Building a Stronger Community Together

The Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago (herein after referred to as ECAC) is a not-for-profit, non-political, tax-exempt organization committed to serving the educational, cultural, psychological, and socio-economic needs of Ethiopians in Chicago land and the surrounding areas.  ECAC also responds to the needs of other similarly situated groups who might seek its services.  ECAC endeavors to facilitate the overall adjustment, stability, growth and development of its constituency.  ECAC’s mission is charitable and educational.

The mission of the Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago (ECAC) is serving the core needs of
Ethiopians and other refugees and immigrants as well as promoting Ethiopia’s rich culture and values in
Chicagoland and beyond.

The Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago (ECAC) is guided by values of integrity, teamwork, transparency, participation, self-sufficiency, mutual support, impartiality, fairness, and compassion; ECAC observes strict moral and ethical principles in its operations.

1.  Provide resettlement, adjustment, community integration, and other related supportive services to refugees and immigrants with the aim of enhancing their self-sufficiency and well-being.
2. Provide guidance, counseling, and assistance to newly arriving refugees in their resettlement efforts.
3. Promote educational activities and disseminate instructional material.
4. Enhance social and cultural activities through the creation of a common center.
5. Encourage, and when deemed necessary, guide individuals striving to start small businesses.
6. Provide quality of life information as well as referral services on education, employment, health care, and housing.
7. Provide immigration legal services.
8. Facilitate mutual assistance among community members in times of crisis, serious injuries, serious illness, or death