UMACA
Supporting women, children, and immigrant families through essential resources, education, and community empowerment.
UMACA (USA-Mali Charitable Association) is a non-profit organization registered under a 501(c)(3) law, dedicated to advocating for, supporting, and empowering women and children. The organization assists immigrant families facing hardship by providing them with tangible aid in the form of clothing, food, books, toys, and other essential items. Many immigrant women and children must travel long distances to access essential health and education services, largely due to a lack of information and insufficient awareness of available resources. New York City has over 3 million immigrants. Among them, hundreds of thousands were forced to leave their countries of origin due to poverty, violence, and difficult living conditions. Women and children constitute a particularly vulnerable population. Some have been exposed in their countries of origin to physical and psychological violence, intimidation, lack of access to education, and extremely precarious living conditions. These experiences can make their transition to life in the United States particularly difficult. For many, these experiences have profoundly affected their freedom, dignity, and ability to fully integrate into their new environment. They do not always have the support, information, or resources necessary to become active, independent, and fulfilled members of society. Through its work, UMACA strives to support, guide, and empower families who have experienced difficult life and migration journeys. The organization endeavors to help them regain their dignity, access essential resources, better understand available services, and build the foundations for a more stable and better future.
Our Mission
UMACA (US-Mali Charitable Association) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering women, children, and immigrant families in need. Through essential assistance, educational opportunities, cultural preservation, and community outreach, we strive to promote dignity, independence, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all.
We are committed to helping families overcome challenges, preserving West African cultural heritage, educating future generations, and advocating for the rights, safety, and well-being of women and girls.
What We Do
Essential Support & Family Assistance
We support immigrant families experiencing hardship by providing essential items such as clothing, food, books, toys, and other necessities. We also help families identify available resources and navigate barriers to accessing healthcare, education, and community services.
Education & Youth Development
Through educational and cultural programs, we encourage young people to explore West African history, languages, traditions, and community values. Our initiatives aim to broaden their understanding of different cultures, promote inclusion, and help them develop into informed, confident, and engaged members of society.
African Cultural Preservation
We are committed to preserving and sharing West African cultural heritage, particularly Malian traditions. Through language instruction in Bambara and French, music, dance, and cultural activities, we introduce young people and the wider community to the richness and diversity of West African culture.
Women’s Rights & Advocacy
We advocate for the protection, dignity, and empowerment of women and girls. Our efforts include raising awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM) and other forms of violence against women and girls. Through public education, community engagement, and advocacy, we seek to contribute to a future in which every woman and girl can live safely and with dignity.
Cultural Programs & Community Events
Through cultural programs, educational activities, and public events, we create opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to discover, appreciate, and celebrate West African heritage. These initiatives encourage cultural exchange, strengthen community connections, and promote a more inclusive society.
Your Support Can Make a Difference
Your donation helps UMACA provide essential resources and support to women, children and immigrant families facing difficult circumstances. Every contribution helps us extend our reach and strengthen our community.