How it started

African Community International, Inc., also doing business as the African Center traces its roots to 1995 when a group of African-born professionals joined hands with concerned citizens to address the needs of African-born residents within metropolitan Indianapolis and central Indiana. Officially formed as a nonprofit organization in 2000, the African Center seeks to provide services, programs, and consulting that satisfy the needs of the most vulnerable segments of the African-born community.

African Community International, Inc. is recognized as a public charity described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is also recognized by the Indiana Department of Revenue as a tax-exempt Organization. Financial contributions made to support the attainment of the mission of the organization are tax deductible.

The African Center is the umbrella body for the diverse groups of Africans. As such, it is the sole provider of integrated services and continuous support for Africans in the community. Services at the African Center are culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate.

Mission

The mission of the African Community International Inc.,  is to provide services that support Africans and enhance their active participation and connection in American society and in their homeland.

Vision

The African Community International Inc.,  envisions that vulnerable and underserved Africans in Indiana and other parts of United States will possess the ingredients needed to actively connect and participate effectively in American society; stabilize, develop and reach their dreams and contribute to the development of selves, community and humanity.

Structure

Supported by our generous funders, donors, partners and volunteers, the African Center is managed by a volunteer board and sustained by both Africans and Americans who are living and connected to the variety of the unique stories of the Africans. The Center’s organizational structure is very inclusive. There is a clear recognition of the importance of consumers’ active participation in decision making that directly impact the effectiveness of service delivery. The board is an active board and works diligently to ensure the integrity of the organization and the services its provides. Current organization chart is available, click Chart.

Management

The executive and management staff provide strategic leadership that is result driven and ensures effective service delivery and organizational stability. The position of the chief executive officer requires a minimum qualification of ten years full time management experience and a master’s degree level of education in relevant fields. The executive manages the day-to-day running of the organization with the support of the board of directors and the various committees set up by the board.

Governance

The overall fiscal responsibility of the African Center falls on its board of directors. The board membership follows the Center’s guideline on inclusion and diversity which respects the rights and dignity of all human beings. The governing board is composed of men and women from different professions and different social and cultural backgrounds representing United States and all the five regions of Africa: West, East, Central, North and Southern. For list of current board members and officers of the board, click Board.

Voices from afar...

Supported by our generous funders, donors, partners, and volunteers, the African Center is managed by a volunteer board and sustained by both Africans and Americans who are living and connected to the variety of the unique stories of the Africans. The core of our day-to-day services and programs address critical needs and challenges that impede upon Africans’ abilities to actively participate and share in the full benefits of living within the United States. In combination with our integrated services, the African Center embraces a well-rounded story of what it means to be African in United States.

Thus, to speak of the story of African resettlement in United States is not to speak of just one story but as an “anthology” of voices from different generations and different origins. We invite you to share-in this anthology as it is created and told thousands of miles from where it began.

We envision that vulnerable and underserved Africans in Indiana and other parts of United States will possess the ingredients needed to actively connect and participate effectively in American society; stabilize, develop and reach their dreams and contribute to the development of selves, community and humanity

Shared Promise

The people and families served by the African Center are not just consumers; they are also partners and members of the emerging newcomer community. The organization’s operational philosophy is based ion support and empowerment with the belief that the end result will lead to a shared promise to work together for a dynamic vision of the community’s future and together to secure that future.