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September 19, 2013

Contact: Mae Yousif-Bashi, 313-842-1935, mbashi@accesscommunity.org

Press event will kick off initiative on September 30

DEARBORN, Mich. – ACCESS is proud to be named one of four groups within the state of Michigan to have recently been awarded a grant by Michigan Health Insurance Marketplace’s Navigator program as part of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. As one of the Navigators, ACCESS staff members will serve as an in-person resource for Michigan residents who would like additional assistance in shopping for and enrolling in affordable health care plans within the Health Insurance Marketplace, which opens on October 1.

ACCESS is hosting a press event at 1 p.m. on Monday, September 30 at the Arab American National Museum (AANM) to kick off this great initiative. Invited guests and possible speakers include Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) and U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.).

The four Michigan grantee organizations will be sharing $2.54 million, nearly $277,000 of which will help ACCESS become a resource to help the community navigate the upcoming changes in healthcare. Nationwide, more than 100 organizations will be receiving such a grant.

“At ACCESS, we know how important it is for families to have coverage for those unexpected illnesses or injuries, yet we still see thousands of uninsured individuals come to our health center every year,” said Dr. Adnan Hammad, senior director of ACCESS Community Health and Research Center and project director for the Navigator program. “By signing up for a plan through the Marketplace, plans are much more affordable for individuals and families, giving them peace of mind if an emergency were to arise. There are some vendors who will be charging for the service we are offering, but we are happy to be helping individuals in the community find the healthcare plan that best fits their needs and enrolling them through the Marketplace at no cost.”

Individuals who aren’t exempt from signing up for health care as part of the Affordable Care Act may face penalty fees each year if they don’t have coverage by March 31, 2014, which is the end of the open enrollment period.

As a Navigator, ACCESS’ trained staff will be on hand to enroll individuals in the Marketplace, as well as answer any questions they may have about the new system. The system will analyze an individual’s personal information and health care needs, and recommend which type of insurance and plan best suits their budget, whether they’re looking for insurance as an individual, a family or a small company.  Participants will be able to compare different policies and choose whichever they prefer without the hassle of shopping around with different insurance companies.

Michigan residents can pre-enroll with ACCESS today to get free Marketplace enrollment assistance and information by visiting www.accesshealthcaremichigan.org, or by calling 1-888-670-6798.

We are excited to hear that Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) have introduced a bill that will help address health concerns in the Middle Eastern/ North African (MENA) community in the United States. If passed, The Health Equity and MENA Community Inclusion Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to recognize the MENA community as a racial and ethnic minority group. Since MENA is not currently recognized by HHS, public health research on the MENA community is limited, creating challenges in identifying and addressing health concerns unique to MENA community members. This bill is being introduced during Arab American Heritage Month and National Minority Health Month, a time dedicated to honoring the contributions of Arab Americans while improving health equity for MENA communities and other minority groups. Read a policy brief on The Health Equity and MENA Community Inclusion Act here.

NNAAC is proud to be working closely with Rep. Tlaib on advancing health equity for the MENA community through this trailblazing legislation.

JOIN THE FIGHT FOR HEALTH EQUITY: 

  • Use this form to sign your organization onto the coalition letter in support of The Health Equity and MENA Community Inclusion Act. Your signature will help urge Members of Congress to cosponsor the legislation in the 117th Congress. 
  • Ask your Representatives to support this bill using the call script outlined in our Advocacy Toolkit. 
  • In our toolkit, you will find other resources including a summary of the HEMCI Act and graphics you can use in social media posts to help amplify the introduction of the bill. 

Additionally, NNAAC is advocating that the Office of Minority Health publishes a minority population profile on Middle Easterners and North Africans, as it does for other racial and ethnic minority groups. These profiles are critical for HHS to understand and address the health needs of these groups. NNAAC and the Center for Arab Narratives (CAN) have developed a population profile of the MENA community using already published literature. We strongly encourage the OMH to reference and build upon this profile.

Read the full MENA population profile here

For questions, contact Adam Beddawi at abeddawi@accesscommunity.org.

Date: 
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 12:00am to 11:45pm
Add to Calendar
Event Type: 
Venue Name: 
TBD
Venue Address: 
Dearborn, MI

Apply For Resilient Entrepreneur Spring Training Program 2024

Complete this form to apply for Resilient Entrepreneur Training with the ACCESS Business Development Team

ACCESS Resilient Entrepreneur Spring 2024 Cohort training for ADVANCED entrepreneurs will be starting in April. We welcome entrepreneurs from Wayne County in the following locals to apply (Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Highland Park, Hamtramck, and Detroit) to join the next in-person cohort. 

If you are looking for ways to help sustain your business and or learn more about the core foundations and systems of business, this course is designed for you. The 7-week class meets for 2 hours per week and offers small groups where you can interact with mentors and peers. Individual coaching is available during  ACCESS Office Hours.

Network with a group of peers from various backgrounds in this highly interactive experience featuring top practitioners as guest lecturers and dedicated mentors who are passionate about facilitating entrepreneurship.

* Please note this is an advanced training focused on sustainability for existing entrepreneurs or small business owners.

Program Delivery
1. Starting April 18th thru May 30th
2. Every Thursday from 1pm to 3pm
3. In-person @ ACCESS Location TBD

Eligibility Requirements
1. Resident or Entrepreneur in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck
2. Able to commit to a 7-week period of training (meeting once a week for 2hrs on Thursday)
3. Have Been in business for at least one year
4. Pay a one-time fee $75( financial assistance available upon request)

Pitch Contest
1. Participants will have a set amount of time to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges on the last day 
2. Pitches will be in various formats such as a presentation, demo, or video
3. Judging criteria will include creativity, viability, market potential, and presentation skills
4. Prizes will be awarded to the winners, such as grant funding, mentorship, or access to resources.

* It's important to note that while a pitch competition can be exciting and rewarding, it's not the only measure of success. The training program will focus on providing participants with valuable skills and knowledge to help you succeed in your entrepreneurial journey. The pitch competition should be viewed as a celebration of what you have accomplished during the program.

 

Apply Here

Date: 
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 12:00am to 11:45pm
Add to Calendar
Event Type: 
Venue Name: 
TBD
Venue Address: 
TBD, MI

ACCESS IGNITE Your Business Spring 2024 Cohort training for entrepreneurs will be starting in April. We welcome entrepreneurs from Wayne County in the following locals to apply (Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Highland Park, and Hamtramck and Detroit) to join the next in-person cohort. 

If you are looking to start your business and or learn more about the core foundations and systems of business, this course is designed for you. The 7-week class meets for 2 hours per week and offers small groups where you can interact with mentors and peers. Individual coaching is available during  ACCESS Office Hours.

Network with a group of peers from various backgrounds in this highly interactive experience featuring top practitioners as guest lecturers and dedicated mentors who are passionate about facilitating entrepreneurship.

Program Delivery
1. Starting April 18th thru May 30th
2. Every Thursday from 10am to 12pm
3. In-person Location TBD

Eligibility Requirements
1. Resident or Entrepreneur in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck
2. Able to commit to a 7-week period of training (meeting once a week for 2hrs on Thursday)
3. Have a scale-able business idea
4. Pay a one-time fee $75( financial assistance available upon request)

Pitch Contest
1. Participants will have a set amount of time to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges on the last day 
2. Pitches will be in various formats such as a presentation, demo, or video
3. Judging criteria will include creativity, viability, market potential, and presentation skills
4. Prizes will be awarded to the winners, such as grant funding, mentorship, or access to resources.

* It's important to note that while a pitch competition can be exciting and rewarding, it's not the only measure of success. The training program will focus on providing participants with valuable skills and knowledge to help you succeed in your entrepreneurial journey. The pitch competition should be viewed as a celebration of what you have accomplished during the program.

Apply Here
 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

August 24, 2021 

  

PRESS CONTACT:  Noor Hindi | nhindi@accesscommunity.org

Statement supporting U.S Representative Debbie Dingell’s Letter Requesting Audit of the Terrorist Screening Database 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – ACCESS commends Congresswoman Debbie Dingell for her action taken to demand accountability and transparency from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the No-Fly List and Selectee List.  

ACCESS D.C. Policy Manager Adam Beddawi gave the following statement: 

“The No-Fly List and Selectee List are remnants of a dark and pernicious period in recent American political history. Over the years, the FBI and DHS placed thousands of Americans, a disproportionate percentage of whom are of MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) origin, on these lists. Many of these placements are erroneous. As Rep. Dingell states, “these errors have a profound impact on affected individuals that continue to this day, subjecting innocent, law-abiding Americans to unnecessary scrutiny and distress.” Additionally, there is reason to suspect that names on these lists are shared with foreign governments and private businesses. To make matters worse, there is no clear and promulgated process for challenging one’s placement on these lists.  

In a matter of months, we will arrive at the 20th anniversary of Congress’ passage of the USA PATRIOT and Homeland Security Acts. These pieces of legislation altered the fundamental relation between Americans and the intelligence community. However, the passage of time and attendant benefit of hindsight invites us to think beyond these old modes of national security. For inspiration, we need not look far. 45 years ago, the United States Senate Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities, otherwise known as the Church Committee, investigated the clandestine surveillance activities of the American intelligence community. Chief among these activities was COINTELPRO (the counterintelligence program), under which the American intelligence community spied on dissident activists on the American Left, including Arab Americans who demonstrated support for the Black freedom struggle, the Palestinian cause, or both. The Church Committee invited Congress to establish clear structures of accountability, transparency, and oversight between the American public and intelligence community.  

We thank Rep. Dingell for her advocacy on this issue. By continuing to hold appointed officials accountable to the public trust, she invites us all to move beyond old and since-discredited modes of national security. 

 

# # # 

  

Facebook: facebook.com/NNAACnetwork 

Twitter:  @NNAAC 

March 25, 2021

CONTACT: Adam Beddawi, ABeddawi@accesscommunity.org

Washington, D.C. – Last week, Congresswomen Pramila Jayapal (WA-7) and Debbie Dingell (MI-12) introduced the Medicare for All Act of 2021. With passage of the American Rescue Plan Act now in our rearview mirror, the National Network of Arab American Communities (NNAAC) welcomes this legislation “to establish an improved Medicare for All national health insurance program.”

The bill was introduced one year to the day from the onset of a pandemic lockdown which revealed in striking clarity the limitations of our current for-profit health-care system. When the pandemic lockdown began, people were cast from their employer-provided health insurance plans, addled by high insurance premiums, and forced to choose between servicing one or another of their vital health needs – many faced all three issues and more. As a community-based organization and service provider, we welcome the expansions to Medicare’s comprehensive benefit provisions, universal coverage of long-term care, and freedom of choice in where to obtain health services.

Our current health system prices health insurance better than it provides health care. The health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic demand that we build a system which works for all Americans, and this bill offers a real alternative.

As a coalition of 27 Arab American community organizations of national, state, and local scope, we commend the Medicare For All Act’s Congressional co-sponsors for moving to introduce this transformative legislation. We look forward to working on next steps alongside the 300 local, state, and national organizations who have endorsed it.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DEARBORN, Mich. – ACCESS extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation for the legendary service of Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI), who announced today that he will not be running for re-election in 2014.

During Dingell’s more than 58 years of service in the U.S. House of Representatives he fought for many issues important to the Arab American community and metro Detroit, advocating for an end to racial profiling after the 9/11 terrrorist attacks, fighting to protect Social Security, health care and labor reform.

“Congressman Dingell has always been a champion in protecting our rights and making sure no matter what background you have, what race you are, what group you are a part of, that you are able to enjoy the same rights as everyone else,” said Hassan Jaber, ACCESS executive director. “Whoever may follow in his footsteps, they have big shoes to fill. John Dingell is a great man and a great leader.”

Rana Abbas, ACCESS’ interim communications director, recalls several times when Dingell was instrumental in protecting racial and ethnic minorities from discrimination.

“Congressman Dingell was someone who would really listen to the concerns you have,” said Abbas. “As a member of the Arab American community, I know we have all felt his presence. We will feel his absence as well.”

On several occasions, Dingell volunteered his time and effort to worthy causes alongside ACCESS staff and volunteers.

“We extend our gratitude to Congressman Dingell and his wife, Debbie Dingell, who as a team have given so many years of service to our community,” Jaber said. “They both are exemplary citizens, public servants and leaders in the community. We want everyone to know how much we continue to value them both.”

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Grounded in the Arab-American tradition of hospitality, ACCESS has a 43-year history of providing social, health, education and legal services in greater Detroit to empower people to lead healthy, informed and productive lives. Today, ACCESS extends that mission to a national platform through advocacy, arts, culture and philanthropy. Visit us online at www.accesscommunity.org.

What is MENA?

“MENA” communities represent all people with Middle Eastern and North African descent. There are currently more than 5 million MENA Americans living all over the U.S., with the largest concentration of MENA populations living in California, Michigan and New York. MENA is a racial/ethnic minority group, but that’s not how we’re recognized by our federal government, who has historically categorized us as “white” on the U.S. census. That means over 5 million people’s unique diverse ethnic backgrounds, traditions, characteristics and needs are being overlooked and underrepresented, which imposes many issues for our communities. Most of all, it strips us from political representation and power along with the resources and funding we need to thrive as communities.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB)’s most recent guidance, which was last updated in 1997, defines “White” people as “a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.” As a result, individuals from the Middle East or North Africa (MENA) must either self-identify as “White” or “Other” on federal documents. Currently, OMB’s statistical policies prevent any federal agency from considering or meeting the needs of the MENA community, leaving them systemically underserved.

The Census Bureau’s own research suggests that 87% of people with Middle Eastern or North African backgrounds would choose to self-identify as MENA over White. 

Why does it matter if MENA is on the census?

Our federal government uses census data to determine how hundreds of billions of federal funding dollars gets spent every year. This includes grants to support states, counties and communities. The money is used to fund schools, hospitals, roads and more than 100 public programs like the ones below:

  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Community mental health services
  • Housing grants
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Small business funding
  • Head Start

Census data is also used to determine political power through apportionment - the process that determines how many seats each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives. And without MENA communities being counted, we lack representation in congress.

What does a MENA category on the census mean for other non-MENA communities?

MENA communities exist all throughout the United States, and when we’re not counting them, they’re not receiving the support needed to benefit their community and thus our nation as a whole.

If MENA communities are not given that support, the communities around them will suffer as well. The health of minority communities impacts the health of the city, county and state they reside in. When communities get the support they need, they’re able to be more productive members of society.

For example, when MENA communities are recognized as a marginalized community, our government will help fill our schools with adequate mental health services. Without that support, schools are left struggling to meet the needs of some of their students, which impacts the way they serve the entire school population.

What is NNAAC doing to change how MENA communities are recognized?

The House Congressional Committee on Oversight and Reform (COR) will invite other members of Congress to co-sign a letter requesting that OMB and the President revise the 1997 federal standards for data collection on race and ethnicity to include a separate category for the MENA community.

The National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC) recommends that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within OMB introduce a notice of a possible rule change in the Federal Register to add a disaggregated “Middle Eastern or North African” data category to Statistical Policy Directive No. 15. Doing so would allow federal demographic data to reflect our nation’s racial and ethnic diversity while creating opportunities to meet the needs of the MENA community.

How else is NNAAC supporting MENA communities?

NNAAC, in partnership with elected officials and ACCESS is taking many steps to support these communities at the federal level. We have helped U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) draft and introduce legislation to modify section 1707 of the Public Health Service Act to require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) to recognize MENA individuals as a racial and ethnic minority group and build equitable and inclusive requirements within OMH programs.

Read more about the progress we’re making to build equity for MENA communities:

Date: 
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 11:00am
Event Type: 
Venue Name: 
Byblos Banquet Center
Venue Address: 
7258 Chase Road
Dearborn, MI 48216

Mark your calendars and get ready to make a difference! We are thrilled to invite you to the highly anticipated 15th Annual Domestic Violence Fundraiser, taking place on October 13th, 2023, at the elegant Byblos Banquet. This empowering women-only event aims to bring together our compassionate community to create lasting change in the lives of survivors of domestic violence in Southeast Michigan. This event promptly begins at 11:30 a.m.

By joining us at the Domestic Violence Fundraiser, you will be making a direct impact on the lives of those who have experienced the trauma of domestic violence, turning struggle into strength. Your presence and contributions will help us continue providing essential services such as counseling, psychiatric support, case management, transitional housing, legal assistance, and much more. Together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate community that empowers survivors and fosters healing.

As the date approaches, stay tuned for our upcoming emails with more details and updates. Get ready to be inspired by the stories of resilience and hope as we come together to support the vital services provided by the Survivors of Violence Empowerment Programs.

We can't wait to share this incredible event with you and witness the positive change we can make together. Join us at the Domestic Violence Fundraiser Luncheon and take action for a brighter, safer future.

 

Get Tickets Here

Download Sponsorship Form here

About Survivors of Violence Empowerment Programs:

The Survivors of Violence Empowerment Programs provide vital services and assistance to those who have experienced the trauma of domestic violence. Serving Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland counties, our programs are designed to help survivors on their journey to mental health recovery and justice. We achieve this through a range of essential services, including counseling, psychiatric support, case management, transitional housing, and legal assistance.

Our primary objectives at SVE are to provide unwavering support to domestic violence survivors across Southeast Michigan. Our goals include responding to the emotional, psychological, or physical needs of domestic violence survivors, empowering and encouraging survivors to improve their health and well-being, assisting survivors in stabilizing their lives after victimization, ensuring survivors understand and can participate in the criminal justice system, and restoring a measure of safety and security for each survivor.

We offer a comprehensive range of services designed to address the unique needs of domestic violence survivors, including individual, family, and group therapy for emotional healing, case management to provide personalized support and assistance, psychiatric services to address mental health concerns, trauma-informed interventions to aid in the recovery process, legal services to guide survivors through legal proceedings, prevention services to raise awareness and promote safety, support groups to foster a sense of community and belonging, advocacy to ensure survivors' rights are protected, employment services to facilitate a fresh start, and transitional housing to provide a safe and supportive environment.

The Survivors of Violence Empowerment Programs are dedicated to helping various survivors of domestic violence, including those who have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse within intimate relationships, child witnesses of domestic violence, survivors of hate crimes related to domestic violence, survivors of domestic violence-related bullying, survivors of domestic violence-related sexual assault, and survivors of other forms of violence within domestic settings.

 

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

Thrive

Bloom

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Date: 
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Event Type: 
Venue Name: 
Qahwah House
Venue Address: 
22000 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48124

September is observed as Suicide Awareness Month, and ACCESS will host a community chat with our case workers from the ASAP Coalition at the Qahwah House at 22000 Michigan Ave. on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Connect with our caseworkers, therapists, and behavioral health specialists for conversations about destigmatizing the need for help along with the services they provide while discussing the importance of suicide awareness. Attendees can also listen to a recovery story and gain useful resources to improve their mental health.

Enjoy a nice cup of coffee and learn more about what services we can provide to help you feel your best!

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