From the ED’s Desk:

In retrospect, I have always served marginalized groups, so (I guess) this is my purpose – transform lives – restore hope – build strong communities. I aroused my humble neighborhood in Bushrod Island, Monrovia, Liberia when at ten years old I discovered a nonprofit, went from door-to-door, and raised $25.00 for its mission. From a heart of compassion to profession, I have believed that there is always something one can do to contribute to the wellbeing of others, resulting in improved living standards.

Dynamics of this legacy: I observed troubling patterns of once highly engaged immigrant women in the adult education industry – emotional distress, declining academic performance and behavioral changes. This raised an alarm and I was determined to get to the root cause(s). My own immigration experience was without incident, so I was astonished to discover systematized domestic abuse within the immigrant communities. These women (and men, children, parents, grandparents) were silently enduring consistent violence, trauma, and exploitation in their own homes! These victims needed intervention and thus, ACISS, Inc.’s conception. Any victim (regardless of age, sex, and nationality) was eligible for help if we had the resources for effectiveness. This required hours of training and efficiently mobilizing minimum resources. This clientele segment (domestic abuse) represents more than six percent of intake and twelve percent of adjudicated cases. Using hours of research, advocacy, and therapy it has been quite an experience for resilience as client after client has gotten his/her life back and continue to thrive (please refer to “our stories” for a greater appreciation of what we do and the success we experience).

I am asking you – from my circles and our communities – to join ACISS, Inc. to ensure that immigrants benefit from ethical services and receive credible legal help at affordable rates. We have an incredibly dedicated staff (please refer to “our stories” for a greater appreciation of what we do and the success we experience) – who serve more than their compensated hours. You can become a “Monthly Champion” giving as little as $35.00 monthly, with a one-year commitment; a “Community Partner” with a one-time donation of $500.00 and increments thereof; or a “Leadership Donor” giving a substantial gift toward our $170,000.00 budget that will allow us to continue to provide pro bono services, extremely moderate pricing; reproduce our tested culturally sensitive group therapy program in targeted communities; launch our much-needed legal training program and community workshops; and commence the proposals for our responsible citizenship and youth athletic programs.

Be convinced – read our stories! Join a community endeavor that will make you proud. We promise you transparency and accountability. You will receive an annual statement of your contributions for tax purposes. Continue the legacy!