About Us

The Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) has been serving the community for over 35 years, and is proud to be one of the nation’s premier Arab American organizations.  Started by a group of volunteers in 1971 out of a storefront in Dearborn’s impoverished south end, ACCESS was created to assist the Arab immigrant population adapt to life in America.
In 2008, ACCESS was honored by the Kellogg Foundation for outstanding commitment to the communities through our efforts to breakdown barriers of communication and cultural differences.	Now, with seven locations and over 90 programs, ACCESS offers a plethora of services to a diverse population, regardless of ethnicity.  It is ACCESS’ mission to provide economic and social services to Arab immigrants, Arab Americans, and non-Arabs alike.
We advocate for equality, justice, and opportunity, and strive to break down the barriers of linguistic and cultural differences.  To accomplish this task, each department within ACCESS is structured to address the community’s specific demands and issues. ACCESS’ six service-oriented departments and dozens of programs each work to achieve this mission in a distinct way.   We are proud to serve our community on all levels—from assisting individuals in finding jobs at our Employment & Training Department and helping immigrants adjust to life in our Social Services Department; to helping families with medical illnesses at our Community Health & Research Center and building a better future by helping our youth through our Youth & Education Department.  The services ACCESS provides have reached beyond the local level, and ACCESS has become a truly national organization.  Through initiatives like the Arab American National Museum (AANM) and the National Network of Arab-American Communities (NNAAC), ACCESS serves all Americans.  To learn more about us, read our history.  ACCESS strength rests with the strength of our community - both individually and collectively.  We are only able to aid those in need, advocate for fair treatment, and celebrate our cultures with the generosity of our supporters.  Find out more about how you can help us change lives today, and build a legacy for tomorrow.