Africans Family and Community Outreach

WE ARE AN ORATORY Disciples of All Nations Community and Oratory is a member of the Anglican Union for the Propagation of the Gospel (AUPG), an Anglican mission Society established in the United States in 2018, with members around the world. The Anglican Faith is one of the oldest expressions of the Christian faith ranking as the third-largest Christian tradition in the world, found in over 165 countries. Anglican Faith is sometimes referred to as the “middle way” between the Catholic and the Protestant Faith. One of the most important understandings about Anglican practice and belief is the value of Scripture, Tradition and Reason. Our foundations are in the Word of God in the Bible and in the Book of Common Prayer, which is first and foremost a call to be a people of prayer. Oratory traditionally meant a place of prayer; oratory has also been known as a movement in the Christian Church and Tradition for centuries, with a strong emphasis on prayer life, spiritual formation and discipleship For more on Oratory, please visit: http://theanglicanunion.org/what-is-the-tradition-of-an-anglican-oratory/ We believe that prayer is first and foremost an essential part of the life and ministry of any Christian individual and group. As Disciples of All Nations Community, we are a place or house of prayer for all God’s children and for all who seek to know Him. Through prayer, the Gospel unity, the individual gifting and calling of Community members (Charism) and the bond of Common Rule of Life, we are a member of the body of Anglican Union Oratories. Our commitment to a life of prayer and to the gospel mandate us as a Community and as individuals to bring the gospel to all people, all nations and cultures with the spirit of the evangelist, the prayerfulness of a mystic, the mercy of the Good Samaritan and the humility of a servant. Anglican Union, Who we are: http://theanglicanunion.org/what-is-the-tradition-of-an-anglican-oratory/

AFCO provides immigrants the benefit of a support system they identify with when they first arrive and begin the process of resettlement or community integration in the U.S.A. What We Do Many African refugee families, individuals and immigrants do not have the benefit of a support system they identify with when they first arrive and begin the process of resettlement or Community integration in the U.S.A. Here in Orlando, Central Florida, where we have conducted a brief inquiry, a significant African population clearly express willingness to join hands with the larger local Community and provide an effective support to these families and individuals. Many local leaders and very caring citizens, Africans, and non-Africans, among them older generations of refugee families, wrestled for years with this socio-cultural and economic impasse affecting many African refugees and immigrants. With their inspiration and support, AFCO was born as an organization that effectively assist these families and individuals in their efforts to successfully integrate the local Community life. What We Do Many African refugee families, individuals and immigrants do not have the benefit of a support system they identify with when they first arrive and begin the process of resettlement or community integration in the U.S.A. Many local leaders and very caring citizens, Africans, and non-Africans, among them older generations of refugee families, wrestled for years with how to address this crucial need. With their inspiration and support, AFCO was born as an organization that supports African refugee and other African immigrant families in their efforts to successfully integrate a local Community life. With their inspiration and support, AFCO was born as an organization that effectively assist these families and individuals in their efforts to successfully integrate the local Community life. AFCO is all about providing cultural orientation and a long term support at all possible levels to these families and individuals who come to our Central Florida Community for a better life. Through a sustained and diversified partnership with local Churches, organizations, State and federal government agencies, local leaders and businesses, Africans Family and Community Outreach (AFCO) serves families and the local Community as a unique culture broker. Respect, Honesty, and confidentiality are our best policies. Authentic Love, Compassion and simplicity are our strength.

African Family and Community Outreach is a non-profit based in Orlando and Central Florida that connects African refugees, families and individuals to a support system. AFCO provides cultural orientation, communal integration and long term support on multiple levels. Our Mission Statement: To help African families and individuals maximize their chances of living well, achieving greater goals, and making a difference. About Us ABOUT U S WHO WE ARE WHAT WE DO Learn more about us as a support system for African refugees and immigrant families in Central Florida Home: Community Market Place Community Marketplace We value Partnership and Resources Our Programs Read More Our Events Read More Our Partners Read More Want to Help? Read More Thank You For Visiting Us! Join us: We cherish partnership, working together and diversify our service; we all can serve and serve together. We have a place for you at the table of serving families and individuals in need. Support us financially: A loving leader once said, “money is the muscle…”, the muscle of many services we provide to those in need. Your financial support we pray for. Your support at any sincere and practical level is welcome. Pray for us: When you sincerely pray for us or prayerfully think of us and wish us well, God meets all of our needs for all the services we provide to the families. Prayers make and lead the way. Physical Address: C/O Summit Church 735 Herndon Ave. Orlando, Fl. 32803 Mailing Address: 3208-C E. Colonial Dr. # 459 Orlando, Florida 32803 africansfcoutreach@gmail.com 407-369-0150 Contact Us Submit Thanks for submitting! Contact Us (Main Page)

See our upcoming events and learn more about how AFCO is helping African refugees in Central Florida What We Do Many African refugee families, individuals and immigrants do not have the benefit of a support system they identify with when they first arrive and begin the process of resettlement or Community integration in the U.S.A. Here in Orlando, Central Florida, where we have conducted a brief inquiry, a significant African population clearly express willingness to join hands with the larger local Community and provide an effective support to these families and individuals. Many local leaders and very caring citizens, Africans, and non-Africans, among them older generations of refugee families, wrestled for years with this socio-cultural and economic impasse affecting many African refugees and immigrants. With their inspiration and support, AFCO was born as an organization that effectively assist these families and individuals in their efforts to successfully integrate the local Community life. News

We are a response to the crucial and growing need for a stronger support system for African refugees in Central Florida, Africans Family and Community Outreach, Inc. (AFCO) has come to be known as the Organization whose services to the families and individuals are centered on cultural orientation, advocacy and Community building. WHO WE ARE Born on May 30th, 2013 as a response to the crucial and growing need for a stronger support system for African refugee families and other African families as well as individuals in Central Florida , Africans Family and Community Outreach, Inc. (AFCO) has come to be known as the Organization whose services to the families and individuals are centered on cultural orientation, advocacy and Community building. African refugee and immigrants throughout the world, in U.S.A. and particularly in Central Florida, reached a significant number in the past 20 years; this number was expected to double or even triple in the next 5 to 10 years. Local governments and agency resettlement programs are the main service providers and do what they can within their power and limit. Difficulties and challenges in cultural orientation, spiritual, emotional and social support these families and individuals face during their first two to three years of resettlement in Central Florida have persisted and remained quite challenging . The lack Most African immigrants, refugees in particular come to the USA from very traumatizing situations of war and poverty. The lack of a smooth cultural orientation and mentorship during their first three years in their country of resettlement easily act as a setback to fear, disorientation, isolation, marginalization, discouragement, disillusion, anger, more traumas, and a disequilibrium that can have long lasting effects in their lives . Cases of health problems, domestic violence, and other forms of domestic abuses and scarcity of jobs are frequent among them. The vulnerability, ignorance and great challenges that come with being a refugee, an immigrant and a stranger present great challenge to all of us and call for a sustained support for this group of people. AFCO was born as a community outreach that provides advocacy, educational and cultural support. As an organization and Community we believe in the famous Ro man expression “Nothing about Us without Us.” President Nelson Mandela echoed these words by saying, “What is done for us, without us, is against us”. Encouraging, inviting, and allowing different members of the local Community to get involved in matters that concern them is a fundamental path to justice and peace that has been undermined for centuries. Today, this path is more than an imperative for the attainment of Peaceful family and Community life as we engage African refugees and immigrants, not just as service beneficiaries, but also as Community service partners. “Whether the world seems a pleasant or a hostile place is largely the result of the cumulative impression of seemingly insignificant daily encounters.” Sincerely, our Board of directors and Leadership Teammembers, Gloire Simenya Ibrahim Shabani Yves Bouele Bernie "Niki" Wilkerson Gabriel Ipasu of a sustained emotional support, cultural orientation and mentorship, effective learning of English, access to healthcare and education for themselves and for their children are the main causes of serious instability and dysfunctional life among them.

MORE ON AFCO There have been a significant number of African refugee families that have been resettled throughout the United States and the World. These families face difficulties and challenges in cultural orientation. As families and as individuals they require substantial social and emotional support during their first two to three years of resettlement in Central Florida. We concentrate on the most challenging aspects of the community and cultural integration. African refugees come to the USA from very traumatizing situations of war and poverty. The lack of a smooth cultural orientation and mentorship during their first years in their country of resettlement often leads to fear, disorientation, isolation, marginalization, discouragement, disillusion, and anger. The additional trauma can have long lasting negative impacts in their lives, resulting in mental and physical health problems. AFCO mission is to help African families and individuals maximize their chances of living well, achieving greater goals and making a difference. Respect, Honesty and confidentiality is our best policy. Authentic Love, Compassion and simplicity is our strength. AFCO provides cultural orientation and Community-based support to these families and individuals through a variety of programs and services such as Community events, age group programs, home visits on emotional needs, spiritual support, education, health, immigration, employment and housing, etc. AFCO serves these families and individuals as a support system they identify well with in all aspects of their lives, particularly emotional, social, economic and spiritual. With the help of the larger Community of Central Florida, we build a Community life around these families and Individuals where they are meaningfully connected and positioned to also serve others. We all believe in serving and building together; we believe in “Nothing about Us without Us”, echoing president Nelson Mandela who once said, “What is done for us, without us, is against us”. Family stability and Community peace building are what AFCO is all about. More questions? Contact Us

Our Services Describe one of your services Service Name Read More Describe one of your services Service Name Read More Describe one of your services Service Name Read More Describe one of your services Service Name Read More What We Do Our Programs For Everyone For Youth Girls Mentorship Program: we bring girls together for fellowship and public speaking training Summer Soccer Program: over the summer we provide a way for families to have fun, exercise and build relationships by hosting weekly soccer scrimmages Back to School Supplies Drive: we provide school supplies and throw a party College Application Advising: we help students apply for college Youth Crime prevention and good citizenship: through education and various Community programs, we support parents’ efforts to raise their children as successful and good citizens of the land. Financial education: we help them learn to be good stewards of their money through budgeting, good spending, and good saving practices. Desserts 10 Pie Recipes to Try This Fall Make this yours. Click here to edit the text and include any relevant information. Read More Mains A Pasta Hack That Will Transport You to Rome Make this yours. Click here to edit the text and include any relevant information. Read More Drinks The Health Benefits of Drinking Tea Daily Make this yours. Click here to edit the text and include any relevant information. Read More Healthy Creative Salad Ideas for the Veggie Lover Make this yours. Click here to edit the text and include any relevant information. Read More Cultural Orientation: we provide initial and ongoing guidance and support to African refugee and immigrant families for a better understanding of and adjustment to the Building Community around Family: we create a community environment and warmth around them as foundational to the economy of their stability and success. Emotional and Spiritual support: we provide home visits, other forms of visits and connections to various resources that address their emotional and spiritual needs. Local Resources: Networking and connecting them with local resources such as immigration, legal and healthcare services, and others. Education and Learning English: we provide a variety of support to their learning of English as a second, third or fourth language and to their education efforts for themselves and for their children. Housing: we help them secure good housing and pursue becoming homeowners. Employment: we help them secure employment, value work and explore new ways to better their employment experience. Financial education: we help them learn to be good stewards of their money through budgeting, good spending, and good saving practices. Group programs and Activities: we organize activities and programs that are educationally and culturally oriented for the purpose of Community building and resource sharing. Cross-cultural Advocacy between Africa and America: we invest in different efforts that promote cultural and cross-cultural awareness and appreciation among them. Now What? Contact Us Your part: If you would like more information, would like to participate or know someone who would like to participate.

Africans Family and Community Outreach (AFCO) partners with a wide network of local Orlando and Central Florida organizations to better support refugees Our Partners Summit Church Summit Church has been a vibrant partner and friend in the outreach for close to 10 yrs. Provides financial, professional, and logistic resources; the number one destination for space for our community events; we call it home of AFCO. Christ the King a very faithful local Community in Northside that unwaveringly believes in AFCO work; a resilient financial support. The Community Chaplain a very loving local partner on the ground supporting AFCO families with pastoral, spiritual and logistics resources. Resurrection Church a very faithful and enduring Community of Faith that supports and expands the work of AFCO New Covenant Church a home Church full of amazing friends and sponsors; a unique backbone for financial support, donations, logistics, volunteers, etc. St. John Lutheran a unique partner in Refugee Outreach, St. John has and continues to partner with AFCO in the line of Community events and space for meetings. Cru Inner City Orlando a city ministry of CRU whose partnership enriches and connects AFCO beyond; provides spiritual and social support, school supplies, financial resources, etc. H2O Church a local caring Church and Faith Community AFCO recently connected; provides space for events, volunteers, and Community connections. Catholic Charities a giant Community service provider and partner in refugee services; helps AFCO secure a variety of resources for African family refugees; food donations, logistics, etc. number one destination for space for our community events; we call it home of AFCO. Lutheran Services a long-time friend and partner of AFCO in refugee services; supports with logistics and diverse resources for African refugees. Bethany Christian Services a new partner in town for refugee services, Bethany has been a very close partner resettling and serving African refugees; provides logistics and community connections. Islamic Center of Orlando Services to refugee and immigrant families quickly connected AFCO with this amazing Faith Center; helps with local Community resources and diverse donations, etc. Department for Children and Families the government leading agency in refugee services AFCO has been partnering with since day one; helps with guidance, policies, information resources, networking, and connections. City of Orlando with the great city of Orlando, AFCO works for a welcoming space for African refugees and immigrants; supports with space for events, community resources, logistics, etc. Orange County a home to many African refugee and immigrant families; AFCO partners with the county in networking for support and critical resources for African families. Avalon Church an amazing Community and resource partner in Eastside; helps with financial support, household donations and storage, volunteers, etc. Global Teams a well-established international ministry agency AFCO partners with on many fronts, especially in the African refugee outreach; fundraising, leadership and administration support. Disciples of All Nations An oratory that has helped our founding and continues to provide resources, logistical guidance, and connections.

What We Do Our Programs For Everyone Cultural Orientation: we provide initial and ongoing guidance and support to African refugee and immigrant families for a better understanding of and adjustment to the Building Community around Family: we create a community environment and warmth around them as foundational to the economy of their stability and success. Emotional and Spiritual support: we provide home visits, other forms of visits and connections to various resources that address their emotional and spiritual needs. Local Resources: Networking and connecting them with local resources such as immigration, legal and healthcare services, and others. Education and Learning English: we provide a variety of support to their learning of English as a second, third or fourth language and to their education efforts for themselves and for their children. Housing: we help them secure good housing and pursue becoming homeowners. Employment: we help them secure employment, value work and explore new ways to better their employment experience. Financial education: we help them learn to be good stewards of their money through budgeting, good spending, and good saving practices. Group programs and Activities: we organize activities and programs that are educationally and culturally oriented for the purpose of Community building and resource sharing. Cross-cultural Advocacy between Africa and America: we invest in different efforts that promote cultural and cross-cultural awareness and appreciation among them. For Youth Girls Mentorship Program: we bring girls together for fellowship and public speaking training Summer Soccer Program: over the summer we provide a way for families to have fun, exercise and build relationships by hosting weekly soccer scrimmages Back to School Supplies Drive: we provide school supplies and throw a party College Application Advising: we help students apply for college Youth Crime prevention and good citizenship: through education and various Community programs, we support parents’ efforts to raise their children as successful and good citizens of the land. Financial education: we help them learn to be good stewards of their money through budgeting, good spending, and good saving practices. Now What? Contact Us Your part: If you would like more information, would like to participate or know someone who would like to participate.

AFCO provides numerous programs and individual assistance for African refugees entering or residing in Central Florida. We help with housing, employment, finances, social exposure, and more. What We Do Our Programs For Everyone Cultural Orientation we provide initial and ongoing support to African refugee and immigrant families at different levels of their lives for a successful integration into the local community. Building Community around Family We create a community environment and warmth around them as foundational to the economy of their stability and success. Emotional and Spiritual Support We provide home visits, other forms of visits and connections to various resources that address their emotional and spiritual needs. Local Resources Networking and connecting them with local resources such as immigration, legal and healthcare services, and others. Education and English Learning We provide a variety of support to their learning of English as a second, third or fourth language and to their education efforts for themselves and for their children. Housing We help them secure good housing and pursue becoming homeowners. Employment We help them secure employment, value work and explore new ways to better their employment experience like transportation. Financial Education we help them learn to be good stewards of their money through budgeting, good spending, and good saving practices. Group Activities and Programs We organize activities and programs that are educationally and culturally oriented for the purpose of Community building and resource sharing. Show More For Youth Girls Mentorship we bring girls together for fellowship and coaching in life and leadership skills Boys Mentorship we bring boys together for fellowship and coaching in life and leadership skills Summer Soccer Program over the summer we provide a way for families to have fun, exercise and build relationships by hosting weekly soccer scrimmages Back to School Supplies Drive We provide school supplies and throw a party every fall. College Application Advising We help students apply for college Youth Crime Prevention and Good Citizenship Through education and various Community programs, we support parents’ efforts to raise their children as successful and good citizens of the land. Financial Education We help them learn to be good stewards of their money through budgeting, good spending, and good saving practices. Now What? Your part: If you would like more information, would like to participate or know someone who would like to participate. Contact Us

LOCAL LEADERSHIP Lead Pastor: The Reverend Gabriel Ipasu The Ipasu Family

Help us impact the community, and ask us about our programs. Give We believe in giving as the foundation of serving; we all give and do it differently. Thank you very much for GIVING. To give financially, please click the ‘Donate’ button to securely give. Thank you and may God richly bless you and your family! Donate Donate Physical Address: C/O Summit Church 735 Herndon Ave. Orlando, Fl. 32803 Mailing Address: 3208-C E. Colonial Dr. # 459 Orlando, Florida 32803 africansfcoutreach@gmail.com 407-369-0150 Contact Us Submit Thanks for submitting!