August at AAANY

Community, Advocacy & Opportunity

Throughout August, the Arab American Association of New York continued to strengthen community safety, expand civic engagement, support youth development, provide educational opportunities, and connect New Yorkers with trusted resources and services.


Your support helps AAANY continue providing trusted immigration services, education, advocacy, health resources, youth programming, workforce opportunities, and community programs for New Yorkers.

Civic Engagement & Housing Outreach

Preparing Our Community to Vote

Throughout August, AAANY continued our recurring voter-registration outreach outside our Brooklyn office, helping community members register to vote, ask questions, and access important voting information.


Our team continues to make civic participation information more accessible and help community members prepare to make their voices heard.

Connecting Tenants with Housing Resources

AAANY joined the NYC Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement for an Interfaith Tenant Canvass in Flatbush, Brooklyn.


Our team and volunteers connected directly with tenants to share information about housing rights, organizing resources, and available support.


Thank you to the NYC Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement for bringing community partners together for this important outreach effort.




VIEW HIGHLIGHTS:



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Mental Health, Safety & Community Support

Building Mental Health Awareness and Response Skills

AAANY, in partnership with the Healthcare Education Project, hosted an eight-hour Mental Health First Aid Certification Training for community members.


Participants learned how to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges, respond during crisis situations, and connect individuals with appropriate support and resources. Participants who completed the full training received Mental Health First Aid certificates.


Thank you to the Healthcare Education Project for facilitating this valuable training.


VIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Helping Community Members Know Their Rights

AAANY hosted an ICE Know Your Rights Workshop to help community members better understand their rights when interacting with immigration enforcement and learn how to respond safely and confidently.


Through community education, AAANY continues to help immigrant New Yorkers stay informed and prepared.


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Building Safer and More Inclusive Communities

AAANY hosted a Hate Crime Prevention Workshop for students in our intermediate and literacy level ESL classes.


Participants learned more about hate crimes, how to recognize harmful behavior, respond safely, and seek support.


Through education and open discussion, AAANY continues to help students build knowledge and awareness.


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Youth, Education & Opportunity

Preparing Youth for What Comes Next

AAANY hosted a “What Happens After High School?” workshop led by our Workforce SYEP interns.


Young participants explored different pathways after graduation, asked questions, and began planning for their next steps.


The workshop provided an opportunity for young people to learn, share, and feel more prepared for what comes next.

Promoting Safety Through Youth Education

AAANY, in collaboration with the Center for Anti Violence Education, hosted an Anti-Violence Workshop for SYEP participants and youth.


Participants learned about violence prevention, personal and community safety, and ways to respond to challenging situations through discussion and interactive activities.


Thank you to the Center for Anti Violence Education for facilitating this important workshop and supporting our youth.


VIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Creativity Behind the Lens

AAANY’s six-day Outdoor Photography Series with photographer Sean Sirota gave youth ages 14–18 an opportunity to develop their photography skills through hands-on lessons and outdoor activities.


Participants explored camera basics, composition, creative perspectives, portrait photography, and cyanotype while putting their skills into practice in different New York City settings.


VIEW PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES HIGHLIGHTS:


Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6 .


 

Leadership & Community Impact

Celebrating Leadership, Service & Legacy

AAANY was proud to celebrate our Executive Director, Marwa Janini, who joined the annual Muslimah Ball hosted by the Muslim Sisters of Staten Island as a guest speaker. She shared reflections on leadership, advocacy, motherhood, and the seeds we plant for future generations.


The evening became even more meaningful when Marwa was surprised with the Legacy of Impact Award, recognizing her leadership, service, and commitment to our communities.


In her words: “We are rooted because of those who planted before us, and we rise so those who come after us can rise even higher.”

Congratulations to Marwa, all the evening’s honorees, and the Muslim Sisters of Staten Island on a beautiful celebration dedicated to recognizing and uplifting women.


VIEW HIGHLIGHTS

 

Coming Up at AAANY

Back-To-School Backpack Giveaway

AAANY invites families to our annual Back-To-School Backpack Giveaway, sponsored by Anthem, helping children start the new school year prepared and confident.


Tuesday, September 8

12:00 PM–4:00 PM

6803 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11220



LEARN MORE

ESL Classes

AAANY is opening registration for our 2026–2027 ESL Classes.

Participants can build their English skills, strengthen their confidence, and connect with their community through in-person and online classes.


Registration Opens: September 8, 2026

9:00 AM–1:00 PM

6206 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11220

Classes Begin: October 1, 2026

Monday through Thursday

Online classes are also available with limited spots.


COMPLETE THE INTEREST FORM

Citizenship Preparation Online Class

AAANY is now accepting registrations for 
our Online Citizenship Preparation Class.



The 10-session online course helps participants prepare for the U.S. citizenship interview through practice with application questions, reading and writing skills, U.S. history, and civics.


Online via Zoom

Every Friday

English with Arabic translation

Access to WhatsApp and Zoom is required.


REGISTER FOR THE CLASS

Build Your Resume With Us

Looking to build a new resume or improve the one you already have for your next job opportunity? 

AAANY invites you to Build Your Resume With Us!, a hands-on workshop designed to help you create, update, and strengthen your resume with direct support.


 Tuesday, September 15, 2026

11:00 AM–12:30 PM

6206 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11220

Enter through the back door


REGISTER HERE

Tenant Clinic

AAANY, in partnership with NYC Housing Preservation & Development, invites community members to our upcoming Tenant Clinic for housing-related information, support, and referrals.


Participants can receive information about tenant support, housing resources, legal services, rental assistance resources, public housing, and community referrals.


Wednesday, September 16, 2026

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

6206 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11220


Arabic interpretation will be available.

ADA-accessible location.


REGISTER FOR THE TENANT CLINIC


LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TENANT CLINIC


Community Job Fair

AAANY invites job seekers and community members to our upcoming Community Job Fair, bringing employers, public offices, training providers, and community organizations together in one place.

Attendees can explore jobs, internships, fellowships, volunteer opportunities, apprenticeships, training programs, and other career pathways while building valuable professional connections.


Tuesday, September 22, 2026

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

6206 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11220


Job seekers are encouraged to dress professionally, bring multiple printed copies of an updated résumé, and be prepared for brief conversations or interviews.


LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY JOB FAIR


HELP US CONTINUE THIS WORK

Thank you for standing with the Arab American Association of New York.

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