Amani Women Center (AWC) provides culturally tailored programs and services that empower and contribute to the economic security, spiritual, mental, and physical well-being of refugees and immigrant women. AWC fills this important gap by providing 3 unique programs utilizing a holistic approach designed to build self sufficiency 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.
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.
Refugees and immigrants arrive in their environment very optimistic about endless possibilities in their new home. Many receive benefits for only 3 months, after which, they are on their own. Hence, the relevance of grassroots organizations like Amani Women Center that play a major role in helping refugees survive and thrive. 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 Clarkston Georgia. (The city with the most diverse square mile of refugees in America.)
Amani Women Center (AWC) educates and empowers both refugee and immigrant families in the city of Clarkson, Dekalb County, Gwinnett County, and Atlanta metro areas.
AWC's global initiative; mirrors our mission and programs in local communities in different parts of Africa. Amani's global initiative includes artisans and partners in West Africa (Ghana) and in East Africa (Kenya)
Our Holistic Appraoch
Refugees are faced with numerous challenges of providing for themselves and their families once the resettlement services and benefits end in 3 months,. Hence, the relevance of grassroots organizations like Amani Women Center playing a major role in helping refugees survive and thrive. AWC fills this important gap by providing 3 unique programs utilizing a holistic approach designed to economically empower, build and sustain healthy families within the home and the community.
