WHO WE ARE

The Ethiopian American Community Association (EACA) is a non-profit, charitable organization committed to serving the cultural, psychological and socio-economic needs of refugees and immigrants in Massachusetts. It can be very difficult for people who have been exiled from their own country. Refugees may often feel trapped between two cultures with different values and lifestyles. This program helps to build bonds of friendship between all people of Ethiopian descent.

EACA also supports other African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin and Eastern European refugee populations who seek its services. Established in 2007, EACA assists in the promotion of personal growth, financial stability, positive family and community relations and community empowerment.

It is important for our children to develop an understanding of their place and identity in the world. We are working to build a strong, tight knit community in Massachusetts. We are all thousands of miles away from Africa and the U.S. is a very different place. We want to provide a place for people to come together as a Community and for children of Ethiopian/African descent to be able to share their feelings, to keep busy, to take part in enjoyable sports and activities and to stay out of trouble. We also want to provide a positive influence for them and to help them develop a sense of pride in our community and carry on the legacy of Ethiopia.  We need to support each other as citizens of the United States.

Volunteers are important to EACA. Ethiopian and American volunteers provide assistance and support in areas ranging from orienting refugees to tutorial assistance; from clerical duties to assisting students with homework and teaching Math, English, Science , Social Studies and Computer classes. If you would like to volunteer, or if you require more information regarding volunteer opportunities with the Ethiopian Community Association, please contact us.

VISION

EACA’s vision is the following:  Young people will stay out of jails and gangs, and will succeed academically.  East African immigrant families will build leadership skills and a strong community network which will undo any cultural and religious divisions that have created an unhealthy environment for their children.   The community as a whole will lead healthy lives, and promote good citizenship.

VALUES:

Our mission and vision are anchored on the following foundational values:

1. Love – Love is what holds a community together. We must love others as we love ourselves.
2. Excellence – We will teach our youth that they must strive for excellence in everything that they do.
3. Integrity – Integrity is the ethical standard that grounds excellence. It is not enough to master a task; the task must be guided by an ethical standard of the highest kind.
4. Respect – Community member, from young people to adults, must respect one another. They must value themselves as precious human beings who must be respected and give respect.
5. Justice

Hagos Wolde, Executive Director

For more than 21 years Hagos Wolde, has worked for a community in support of young people, which values their input, and believes in their ability to create positive social change. In 1989 Hagos became co-founder of the First Ethiopian Orthodox Church In Massachusetts, the Tewahido Debresalem Saint Michael Church in Mattapan Square, Boston. He is also a former vice president and executive community member of the Church. From 1992 till 2005 he was elected to, and served on the Board of Trustees. During this time he ran the Sunday school and was active in fund raising activities.

In 1995 Hagos was a Co-Founder and elected Board member of the Ethiopian Edir Association established for philanthropic purposes pursuivant to the laws of Massachusetts and which provides personal, financial and organizational support to families in times of distress due to  bereavement. In the same year he planned the first Ethiopian Community New Year celebration. In 1997 he was elected as a board member of the Ethiopian Community Volunteer Group who set up Ethiopian Radio Weekend News and worked for the development of many  social and religious activities.

Through his work for the Church and for the Ethiopian American Grass Roots Youth Program which Hagos founded in 2006, he has demonstrated his commitment to advancing the Ethiopian American Community in the Greater Boston Area. Hagos has led the Ethiopian American Community Association since 2007 in response to specific issues facing Ethiopian American and other residents in the Boston and Cambridge areas. He has maintained a commitment to providing long-term, intensive services for youth at-risk and their families. Through this community based approach, Hagos has built a strong partnership with Cambridge City Human Service Programs and the Area 4 Youth Center.