Creating a "home away from home".
Our Work
Since beginning operations in 2019, the African Center for Community Development Inc. (ACCD) has served as a “home away from home” for African immigrants and refugees connecting them with resources for community integration, family stability, cultural exchange, and economic opportunity and upward mobility. ACCD provides culturally relevant initiatives that foster grassroots community building, create pathways for African immigrants and refugees to thrive, and promote business development for this uniquely underrepresented population in Dane County.
Workforce Development & Support Services
Community Health & Wellness
Culture & Education
Business Development
Mohammed and Mahawa’s Story
Hear how one couple from the community used ACCD services to gain employment shortly after arriving to the U.S.Workforce Development & Support Services
Housing Navigation
ACCD works with clients to find and apply for affordable housing, identify barriers to stable housing, and find resources to overcome those barriers.
Job Search Assistance
ACCD provides comprehensive support to job seekers of all backgrounds and skill levels to pursue their career goals and secure employment.
Women’s Empowerment
Wisconsin Professional African Women Network (WisPAWN) offers monthly gatherings to help women pursue their professional aspirations, build social capital, and contribute meaningfully to their community.
Financial Education
Community Financial Education Workshops help our immigrant neighbors overcome barriers to accessing financial institutions and effectively managing their finances.
Community Health & Wellness
Older Adults Programs
Baobab Senior Circle provides a space to connect with peers, share experiences and cultural knowledge, and enjoy nature-based outings. ElderConnect helps older adults navigate community resources and supportive services.
Bantaba Support Circles
Bantaba provides a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed space for African immigrants to have discussions around issues such as gender equity, healthy masculinity, violence prevention, domestic violence, and healthy communication.
Health Equity
Health Research initiatives nurture the physical, mental, and social well-being of African immigrants and refugees. Community health fairs offer engaging activities and trusted information and resources.Culture & Education
Africa Talks
Africa Talks public community lectures feature a different topic each month on research led by UW-Madison grad students across the African continent ranging from geo-political, environmental, gender, education, and more.
Youth Programs
From the Children’s African Story Hour to the African Summer Youth Program, ACCD provides a nurturing space for underrepresented youth to value themselves, and their identities, and see themselves as positive change catalysts and promoters.Business Development
Immigrant-owned Small Business Assistance Program
ACCD works to ensure small, immigrant-owned businesses can continue to enrich our community by offering culturally tailored business management workshops and one-on-one support so that participants may access the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to build a legal, effective, and thriving business.