45 years ago, Asfaha Hadera — an Ethiopian refugee — founded African Services Committee (ASC) in the basement of his apartment in the Bronx. Today, this Harlem-based agency serves thousands of people every year in New York City.

ASC is a multi-service human rights agency dedicated to assisting individuals and families from across the African Diaspora. Programs address the needs of newcomers affected by war, persecution, poverty, and other global health inequities. With our staff representing the community we serve, ASC provides health, housing, legal, social welfare, education, and pantry services to more than 1,200 direct clients and 10,000 outreach contacts each year. Staff representing more than 15 countries and speaking over 20 languages support this diverse and growing community.

Expanding access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment is central to ASC’s mission. The agency is committed to challenging stigma and discrimination at all levels and supporting the individuals, families, and communities most impacted by HIV. Combined with life-saving treatment, this care and support has transformed thousands of lives.

African Services mission

A message from the Founder

“I was forced to risk my life walking from Ethiopia through the Sahara Desert to Sudan. Although memories of that journey remind me of hardship, I became one of the luckiest of the millions of refugees who made their way to the United States through the Refugee Resettlement Program. When I arrived in the United States, the absence of an African community-based organization gave me an opportunity to realize my dream of helping others. Assisting our clients with access to health care, housing, legal status, language classes, nutrition, and social welfare services is rewarding work that brings me immense joy.”

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Asfaha Hadera

 

 

Asfaha Hadera