AALV Services for Africans
Services are provided to all members of the African community regardless of national or ethnic background. Client information is strictly confidential and is not shared with any third party without the permission of the client. AALV staff are multi-lingual. When our staff cannot speak a particular language, we use interpreters.
What we do
The AALV provides:
- Referral case management – We help individuals and families that are in need of help connect with the services that are available to them: in housing, in employment, in health, and in child services
- Home visit information for New Africans – We help Africans learn about subjects and events that will help their transitions in Vermont: For example, the dangers of substance and tobacco use, how to apply for the Green Card, how to build good credit.
- Neighborhood African Women’s Groups – African women from three public housing complexes gather to sew, knit, and crochet, while discussing various integration subjects. Three groups meet eight times per week.
- African Men’s Breakfasts – African men meet on Saturday mornings to enjoy a meal, conversation, and discussion about important transitional subjects – from healthy parenting to the dangers of domestic violence.
- Workforce Development – Two collaborative grants have started: 1) combining ESL with welding skills training and 2) fostering micro-agriculture ventures. Project partners include: the Intervale Center, the Advanced Welding Institute, the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program, and the State of Vermont.
- Leadership Development and Advocacy – Vermont’s Africans have a say in local decision making. The Association, in partnership with Mosaica, offers leadership development training to African community members. The AALV also advocates for equal access to public services, progressive workforce participation, and access to affordable childcare.
- Interpreter Services – AALVInterpret offers skilled language interpreters to medical providers, social services, and industry at affordable rates. AALVInterpret prides itself in offering meaningful compensation to its interpreters.
- Health Promotion – Using a successful ‘promotoras’ model of preventative health education, the Association in partnership with the American Cancer Society is educating African women about breast cancer and making referrals for mammograms.
- Radio Africa – The AALV hosts a weekly radio show, which includes service provider interviews, an African cultural profile, an events calendar, and loads of music from all across the African continent. Review the show’s webpage here.
- Cross-cultural trainings for service providers and the general public
- Cultural preservation and recreation activities, such as musical events, the summer soccer team, cultural celebration days
Are you an African living in Vermont? Would you like assistance? Contact us.