Iddir Services

Ethiopian Community and Cultural Center is working hard to establish an Iddir for low and moderate income families in the Bay Area.  We hope to make this service available soon.  To learn more about Iddir and understand the history click here.

                     The ECCC Iddir program was made possible by the generous support of the Christensen Fund.

Case Management Services

ECCC helps hundreds of new immigrants every year. Through our Case Management Service, which is the backbone of newly arriving immigrants/refugees, we advocate and seek support for the newcomers. Our services include welcoming immigrants to their new environment, helping them find safe housing, referring them to medical assistance, enrolling them to schools as well as to federal, state and local assistance programs (social security, food stamps, Medicaid).

Elder Services
Since ECCC’s largest program is Elder Support Services, the agency has extensive experience in providing community-based services to older adults in the Bay Area. Within this program, ECCC currently serves many senior citizens per month with a broad array of services ranging from: medical navigation with physicians and health networks, insurance assistance, transportation, and training for providers. Seniors also participate extensively in ECCC’s annual New Year festival, involving over 80 seniors in production and 1200 seniors in attendance and participation.

ECCC's efforts have led to increased opportunities for older adults to live more independently in numerous ways. A primary example is seniors’ ability to access information and resources from local agencies through translation services. ECCC clients speak any of four languages (Tigregna, Amharic,Oromigna, or Guragegna). Other examples include cultural interpretation (explaining an insurance deadline and consequent repercussions); or assisting understanding of medication instructions and how to communicate to physicians and pharmacists regarding issues like medical side effect concerns.

Housing

Through our many years of services, we have established relationships with government agencies and local landlords to help new comers apply and find housing. Our Office provides housing assistance to our clients, by locating suitable housing, filling appropriate applications, help with moving, establishing utility services, and assist them introduce themselves to their neighbors.

Employment Services

Our agency supports client efforts to become self-sufficient and productive members of the Bay Area community. Understanding that employment is vital to this goal we assist clients with preparing for, locating and keeping a job. We help them to develop the skills and attitude that are key to succeeding in the American workplace. We also help clients access training programs in an effort to increase employment opportunities. In addition, we assist employers in locating and hiring individuals who are skilled, hard working and creative. We have developed successful relationships with employers who recognize that refugees have developed qualities essential to business success: determination, focus and toughness of spirit. Our employer services include screening, referral and follow-up of applicants.

Cultural Adjustment Services

Adjusting to a new home land can be very stressful. The Ethiopian Community and Cultural Center helps the refugees overcome culture shock through cultural adjustment workshops as well as by matching the clients with others who have been in this country longer, so they can help them feel comfortable with their new environment. 

Employment Training Programs

Ethiopian Community Center collaborating with local colleges and adult schools, has provided numerous opportunities to adult immigrants and their families. Many of our clients who had attended workshops offered at the Community Center has gone to community colleges and universities to better themselves and make themselves valuable in the workplace. We encourage immigrants not only from Ethiopia, but from anywhere in the world to come to us so we can asses their needs and direct them to the appropriate school or agency where they can learn and strengthen their English, obtain new skills, and even continue to complete their higher education. Many of the refugee groups arriving in Bay Area arrive with numerous barriers preventing them from finding employment and therefore independence. ECCC in collaboration with local school districts, colleges and vocational schools provides tools for refugees with low levels of English and literacy, helping them become successful through employment and economic stability.

Community Outreach

Our agency works with community based organizations to provide technical assistance to develop the leadership capacity within local ethnic/immigrant populations. Our community outreach also promotes awareness about African in general as well as refugee issues and the challenges faced by newcomers as they move through the resettlement and cultural adjustment process. In addition, our agency engages newcomers and members of the wider community to enhance cross-cultural communication.

Translation/Interpretation Services

ECCC provides referral services to organizations, businesses and individuals who are in need of translation/interpretation services. We have access to the largest community of translators and interpreters who speak the many languages of Ethiopia and Africa.

Computer Training Programs

ECCC holds computer training sessions for our new immigrants in conjunction with local school districts. Immigrants/refugees receive computer training on subjects such as basic computer skills, e-mail and internet, job searching, typing & 10-key as well as English as a Second language. ECCC's computer lab is available to refugees, asylees and immigrants during regular business hours.