ACCESS has a history of empowering community members and particularly those encountering economic and social barriers. For example, it’s made significant strides in providing community education and direct aid to those who are most affected by domestic violence. In 2024, the nonprofit allocated 16,958 services to survivors; over 200 instances of financial assistance for food, utility, and rental assistance; and relocation assistance to 75 families.
Many of ACCESS’s domestic violence program’s current grants focus on transitional housing, counseling, and support groups. But not as much grant funding goes toward addressing survivors’ urgent basic needs.
Each year, ACCESS hosts a fundraiser to raise awareness about domestic violence and to raise funds for much-needed support for those affected by domestic violence. Funds allow the organization to administer direct, trauma-informed care to help people leave dire situations, access instant transportation and private housing, and receive financial assistance for utilities, furniture, clothing and even car repairs.
This year, there were over 300 people in attendance at the 16th Annual Domestic Fundraiser. Businesses and community members donated a total of more than 80 gift baskets and items. Together, they raised $75,000.
On Wednesday, June 11th, ACCESS hosted its 16th Annual Domestic Violence Fundraiser for domestic violence survivors. The event began at 11:00 a.m. in the Byblos Banquet Center. Guests helped themselves to fruit, Adeni Chai, and other delicious snacks, browsed vendor booths, and collected tickets for a chance to win raffle prizes various businesses and individuals donated to the event.
Breakfast was followed by a spirited raffle. Raffles items included baskets brimming with goodies like VISIA skin analysis, a Turkish coffee set, art by Mona Hijazi and Hassan Bazzi, lunch with Mayor Hammoud, wellness packages, a Palestine jacket, a Shinola watch, and Jabal and Qahwah House coffee to name a few. Higher ticket items included a Whirlpool refrigerator and stove and a KitchenAid espresso machine.
Possibly one of the most moving parts of the event was the testimonial video the ACCESS team shared with attendees. The woman, whose identity was disguised, recalls losing connection with her family and friends during a life-threatening domestic violence situation. Unsure of who to turn to, she confided in a coworker who connected her to ACCESS. Through ACCESS she started receiving therapy, which helped her to decide to leave her abusive situation.
Not only did this woman leave, but she’s now thriving and living a better life.
“I know how to be happy by myself. I know how to walk without crying or overthinking. I’m just happy these days…” she said. “And my daughter is having a better future because her mom is stable in every way because of this program.”
For more than 54 years, ACCESS has been committed to uplifting and empowering communities. The response to these efforts has been inspiring—women community members have especially risen in strength and leadership.
“We know that women are the backbone of our communities, the nurturers, the caregivers, the protectors, and the changemakers,” said ACCESS COO Lina Harajli. “And when women are safe, supported, and free from harm, that foundation of every family, every neighborhood, and every generation to come is strengthened.”
While ACCESS’ annual domestic violence fundraiser has traditionally been held as a dinner, this year’s event was a women-only brunch, to allow for more intimate support for survivors. Survivors often feel alone, silently internalizing the shame of being judged and fear of punishment. Having this secure atmosphere can make a difference in survivors coming forward.
“A lot of times, someone will call me and say, ‘My neighbor is having some issues at home; I've encouraged her to come to the fundraiser,’ And I respond, ‘Oh, my God, absolutely, that's exactly what this event is for,” said Mona Makki, Director of ACCESS Community Health and Research Center. “I can tell you that our survivors who attend feel empowered seeing people come for this event. And seeing survivors rebuild their lives is something that we couldn't be prouder of at ACCESS.”
As someone who has witnessed the evolution of domestic violence education in real time, Makki is encouraged by the community's current knowledge and engagement. Once upon a time, domestic violence was seen as a private matter.
“Community steps in now. You would never have seen this 10 years ago,” she said. “But throughout the years, they’ve recognized the signs of domestic violence, noticing if something is not right, speaking up, and trying to connect survivors with resources.”
Part of the community education ACCESS focuses on the most is prevention. Practitioners strive to get into the situation early and really work with parents and schools to define healthy relationships.
“Domestic violence is not okay and breaking that cycle has become a critical part of our work,” Makki said. “The only way we can do that is through community-wide education, focusing on the parenting side and working with the children.”
Makki, a domestic violence survivor and ACCESS success story herself, touches on the lasting harmful impact on children who grow up in an abusive household. Early prevention work with families can help lessen the severity of impact.
“The sooner survivors reach out to get help, the sooner we can start that healing process for the whole family,” Makki said.
Makki described a recent situation involving a woman and her kids trapped in a locked basement. The children’s school staff got involved, driving by the home and noticing the cameras outside. They worked with local police to remove the family from the basement.
Some jurisdictions implement co-response teams where law enforcement officers respond alongside trained advocates. The advocates provide emotional support, explain options, and administer safety planning. If an advocate can’t be present, officers refer survivors to ACCESS. The Dearborn Police has formalized referral systems to ensure that survivors are contacted by ACCESS within 24–48 hours after a police report is filed.
Police officers who work in collaboration with ACCESS staff receive specialized training on how to respond to domestic violence calls. Officers are trained to recognize the neurological, emotional, and behavioral impacts of trauma, such as why a survivor might seem “uncooperative” or return to the abuser. Training also includes understanding cultural, linguistic, and religious factors that affect a survivor’s willingness to report or engage with the system.
Advocates also often assist survivors during protection order processes, notifying ACCESS of upcoming legal proceedings.
Makki touched on the importance of holistic assistance for families, pointing to a success story in which a child received guidance from ACCESS over several years. At 17 years old, he spoke at a community event about how much the program helped him and his family.
“That room had police officers, judges, school administration—the whole community,” Makki recalled. “They all kind of adopted this kid. They took him to football games and spent time with him. And guess what he went on to do? He graduated from medical school. That's amazing. If we can create that level of support, more kids will come out of this on the other side.”
Makki, who oversees 70 different programs at ACCESS, holds the domestic violence work closest to her heart.
“You often see something that just makes your heart full,” Makki said. “Seeing women who could never drive, drive. Women who didn't speak English, not only speak English but become enrolled in college classes. Women who never had a job are out there working and supporting their families and part of a community. It really is a beautiful thing to see.”
It’s encouraging to see a community evolve over time to address its people’s needs. While policing has come a long way, so has the faith community. In the past, for example, if you were an Arab American and you went to a faith leader with your domestic violence situation, you might be turned away. Now, many of these leaders recognize that domestic violence is wrong and will intervene and divorce a couple if the behavior continues.
ACCESS’s Survivors of Violence Empowerment Program is a success story that other communities can look to when creating their own domestic violence support teams and programs. Currently, ACCESS staff has been talking with Hamtramck leadership about the topic. Every family is different and should be addressed accordingly, but there are enough case studies and success stories in the Dearborn community that can be fostered in others, Makki says.
Domestic violence isn’t straightforward, and ending it isn’t something that happens overnight.
“It doesn't end with a single call or one act of bravery,” Makki said. “It ends when we all commit relentlessly to dismantling the systems and silences that allow it to persist. It ends when we ensure that every survivor has access to safety, justice, healing, and the resources needed to rebuild. It ends when prevention is not just the hope, but a habit embedded in our homes, schools, workplaces, and laws.”
