Grantee Spotlight

The CAAP Grantee Spotlight, updated on a quarterly basis, features the work and accomplishments of an organization CAAP has awarded a grant to. The valuable partnerships with our grantees help to fulfill our vision of improving lives and building vibrant communities.

When a woman was severely beaten by her husband for nearly a year, the Arab Cultural and Community Center (ACCC) in San Francisco, Calif., was there to provide help. In addition to getting the woman out of her violent domestic situation, the ACCC found her temporary housing and is assisting her with finding a job. Dr. Sally Al-Daher, ACCC’s Executive Director, told CAAP staff: “Assisting domestic violence victims touches my heart. We help them with their difficult situations and we help them with the transition.”

The mission of the Arab Cultural and Community Center is to serve both the Arab American and the greater Bay Area community through cultural programs, outreach, and social services. Founded in 1973 as a place for the community to gather and celebrate Arab culture through Arabic language and Dabke classes, the ACCC is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Arab culture through the arts, performance, and education. Their biggest event is the annual Arab Cultural Festival: the largest celebration of Arab heritage in Northern California. Between 4,000 and 6,000 people—both Arab and non-Arab—attend every year to enjoy live music performances, food, traditional clothing, and other cultural attractions from Arab and Arab American culture.

Although the ACCC’s culture program remains its largest initiative, since its founding the organization has significantly expanded to include a health program, a domestic violence prevention program, social services such as legal referrals, and a youth program that includes tutoring, an after-school program, a summer camp, and college prep assistance. Dr. Al-Daher said, “Our youth program is one of our biggest strengths. We take students on tours of college campuses, and help them with college applications and essays.”

The Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) awarded the ACCC in July 2009 with a $5,000 grant as part of CAAP’s 2009 Capacity Building and Operational Support granting round. The funding from CAAP was granted for the ACCC to develop a fund development plan, including building and maintaining individual donors to enable the ACCC to continue expanding their programs.

If you are interested in learning more about the Arab Cultural and Community Center you can visit their website at www.arabculturalcenter.org.

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