About ACCESS of WNY, Inc.
Founded in 2005 by a group of concerned Arab American community members, ACCESS of WNY, Inc. emerged to address the growing disparities faced by the youth and families in the city of Lackawanna. However, the community’s efforts to create change began long before receiving official tax-exempt status in May 2005. Driven by a shared sense of responsibility, local volunteers dedicated their time and resources to providing support for the community, all without formal staff or funding.
The Post-9/11 Impact on the Community
Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, not only the Arab and Muslim communities but also Christians, Sikhs, Hindus, and other immigrant populations were severely impacted by violence, stereotypes, misconceptions, and discrimination. These communities were unjustly blamed for the acts of a few, leading to a sharp increase in harassment, hate crimes, and racial profiling. Across the nation, individuals faced systemic discrimination in employment, housing, and education, as well as increased surveillance and deportation.
In Lackawanna and the Greater Buffalo Region, the community felt the brunt of this backlash. Families were subjected to targeted attacks, deportation raids, and heightened government surveillance, making them feel alienated and unsafe in their own homes. The rising tide of Islamophobia and xenophobia created an environment of fear and uncertainty, where immigrant communities were increasingly viewed with suspicion and hostility.
In response, dedicated volunteers in the community came together to form what would eventually become ACCESS of WNY. These early efforts, organized entirely by volunteers, focused on providing essential support and services to those most affected by the post-9/11 environment. The organization’s commitment to creating safe spaces and building bridges within the community laid the groundwork for the formal establishment of ACCESS of WNY, Inc.
The Immigrant Journey: Yemeni Roots in Lackawanna
Yemeni immigrants, like many others, left their homeland in pursuit of better opportunities for their children. Most initially worked in Bethlehem Steel and other labor-intensive factories, aiming to ensure that their children could obtain a higher education. Despite many Yemeni immigrants being illiterate in their native language, they placed great value on education for the next generation.
Early Yemeni settlers often joined established Lebanese and Palestinian communities in major cities like New York before relocating to different parts of the U.S., particularly the West. In the 1920s, many Yemenis found success working as farm laborers in California’s San Joaquin Valley and as factory workers in cities like Detroit, Canton, Weirton, and Buffalo. Although immigration slowed during the Great Depression, it resumed after World War II, further shaping the Yemeni American community.
One lesser-known immigration route into the U.S. was through Vietnam, where some Yemenis worked in warehouses and docks. Loopholes in immigration laws allowed many Yemeni immigrants, even those who were illiterate, to bypass certain restrictions and be admitted into the U.S. Chain migration also played a key role in growing the community, as established immigrants helped bring over their relatives, especially after the 1965 changes to U.S. immigration laws that eliminated quotas and eased entry for Yemenis.
The Birth and Mission of ACCESS of WNY
ACCESS of WNY was created to serve families in the Greater Buffalo Region, with a focus on supporting both immigrant and non-immigrant communities. While many of the services offered by ACCESS are used by the region's immigrant population, the organization’s mission is to uplift all low-income families facing hardship.
The challenges that families in our community face, including unemployment, loss of homes, and healthcare, have created additional stress and led to increased instances of domestic violence, youth crime, drug abuse, and bullying. ACCESS of WNY was founded to help these families regain stability, providing crucial social programs to address these issues and help families achieve self-sufficiency.
A Welcoming Environment for Growth and Empowerment
Since its inception, ACCESS of WNY has led efforts to provide essential social programs, serving hundreds of low-income families, at-risk youth, immigrants, and the unemployed in Lackawanna. We strive to offer a welcoming environment where clients receive the tools and resources they need to build stronger, more self-sufficient households.
As the needs of the Lackawanna and Western New York communities grow, ACCESS of WNY has developed a range of programs tailored to meet those unique needs. While resources may have been limited, our commitment to creative and effective solutions has allowed us to make a lasting impact over the past decade.