Our History
In 2005, while working as a public health professional in the Clarkston community in Dekalb County GA, Doris Mukangu saw a major need among the underserved African Women Refugees and decided to do something about it. She started with health education, helping refugees navigate the daunting health system, and gradually added other services and programs such as the Amani Sewing Academy.
In understanding how to work with cultural sensitivity and competency within this hard-to-reach population, Doris demonstrated and used the appropriate tools to empower the refugee women with skills and in languages they understand and in a manner, they could relate culturally.
In 2007, together with the help of a core team that believed in her vision, AWC became an official 501-C3 non-profit organization based in the City Clarkston Georgia. (The city with the most diverse square mile of refugees in America.) AWC serves Clarkston, Dekalb County, Gwinnett County, and Atlanta metro areas.
Refugees face numerous challenges upon arriving in the U.S., including economic hardship, language barriers, access to healthcare, access to technology and cultural adjustment., hence the relevance of grassroots organizations such as Amani Women Center (AWC) that play a major role in helping refugees survive and thrive.
AWC provides practical resources, services and programming to support refugees towards self-sufficiency in their new home. Supporting refugees requires a holistic approach that addresses their economic, social, and emotional needs. By creating accessible programs and fostering an inclusive community, AWC empowers refugees to build stable, independent lives in their new home.
AWC's Global Initiative; mirrors our mission, services and programs in local communities in Africa - Ghana and Kenya.
Sustainable economic development is key to breaking cycles of dependency and poverty in Africa. We focus on fostering economic opportunities that benefit individuals, families, and communities.
Our strategies include supporting small-scale manufacturing to create jobs and sustainable income sources for program graduates, partnering with local businesses and organizations to provide job placement opportunities for trained individuals, assisting women entrepreneurs in selling products through AWC's Joahari Africa Website and other e-commerce platforms.
Our Holistic Appraoch
AWC provides 3 unique programs utilizing a holistic approach designed to economically empower, build and sustain healthy families within the home and the community.
Mission
To empower and educate refugee women through culturally-tailored
programs that contribute to their economic security and overall well-being.
Vision
To provide a one-stop safe haven for refugee women of all cultures,
who are seeking a space for spiritual, mental, and physical healing.
