Confronting a history of domestic violence, trauma, parenting challenges, and struggles with her own mental health and well-being, Sadia turned to AAFSC during her time of need. In just one year, she has demonstrated a willingness and commitment to healing in her own life, as well as her family’s.

July 20, 2022

Emergency Fund, Anti-Violence Program, Mental Health Initiatives


Meet Lourdes and José

For immigrants like Lourdes and José, staying healthy can be difficult. AAFSC helps them learn the importance of nutrition to support their family through conscious food choices.

Food Security Initiatives, Community Health & Well-Being


Meet Mohamed

Over the last seven years with AAFSC, Mohamed has transformed into a confident student with bright goals through our comprehensive youth initiatives.

Young Adult & Youth Program


Meet Amparo

Amparo first came to AAFSC four years ago with an extremely limited knowledge of English. Through hard work and perseverance, she is now a role model to other students.

July 19, 2022

Adult Readiness


Community Health and Well-Being Program Highlight

Mathew Francis, the Arab-American Family Support Center’s Senior Community Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator, provides us an overview of AAFSC’s Community Health and Well-Being Program and a glimpse into his day-to-day work. This video has been recorded in both English and Arabic.

July 13, 2022

Community Health & Well-Being


To Promote Community Safety, NYC Must Invest in a Wrap-Around Approach

AAFSC illustrates a relationship between community safety and the social determinants of health – such as food and housing security, economic stability, education and family services access, and healthcare access and quality.

Racial Equity & Inclusion, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


Episode 2: Community Partnerships

In Episode 2 of AAFSC’s newest video series, we explore the power of community partnerships to holistically address the impact of COVID-19 in immigrant communities with special guest, Sheleeza Deen.

June 29, 2022

Food Security Initiatives, Community Health & Well-Being, Racial Equity & Inclusion


AAFSC Statement on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Decision

AAFSC’s Statement on the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Ruling

Racial Equity & Inclusion, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


Seeking Safety on World Refugee Day

This World Refugee Day, we focus on “the right to seek safety” for all our community members in New York City and throughout the United States who identify as refugees, asylees, and displaced individuals.

June 17, 2022


Episode 1: The Impact of COVID-19 in Briarwood, Queens

In Episode 1 of AAFSC’s newest video series, we explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Briarwood, Queens with special guest, Sheleeza Deen.

June 15, 2022

Food Security Initiatives, Community Health & Well-Being, Racial Equity & Inclusion


Community Health Needs Assessment

Assessing the quality of health and healthcare access in AMEMNSASA communities and examining potential
gaps and deficiencies in the level of healthcare access among AAFSC’s service population.

Community Health & Well-Being


Affordable Health Services in NYC’s Immigrant Communities

Proximity of FQHCs in New York City’s underserved, socially vulnerable Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian communities.

Community Health & Well-Being


The Time is Now: Pass the Afghan Adjustment Act and Support Afghan Newcomers

In AAFSC’s newest position paper, we assess the challenges facing Afghan newcomers and social service organizations like ours supporting their resettlement and provide legislative recommendations, including passing the Afghan Adjustment Act to secure long-term safety for Afghans affected by this crisis.

Community Health & Well-Being, Legal Services, Cultural Competency


Mental Health Initiative Program Evaluation

NYC’s immigrant and refugee communities are experiencing an unprecedented need for mental health support. In this report, we examine the impact of AAFSC’s Mental Health Initiative.

Community Health & Well-Being, Mental Health Initiatives


Recapping Ramadan 2022 and Fuel Your Community

Our Ramadan Campaign, Fuel Your Community, has officially ended and here’s a recap of our impact this month.

May 3, 2022

Food Security Initiatives, Community Health & Well-Being, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


CBS News: AAFSC Opens New Location in Brooklyn

CBS reporter Cindy Hsu visited our new Atlantic Avenue Community Center, in honor of Arab American Heritage Month.

May 2, 2022

Food Security Initiatives, Preventive Services, Mental Health Initiatives


AAFSC Contributes to New Aspen Institute Brief on 2Gen Immigrant & Refugee Families

AAFSC partnered with the Aspen Institute to share our experience about how language serves as a major obstacle for immigrant families when not properly addressed and the practices that we are using to provide 2Gen services to immigrant and refugee families.

April 28, 2022

Cultural Competency


The People’s Money in Briarwood, Queens

The NYC Civic Engagement Commission recently wrapped up “The People’s Money,” a participatory budgeting program that will send over $1 million to neighborhoods most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about how AAFSC is addressing food insecurity in Briarwood, Queens through a community garden project.

April 12, 2022

Racial Equity & Inclusion, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


AAFSC Opens its Doors to Brooklyn Community with New Site

The Arab-American Family Support Center opened its latest location in Brooklyn, providing support for Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, and Muslim communities for 27 years. You can read the full News 12 article and watch the video coverage, here.

April 11, 2022

Adult Readiness, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


Aiding Survivors at the Queens Family Justice Center

For the 75% of Queens Family Justice Center clients born outside the U.S., our Anti-Violence program team is there to help survivors access the resources they need to begin their healing journey. You can read the full Queens Daily Eagle article, here.

April 7, 2022

Anti-Violence Program


Press Release: AAFSC Grand Opening & Citizenship Celebration

On Friday, March 25th AAFSC celebrated the Grand Opening of their newest Atlantic Avenue community center with a Citizenship Celebration, diaper and book distribution, food distribution, and more. Read the full press release, here.

Adult Readiness, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


An AAFSC Funny Girls Participant Reflects on Women’s History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, we spoke with one of our Funny Girls participants about one of her role models and the ways in which she embodies the qualities of a Funny Girls leader and youth advocate!

March 29, 2022

Young Adult & Youth Program


AAFSC Testifies Before the NYC Council Committee on Finance

On March 2nd, AAFSC was honored to join the Asian American Federation in testifying to the NYC Council Committee on Finance, requesting that the Committee expand funding for Citywide Initiatives that ensure more AAPI/immigrant-led and serving groups are adequately funded to support marginalized communities.

March 23, 2022

Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


Adult Readiness Evaluation Report

In the AAFSC Research Institute’s latest Program Evaluation report, we examine the measurable impact of our services and take a closer look at AAFSC’s expansion and evolution of our adult education initiatives in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adult Readiness


AAFSC Testifies Before the NYC Council Committee on Women & Gender Equity

On Tuesday, February 22nd AAFSC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Women & Gender Equity, shedding light on the critical barriers immigrant and refugee survivors face when accessing services in New York City.

March 3, 2022


AAFSC Hosts Food Distribution Event in Honor of Team Member

In honor of our dear friend and colleague, AAFSC organized a food distribution drive and vaccine van, in coordination with The Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA) and NYC Health + Hospitals. Together, we distributed over 200 bags of culturally appropriate food items and vaccinated 11 people against COVID-19.

February 14, 2022


A Message from AAFSC to Our New NYC City Councilmembers

The Arab-American Family Support Center congratulates the newly inaugurated NYC Council members and celebrates the launch of a historic year for representation in our city’s government.

January 21, 2022

Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


Opinion: NYC Needs a Mayor’s Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs

New York City’s AAPI community is the fastest growing population in the city. Along with nearly 60 community-based organizations, AAFSC is calling on the Adams Administration to strengthen City Hall’s relationship with New York’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community by establishing a Mayor’s Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs. Read the op-ed.

Racial Equity & Inclusion, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


Housing Needs Panel Discussion

Watch our Housing Needs Panel Discussion that discusses the nature and severity of housing insecurity in low-income immigrant and refugee communities and solutions that will support families in securing and maintaining stable housing.

Emergency Fund, Community Health & Well-Being


Housing Needs Assessment Report

The AAFSC Research Institute conducted a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment survey with over 350 families to better understand the nature and severity of this housing crisis.

Emergency Fund, Community Health & Well-Being


News Concerns: 10 Ways to Teach Kids About Giving

How young can we start teaching children about giving back to their community, volunteering, or fostering gratitude? The answer is as early as possible! In News Concerns recent article on “8 Ways to Teach Kids about Giving”, AAFSC’s Volunteer Program was highlighted as a way for Brooklyn-based families to support vulnerable immigrant and refugee communities in New York City.

December 22, 2021


Government Aid Efficacy Report

In this latest report by the AAFSC Research Institute, we examine the efficacy of recently launched government economic recovery programs, such as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), the Excluded Workers Fund, and the Expanded Child Tax Credit, in reaching low-income immigrant and refugee communities.

December 21, 2021

Emergency Fund, Community Health & Well-Being


BREAKING: NYC Moves to Allow Noncitizens to Vote in Local Elections

After decades of tireless advocacy, New York City just became the largest municipality in the country to allow legal residents to vote, following a veto-proof margin with 36 out of 51 councilmembers sponsoring the bill. 

December 9, 2021

Racial Equity & Inclusion, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


Health Messaging for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities

The AAFSC Research Institute is proud to have contributed to the SUNY Prepare Innovation and Internship Seed Grant Program’s recent study on addressing the impact of COVID-19 vaccinations on limited English proficient populations in NY.

Community Health & Well-Being, Mental Health Initiatives


Cultural Competency Secrets to Success Panel Discussion

Hosted by the Aspen Institute, AAFSC joins a panel discussion on Cultural Competency Secrets to Success.

December 6, 2021

Racial Equity & Inclusion


AAFSC’s 2021 Impact Report

2021 was a monumental year for AAFSC and our communities – serving 10,000 clients this past year. Read our 2021 Impact Report for a summary of the successes we accomplished with your support!

November 30, 2021


Program Evaluation: Food Security Program

New from the AAFSC Research Institute: Our Food Security Program supports individuals in achieving food security through our SNAP Enrollment Program, resource navigation, direct food distribution, and emergency funding.

November 19, 2021

Emergency Fund, Food Security Initiatives


Event Highlight: “A Night in Little Egypt” Community Dinner

AAFSC organized a community dinner at “Mombar” in Astoria, Queens to raise funds for our food security initiatives.

November 18, 2021

Food Security Initiatives, Community Health & Well-Being


Columbia University’s Report on COVID-19 and Health of Immigrant Women

AAFSC’s Research Institute informs a new study from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on the health and well-being of immigrant women.

November 12, 2021

Community Health & Well-Being, Mental Health Initiatives


It’s Election Day, New York City. Let’s Get Out The Vote!

Today is NYC’s General Election and we have the power to enact change for our City’s future!

November 2, 2021

Racial Equity & Inclusion, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


Press Release: AAFSC Announced as SPARK Finalist for Brooklyn Community Foundation 

The Arab-American Family Support Center Announced as Finalist for Brooklyn Community Foundation’s SPARK Prize, Joining Twenty Nonprofits That Have Sparked Change in Brooklyn, NY

November 1, 2021


Literature Review: Examining the Impact of Domestic Violence on Caregivers and Children

AAFSC reflects on the complex and layered impact of Domestic Violence on survivors, children, and the caregiver-child relationship.

Anti-Violence Program, Caregiver Child Bonding Circle


Program Evaluation: Anti-Violence Program (AVP)

New from the AAFSC Research Institute: Our Anti-Violence Program provides wrap-around case management, advocacy, and domestic violence counseling to survivors from immigrant and refugee communities. Our adapted MOVERS evaluation measures these indicators of empowerment and demonstrates the effectiveness of tailoring domestic violence services to the needs of immigrant survivors.

Anti-Violence Program


AAFSC Volunteer Voices: Linguistically Accessible Materials in Health Outreach

Sylvie Mayer is an eleventh-grade student based in Brooklyn, NY and a communications volunteer with the Arab-American Family Support Center. Interested in writing and spreading awareness about under-resourced populations in New York City, she hopes to use her passion to connect with her local community in a meaningful way.

October 8, 2021

Community Health & Well-Being, Racial Equity & Inclusion


Program Evaluation: Young Adult & Youth Program

New from the AAFSC Research Institute: Our Young Adult & Youth Program aims to support the overall cognitive, social, and emotional development of youth and young adults. Recent results from our Knowledge-Attitude-Behavior survey breaks down self-perceived measures of improvement in key outcome areas, including: college/career readiness, academic enrichment, healthy behaviors, advocacy, female empowerment, and safety & belonging.

September 23, 2021

Mental Health Initiatives, Young Adult & Youth Program


Head Back-to-School with AAFSC

As millions of children head back-to-school for in-person learning across New York City, AAFSC is leveraging all four priority areas – Prevent, Promote, Get Ready, and Communicate – to support young learners and their family members with the transition.

September 13, 2021

Young Adult & Youth Program


AP: Two Decades After 9/11, Muslim Americans Still Fighting Bias

As the nation commemorates the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Muslim Americans remember the enduring impact of rising Islamophobia. In a recent article by the Associated Press, NYC Council Candidate Shahana Hanif shares her experience growing up in the shadow of 9/11, battling suspicion, mistrust, and nationalism – a familiar story for many Muslim New Yorker’s.

September 10, 2021

Racial Equity & Inclusion, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


Collaboration Between Health and Human Services Sectors

A recent report from the Human Services Council states that ‘Community Based Organizations (CBOs) play a crucial role in addressing health-related social needs and many are prepared to engage in VBP arrangements that improve community health for all New Yorkers.’ As a contributor to this report and a long-time collaborator with Health Care Organizations in New York City, AAFSC is leveraging our position to improve health outcomes for vulnerable New Yorkers.

September 8, 2021

Community Health & Well-Being, Mental Health Initiatives


Program Evaluation: Caregiver-Child Bonding Circles (CCBC)

The AAFSC Research Institute’s newest report takes a deep-dive into one of our early childhood programs, The Caregiver-Child Bonding Circle. We highlight evaluation results and examine the impact of culturally-responsive early childhood intervention and caregiver support.

Caregiver Child Bonding Circle


NEW: AAFSC’s Community Needs Assessment Report

Dissecting over 900 responses captured between March 2020 and June 2021, The AAFSC Research Institute’s Community Needs Assessment Report captures the immense and evolving impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable community members.

August 20, 2021

Community Health & Well-Being, Mental Health Initiatives


Food, Health, and Vaccine Equity at the Arab-American Family Support Center

In response to COVID-19’s impact on refugee and immigrant families, AAFSC partnered with the New York City Health and Hospitals Mobile COVID-19 Clinic, Astoria Welfare Society, and Queens Together on July 28th to distribute over 120 bags of food and provide free, on-site COVID-19 vaccinations to community members outside our Brooklyn Headquarters. 

August 13, 2021

Food Security Initiatives, Community Health & Well-Being


News4Jax: 13-Year-Old Advocates for COVID-19 Vaccine Among Florida’s Arab-American Community

AAFSC’s COVID-19 Impact Report was recently highlighted in News4Jax, a local news agency in Jacksonville, FL. Through these findings, we’ve found that vulnerable immigrant communities have been reluctant to get tested for COVID-19 due to a disproportionate lack of medical access and immigration-related repercussions.

Community Health & Well-Being


Vaccine Hesitation: A Word from One of our Young Community Members

Written by Sylvie Mayer Summer is here and is in full effect! For some, it’s like reopening their favorite chapter book; for others, it can be scary and confusing. For the past year and a…

July 28, 2021

Community Health & Well-Being


Coming Soon: AAFSC’s Research Institute

Too often, Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian populations are not counted accurately in data collection efforts, and the lack of data disaggregation in mainstream research activities renders these communities voiceless.

After years of building our capacity to measure and evaluate program outputs and outcomes, AAFSC is focusing our efforts on additional research and enhanced analysis that expands our understanding of community needs and the impact of culturally appropriate intervention, while contributing to a repository of information on populations for which there is a considerable dearth of high-quality, data-driven information.

In collaboration with research partners across New York City and beyond, AAFSC’s Research Institute publications will contribute knowledge and resources to all who seek to advance the prosperity of immigrant and refugee communities.

Stay tuned for more!


2020 Impact Report

2020 was an unprecedented year for AAFSC and our communities. Read our 2020 Impact Report for a summary of the successes we accomplished with your support!

July 8, 2021


COVID-19 Impact Panel Discussion

Watch our COVID-19 Impact Panel Discussion that discusses the findings of our COVID-19 Impact Report, the unique impact of COVID-19 on immigrant, refugee, and low-income communities, and solutions on how to build a healthier New York for all.


COVID-19 Impact Survey Report

To understand the full impact of COVID-19, AAFSC invited our clients, most of whom identify as immigrants and refugees, to complete a comprehensive survey. The results of this survey will help guide and improve AAFSc’s…

Community Health & Well-Being


COVID-19 Impact Survey Report Round 2 Results

As a follow-up to our COVID-19 Impact Survey Report, conducted in Summer of 2020, AAFSC invited a second group of our clients to complete the survey in Winter 2021. These Round 2 results track the evolving impact of COVID-19 and highlight the lingering ramifications of this public health crisis.

Community Health & Well-Being


Honoring World Refugee Day

  This World Refugee Day, the Arab-American Family Support Center stands with our community members who identify as refugees, asylees, and displaced individuals. We honor and recognize these individuals and communities throughout New York City…


Gothamist: NYC Muslims Plans For COVID-19 Vaccinations During Ramadan Interrupted

AAFSC spoke with Gothamist about how community-based organizations are tackling vaccine misinformation and the importance of receiving adequate funding and resources to reach these communities.

April 20, 2021

Community Health & Well-Being


BK Reader: AAFSC Receives Funding To Tackle Vaccine Hesitancy Among Vulnerable Groups

AAFSC is proud to have been selected to receive special funding from Brooklyn Communities Collaborative and Maimonides Medical Center to support COVID-19 vaccination and outreach efforts throughout Brooklyn.

April 12, 2021

Community Health & Well-Being, Racial Equity & Inclusion


NPR: Trying To Assess COVID’s Impact On Arab-American Communities Is Complicated

Immigrants and refugees are disproportionatly impacted by COVID-19 due to compounding issues, including language barriers, lack of remote work options, and fears of impact to immigration status. AAFSC recently spoke to NPR to share what we have learned in the past year as a front-line agency.

April 11, 2021

Community Health & Well-Being, Racial Equity & Inclusion


NEWS 12: AAFSC Provides Aid to Immigrants Across NYC

News 12 Brooklyn stopped by AAFSC’s headquarters to learn more about how we’re supporting vulnerable community members during COVID-19.

April 7, 2021

Emergency Fund


PRESS RELEASE: AAFSC Awarded Grant To Reduce Food Insecurity Among Children

AAFSC is proud to receive an Early Childhood grant from No Kind Hungry to help decrease food insecurity among children. This funding will help us ensure that the children AAFSC serve have the food they need to grow and thrive.

Food Security Initiatives, Community Health & Well-Being


AAFSC Celebrates New Queens Office with Vision Day Event

In response to the growing need for culturally and linguistically competent service delivery, AAFSC is proud to open a new office in Queens. To celebrate the opening of the new space, the agency held a special Vision Day event in partnership with Helen Keller Institute (HKI).

March 31, 2021

Community Health & Well-Being


Brooklyn Eagle: AAFSC Honored at Brooklyn Heights Association 2021 Annual Meeting

AAFSC was proud to receive a Brooklyn Heights Association Community Service Award through our work distributing Brooklyn Heights Together funds to marginalized Brooklynites.

March 5, 2021

Community Health & Well-Being, Racial Equity & Inclusion


USA TODAY: Arab Americans Suffer An Unseen COVID-19 Crisis

AAFSC’s COVID-19 Impact Survey Report was recently highlighted in a USA TODAY article that brings attention to the impact of COVID-19 on Arab-Americans, a vulnerable community that is made invisible due to non-inclusive data collection.

March 1, 2021

Community Health & Well-Being, Racial Equity & Inclusion


Dear President Biden: End Public Charge Now

Young girls and women in AAFSC’s AYWA Initiative sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to consider the detrimental effects of the “public charge” ruling on immigrant families and put an end to it once and for all.

February 19, 2021

Young Adult & Youth Program, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


Honoring Black Immigrants During Black History Month

This Black History Month, AAFSC is proud to stand alongside our partners, allies, and community members in honoring and recognizing Black communities in New York and across country, including Black immigrants and refugees, who, just like other immigrant populations, influence the development of the U.S.

February 18, 2021

Racial Equity & Inclusion, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


New Executive Orders Bring Relief to Immigrants

President Joe Biden signed three new executive orders on February 2, 2021 to roll back Trump-era regulations restricting legal immigration, reunite families, and streamline the naturalization process.

February 5, 2021

Legal Services, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


Welcoming a Shining New Era for Immigrants

On Day 1 of the Biden Administration, AAFSC was encouraged to see a historic new plan that rolls back egregiously xenophobic policies that have sought to harm and separate immigrant and refugee families in New York and across the country.

January 22, 2021

Racial Equity & Inclusion, Civic Engagement & Know-Your-Rights


Press Release: AAFSC Advocates for Protection of Undocumented Immigrants in Vaccine Program, Gov’t Agrees

The federal government has agreed not to collect undocumented identification as part of the federal vaccine program following a letter from Governor Cuomo and 52 community-based organizations, including AAFSC.

December 10, 2020

Community Health & Well-Being


Letter: Governor Cuomo and Community-Based Organizations Urge Protection for Undocumented Immigrants in Vaccine Program

Governor Cuomo and a coalition of groups, including AAFSC, issued a letter to Department for Health and Human Services Secretary urging the federal administration to support underserved communities and protect undocumented immigrants in the federal COVID-19 vaccination program.

December 1, 2020

Community Health & Well-Being