OUR WORK

UAO offers a broad range of programs designed to empower and meet the growing needs of the African immigrant and refugee community in Illinois.

To learn more about UAO initiatives and programs, please contact us at 312-949-9980 or email: services@uniteafricans.org

Leadership Development

UAO hosts workshops throughout the year to build on the leadership and organizational capacity of the community. We are only as strong as our community! Read More →

• Diversity Visa Program
• Dignified Refugee Resettlement
• Hair Braider’s Project

Community Research

• African Cab Drivers Health Survey
• African Refugee Policy Brief
• Africans in Illinois

Public Education

• Africans in Chicago – An Oral History project highlights some of the experiences and contributions of African immigrants and refugees in Illinois. Visit Website →
• Annual Chicago African Summit & Community Resource Fair 
• African Advocate eNewsletter
• CAN TV shows
• African Community Resource Guide
• African Voices podcast offers the African community in Illinois an opportunity to have their voices heard. Visit Website →
• African Business Roundtable

Organizing & Building Bridges

African Youth Network – Inspires and promotes positive vision and civic engagement among African immigrant and refugee youth. AYN is a youth-led vehicle for change that raises awareness about their challenges and needs, and promotes youth empowerment. The African Youth Forum held annually in March, creates a platform for dialogue among African immigrant, and native-born African American, and other immigrant groups. 

Citizenship & Civic Engagement

UAO in partnership with the New Americans Initiative offers assistance with applications for U.S. citizenship. We have monthly workshops throughout the year aimed at assistance eligible applicants with their naturalization applications. At these workshops, participants get:

• Free assistance to complete the application for naturalization
• Free legal consultation with an immigration attorney
• Free information on how to apply for application fee waiver
• Free study materials to prepare for the test and interview. Read More →

Immigration Legal Services

UAO offers immigration legal services for individuals and families in the community. To get assistance, call to schedule an appointment today.

UAO also advocates on public policies that support, and strengthens immigrant families.

• DACA Education project
• TVDL Education project
• STOP Deportations – Strengthen Families

Health Education

UAO organizes and advocates to end health disparities; and we promote the well-being and good health of the African community in Illinois.

• Don’t Let Hepatitis B Win project
• Affordable Care Act / In Person Counselor program
• Our Guide to Health
• Nutrition/WIC Education project

Family Support Services

Assists individuals and families gain access to safety-net programs that support personal and family well-being, and economic self-sufficiency including; Medical Assistance (Medicaid/Medicare, AllKids, CareLink)Nutritional Assistance (Link Card, WIC, Food Pantries)Education (Childcare, After-school etc)Disability Benefits, Social Security/Supplemental Income Utility Assistance (LIHEAP), etc. Through interpretation, outreach, education and advocacy, our family support program combats some of the most common barriers African immigrants and refugees face when navigating the American system; Not knowing where to get the information needed, misinformation, inability to communicate in English, and other cultural-specific barriers.

African Language Bank

Through the African Language Bank (ALB), we are able assist individuals in the community with interpretation and translation when needed. We also use the ALB volunteers to help educate the community on issues understanding eligibility, knowing your rights, and staying healthy. For more information about the ALB, or to find interpreters and/or translators, contact us at: 312-949-9980 or email: services@uniteafricans.org

EL/Civics Class