Community Development

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In partnership with many community groups, ACANA participates in programs of social and economic development designed to provide socioeconomic assistance to immigrants, refugees, and asylees. It has also participated in community revitalization, by helping to turn abandoned buildings into successful businesses and organizations.

Community Revitalization

ACANA has collaborated with the Home Depot, Gift In Kind International, and the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania in its efforts in community revitalization. ACANA has carried out several successful projects. ACANA itself is proudly located on Chester Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia, in an area of the city with high poverty and unemployment.  By establishing itself there, ACANA has helped to bring employment, programming, and services to the neighborhood. It has helped turn the area into a growing business district. The Chester Avenue Development Program has help to revitalize abandoned buildings in Southwest Philadelphia, now turned into shops, restaurants, and other small businesses, which were established by refugees.

Financial Assistance

ACANA has worked with local financial institutions to help hundreds of its clients open savings accounts, which allows them to help save money to start a business, further their education, or purchase a house.

Job Training and Counseling

Almost 75% of the Philadelphia metropolitan area’s labor force growth is due to the influx of immigrants since 2000 (Brookings 2008). ACANA provides job training and counseling services to its clients. These include resume building, job searching, job skills, and interview tips.