Our Programs & Sevices
Refugee Resettlement
The East African Community is a federally recognized resettlement agency working in partnership with the Ethiopian Community Development Council in Arlington, Virginia. As such, we assist refugees and asylum seekers fleeing oppression and persecution to resume a productive life in their new country. Services include assistance locating housing and household furnishings, transportation and translation for medical, legal, and social services appointments, help obtaining social security numbers, state identification cards, driver’s licenses, and employment.
Health Access and Education
Refugees and asylum seekers often have significant health and mental health concerns resulting from untreated illness and injuries, exposure to war and violence, years in refugee camps, cultural differences and lack of access to health care. Lack of access is largely due to transportation and language barriers. We assist our clients to access needed medical attention through transportation and translation, enroll in health insurance plans, and identify primary health care providers. Health education classes are provided focusing on wellness and prevention.
Employment Support
Employment is key to success and stability for our clients. We assist clients to locate jobs, prepare for the application and interview process, and obtain needed uniforms or licenses. Importantly, we work with employers to increase their willingness to hire and maintain our clients in employment. EACOC also works in partnership with other refugee employment programs and the State Employment Development Department in the county to help our community members learn or upgrade skills needed to compete in the job market.
Youth Guidance
Through our youth development programs, children between the ages of 5 and 18, receive tutoring and homework help to increase their success in school. Lessons about American society and personal goal setting are also offered to help in their transition. Mentors and volunteers provide support for these activities.
Family Support
Our clients face a wide range of challenges as they settle in the United States. Our staff serves as role models, advocates, and counselors helping families adjust emotionally and practically. Family support services range from teaching a family to shop in a supermarket, helping to enroll a child in school, providing emotional support, and connecting clients with existing health, education, and human service resources.
Conflict Resolution and Mediation
Staff assists clients and families with resolving a variety of interpersonal, business, and legal disputes. These may include family conflicts, neighbor or landlord disputes, and legal status issues. We work closely with law enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security when necessary to resolve legal problems.
Cultural Preservation
EACOC sponsors cultural preservation events and activities highlighting cultural traditions including showing respect for elders, maintaining language, marriage and other religious rites, and social responsibilities.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
We are an IRS certified VITA site. Tax preparation services are provided free of charge to our clients. VITA volunteers also file for Earned Income Tax Credit to insure that our low-income families receive this benefit.
