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.

ACC’s youth program, East Colfax Youth Center, uncovers the dreams and activates the passions of resettled refugee youth through programs supporting their academic achievement, social development, and leadership skills. Through programs like these and many others, ACC can help newcomers integrate and thrive in their new community.