ECDC African Community Center

ECDC African Community Center of Denver (ECDC ACC) was established in 2001 as a program office of the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC). Over its 17-year history, ECDC ACC has served over 6,000 refugees, asylum seekers, special immigrant visa holders, and Cuban parolees.

ECDC ACC’s mission is to help refugees and immigrants rebuild safe, sustainable lives in Denver by being an integrative center of multicultural exchange where community members feel a sense of belonging and actively contribute to an inclusive society. Currently, the world is facing the largest refugee crisis since WWII wherein more than 22.5 million people have fled their country of origin and become refugees. Decades of refugee resettlement in the U.S. have proven that refugees integrate into American society and become integral, productive, contributing citizens. Through its comprehensive Resettlement, Sustainability, and Innovation programs, ACC fosters hope for these individuals.

We Made This (WMT), ACC’s social enterprise, is a training program and manufacturer focusing on women’s empowerment and integration. WMT provides a safe, multicultural environment that empowers women through the development of sewing skills, social integration, and psychosocial support. This program provides earned income and integration opportunities for women who may never have held a job in the past.

Driving Opportunity is a one-of-a-kind program specifically designed for adult refugee and immigrant women to learn how to drive in their new country. The curriculum was created using Colorado driving regulations and was structured to serve English language learners. Participants do not need to speak English to enroll. Classes will be provided by trained female instructors who speak the same language as their students and will use translated teaching materials. This innovative approach eliminates barriers for refugee and immigrant women working towards greater independence and mobility. Throughout the course, students will receive a combination of classroom and in-car instruction in preparation of obtaining their driver’s license, learning about important topics such as passenger safety, traffic rules and regulations, and defensive driving skills.

Ready for American Opportunity (RAH) : Ready for American Hospitality is a collaborative training program between the University of Denver (DU) and ACC.
Refugee students are paired with students from DU’s Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality management (Knoebel) Human Capital Management course. The DU students and refugee students establish a mentor/protégé relationship as they meet twice per week. RAH protégés gain knowledge, skills, and experience working in the food service industry while gaining a better understanding of work culture and expectations in the U.S. This ultimately leads to employment opportunities and additional nurturing throughout the integration process.