AAFSC was established in June 1994 to provide culturally sensitive services to the Arab immigrant community of New York City. Since then, we have served thousands of Arabic speaking families with individual and family counseling, crisis intervention, domestic violence prevention, parenting education, after-school youth development programs, English as a Second Language and citizenship classes, access to free or low-cost health care, and legal assistance.

In 2001, AAFSC received the prestigious Union Square Award honoring organizations which respond to pressing social issues in New York City. We were honored not only for our services but also for our commitment to eliminating many of the stereotypes Arab-Americans endure.

September 11, 2001 was a tragic day for all New Yorkers. Arab-Americans were as shocked and horrified as the rest of the city, yet what happened to them in the following weeks and months was nearly as shocking. Arab Americans throughout the city became subject to unprovoked discrimination, bigotry and even violence. Through this difficult time, AAFSC remained a strong and effective voice for the Arab community and worked hard to eliminate discrimination—by defending the rights of Arab-Americans and working with other community-based organizations to help people (especially children) move past their bigotry and work together in a spirit of tolerance and understanding.

Today, AAFSC continues working to improve and enhance the quality of services we provide to the Arab immigrant community. We are committed to helping new immigrants acclimate successfully to their newly adopted homeland so they can be full participants in the world around them.

Most recently, AAFSC became the lead community partner of The Khalil Gibran International Academy, a New York City public school that will offer intensive Arabic instruction. We will have an active presence at the school, allowing us to offer all our current programs and services to the students and their families.