Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago

Individual Counseling and Adjustment:Resettlement, placement and adjustment services - Refugee placement, counseling, adjustment, and case management services are provided to refugees, asylees, and other immigrants to facilitate opportunities to build new lives in the United States. The program includes reception at the airport, placement in affordable housing, cultural orientation, facilitating access to essential public support and health screening, case management, referrals needed to additional services, as well as cultural adjustment, and several other activities.English as a Second Language (ESL) - Basic and vocational English language education provided to newly arrived refugees and immigrants.Citizenship and Immigration Services - ECAC helps prepare refugees and immigrants to become U.S. citizens by offering free citizenship classes, assisting in the education, and filing application forms.Developing Ethiopian Cultural Museum - ECAC aspires to develop the Ethiopian Museum in Chicago and has collected hundreds of pieces of artifacts working toward establishing a museum that will promote the cultures, traditions , and history of the diverse people of Ethiopia and contribute to the global cultural exchange, and cross-cultural understanding, and collaboration. The Museum will provide learning opportunities for both children and youth of Ethiopian heritage as well as the general public about the rich traditions, cultures, and history of Ethiopia; one the ancient civilizations of the world.

Children Youth & Mentorship Programs serve children and youth ages 6 to 13. These programs encompass a broad range of focus areas, including:Academic Support:Providing homework assistance, tutoring, and enrichment activities to reinforce learning outside of regular school hours. Mentoring:Connecting youth with positive role models who offer guidance, encouragement, and support.Positive Youth Development:Fostering social and emotional skills, character development, and resilience. Arts and Culture:Offering creative outlets such as music, dance, theater, and visual arts.Sports and Recreation:Engaging youth in physical activities, team sports, and outdoor adventures.

The Employment Assistance Program at the Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago provides refugees and immigrants with the support they need to find employment and become self-sufficient. We assist clients in honing essential job-search skills, including resume writing, networking, and interview preparation. We offer a wide range of job training programs, including English language classes, cultural orientation, and other valuable skill-building opportunities. We provide ongoing support to clients, even after they have found a job. This can include help with adjusting to the workplace and resolving workplace conflicts.