About us
African Community Health Institute (ACHI), is a nonprofit organization founded in 2005 to provide appropriate linguistic and cultural sensitive services that promote and enrich the health and well-being of underserved immigrants and refugees.
History
About ACHI
ACHI was founded in response to the increasing number of incoming refugees from Africa—particularly East Africa—with a large percentage being children and young adults. Due to educational and cultural challenges faced by these populations, culturally and linguistically competent support services were urgently needed to support long-term settlement.
As a result, ACHI was established to provide culturally appropriate services to underserved refugee and immigrant communities. Our programs are designed to bridge the gap between service providers and clients by offering:
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Intake orientation and needs assessments
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Health and skill-building educational programs
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Peer-to-peer support systems
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Immigration and citizenship assistance
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Activities for socialization and civic engagement
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Tailored programs for women, youth, and seniors
Whenever appropriate, services are delivered in native African languages and enriched with progressive cultural activities.
Building on years of experience serving immigrant communities, ACHI now focuses on combating community health crises through public health education and community-based interventions.
ACHI is powered by a strong network of dedicated volunteers, enabling us to deliver high-impact services with minimal resources. In recognition of our efforts, FIRST 5 awarded ACHI as the best service-providing agency in 2009.
Mission
The African Community Health Institute (ACHI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating health disparities and improving the overall well-being of African immigrants and refugees in Santa Clara County and beyond. We serve first- and second-generation African immigrants with programs that address critical social, emotional, and physical health needs, delivered in a culturally and linguistically sensitive way.
ACHI creates environments that promote healing, social connection, and opportunity for self-development.
Our services are grounded in public health principles and designed to build trust, reduce stigma, and empower individuals and families using trauma-informed participatory media and communication channels.
With the help of our dedicated volunteers, community leaders, and esteemed partners, we bridge the gaps between service providers and underserved communities, offering education, support, and resources in native languages and through culturally competent and population-specific practices.
Our Core Services:
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Assessment and monitoring of communities' health
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Investigation and response of health hazards
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Mind and body wellness services
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Information and referral networks
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Peer-to-peer support systems
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Mindful living and meaningful aging, seniors' wellness circle
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Language customed civic education and participation platforms
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Immigration assistance and social integration activities
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Communitions and community learning hubs
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Grass roots community engagement initiatives
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Strengthen communities and partnerships
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Building a pathway employment and skilled workforce
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Utilization of legal tools for community empowerment
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Emergency readiness and disaster smart services
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Innovative solutions and evidence-based care services
Vision
ACHI’s vision is to strive and enrich the livelihood of the vulnerable members of the community, including African immigrants and refugees, by addressing issues of community health as well as physical and mental health.
By defining “health” in a holistic manner, ACHI strives to eliminate cultural and linguistic barriers while helping individuals learn new coping mechanisms for healthy and easy settlement to their new social environment.
Values
Mission Driven
Confidentiality
Excellence
Mutual Respect
Inclusiveness and diversity
Founder
Manna Teclemariam, MPH
Founder and President
Manna Teclemariam, MPH in public health, Executive Director/President of ACHI and Public Health Educator, has been working in public health for twenty years. Stress Management Specialist, Leader of the Eritrean Women’s Association and Founder and Program Director for the African Community Health Institute. Former Counselor on behalf of immigrant community, organizer of educational and community services for Eritrean children in Santa Clara County, as well as formerly on behalf of orphaned children and youth in Eritrea.
Partnership
