Refugees arrive in their environment very optimistic about endless possibilities in their new home. Many receive social services for only 3 months, after which, they are on their own. Hence, the relevance of grassroot organizations like Amani Women Center that plays a major role in helping refugees survive and thrive.

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• Life Skills and Wellbeing:

We are “Stitching Lives Together” through our wrap around services – workforce development, health, D.V. Services, financial literacy, nutrition, hygiene workshops, navigation of social services, civic engagement, youth programming, multi-media, creative arts all through training and workshops. etc. We believe in a holistic approach to ensure that refugee women and youth have improved well-being and are able to be productive members of their families and the community. 

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• Workforce Development and Job Placement: 

A 12-month program (Foundation and Application) provides a safe space with sewing machines, industrial machines, instructors, counselors and a fabric room. Students get a sewing kit and all other accessories. The program prepares individuals sew for themselves or their families, start their own sole proprietorship business, join the workforce — garment/apparel industry, work for local designers, do contractual piece work, or Join our team of sewers at Amani's social enterprise (Johari Africa). 

 

ASA graduates are gifted with a brand new sewing machine upon completion of the program. This creates a path for refugee women to self-sufficiency. For the women that are seeking entry level positions with the garment factory, Amani Women Center (AWC) has partnerships with businesses to provide employment for those that are interested. 

AWC is intentional in sourcing businesses that pay livable wages for the refugee women. Our team is equipped in assisting with job applications. We have also partnered with other organizations that help with resume building.

 

• Financial Literacy and DV:

AWC has identified financial issues as a major trigger for DV in the African refugee community. Financial empowerment is both a preventive tool and empowerment tool for refugee women who come through our program. Empowering a woman financially gives a woman a voice in her home as well as gives her the confidence to participate in making decsions for herself and for her family. DV vicitims who are financially empowered are able to make decisions from a postion of power versus from a position of vulnerability. ASA provides financial literacy through workshops and counseling to refugee women in languages that they can understand.

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