Amani Women Center Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Amani Women Center Inc.s AWC mission is to empower and educate refugee women through culturally tailored programs that contribute to their economic security and overall well-being. Our programs and services are linguistically and culturally appropriate to meet the needs of the different ethnicities we serve. Significant Activities: Amani Sewing Academy - ASA workforce development and job placement. A holistic approach that includes life skills training women empowerment survivors & victims services financial literacy and our unique ESL buddy project. The Healthy Families Program - HFP health equity FGM C resources mental health counseling domestic violence prevention sexual assault advocacy human and social services emergency assistance & general community support services The Amani Community Ambassadors Leadership Program-ACALP translation & interpretation research community well-being immigration assistance civic education & advocacy.
- Income
- $511,706
- Spending
- $454,920
- Spent on programs
- 82%
- Reserves
- 5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 53%
- Employees
- 10
- Volunteers
- 8
- Highest pay
- $69,600, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 81 out of 100. Higher than 54% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 5.0 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 21% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 11% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 3% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1582% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 86 out of 100. Higher than 77% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 253 of 5 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $175,858 spent. Amani Sewing Academy - ASA workforce development and job placement. A holistic approach that includes life skills training Sewing crafts & beading women economic empowerment survivors & victims services financial literacy and our unique ESL buddy project. The Amani Women Center Sewing Academy with emphasis on life skills self-sufficiency workforce development job placement and small-scale manufacturing provides a safe space with instructors sewing machines industrial machines and a fabric room. Students get a sewing kit and all accessories. The program prepares individuals to sew for themselves and for their families and join the workforce - employment in the garment apparel industry starting their own home business micro enterprise - sewing for the community applying to join AWCs small-scale manufacturing and joining the team of contractual sewers - and sew for AWCs social enterprise - Johari Africa. The students are also trained to become an assistant teachers and graduate as an instructor teaching at AWC. This year 2024 AWC awarded certificates of completion to 31 graduates from 8 different countries and gifted each graduate with a new singer heavy duty sewing machine. Additionally the program provides economic empowerment to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault mostly refugees coming from a background of trauma and torture including work skills that enable them to earn livable wages. 98% of our program participants say our programs are having a positive impact on their lives and outlook and they have seen improvements in their relationships at home and beyond. 98% opened a savings account and 89% are now willing to try counseling or see a therapist. We are proud of our small-scale manufacturing team - comprising of students and alumnae who are earning income for sewing various items from contract orders. The team has been instrumental in developing our made in Clarkston line of products including crossbody bags eye glass cases pillowcases table runners aprons grocery bags make-up accessories bag coin purses and wine totes. The sewing program has a 99% Graduation rate. 76% started a home business 85% say they now earn livable wages and have improved English speaking and coping skills - a powerful testimony and credit to our program instructors and ESL volunteers.
- $141,870 spent. The Healthy Families Program HFP offers critical support by facilitating public benefits screening and assistance to aid families survivors and victims in need. With a commitment to inclusivity the program provides interpretation and translation services in over 12 languages to ensure accessibility for all. A dedicated team of AWC coordinators and ambassadors work closely with individuals to navigate benefit applications such as LIHEAP and rental aid. In the past year alone HFP has positively impacted over 9,880 families and seniors successfully securing essential benefits like SNAP CAPS Medicaid and TANF for those in need. Notably 39% of program participants have benefited from counseling services with an impressive 82% reporting enhanced family health and support as a result. As a CDO organization with the Ga Access CAC program HFP remains steadfast in its commitment to outreach promoting health equity and providing unwavering support to program participants. The programs comprehensive services encompass a wide range of critical initiatives including domestic violence prevention education on Female Genital Mutilation Cutting FGM C advocacy for survivors of sexual assault counseling and therapy services as well as informative health workshops. Through these multifaceted efforts HFP strives to create a more supportive and inclusive community while addressing the diverse needs of those it serves.
- $54,306 spent. The Amani Community Ambassadors program is a vital initiative that provides training and leadership opportunities for both youth and adults within the community. These ambassadors serve as advocates within the AWC language services offering invaluable support to refugee women seeking assistance. Through culturally tailored methodologies they effectively educate and engage the community on crucial issues such as civic duties and educational workshops. Equipped with professional training and certifications across various disciplines these ambassadors are frontline advocates navigators and researchers addressing cultural barriers and effectively connecting diverse communities with essential services. The unique model developed by AWC ensures that all community members can access available resources and support tailored to their specific needs. In response to the challenges posed since the pandemic the AWC Community Ambassadors Leadership Program adapted its outreach efforts to focus on community engagement activities. This included providing transportation mobilizing resources conducting outreach campaigns research dissemination of information translation services interpretation as well as managing the community helpline in multiple languages. As we look ahead to 2024 AWCs community ambassadors remain dedicated to the Save Our Sisters Initiative - S.O.S. a project aimed at securing medical care for refugee women in Clarkston who are experiencing serious health issues resulting from FGM C. The AWC Community Ambassadors serve as a cornerstone in facilitating essential services for refugee women and survivors of violence particularly in addressing health challenges resulting from FGM C. By operating the community helpline in multiple languages they ensure that individuals can access the support they need. These ambassadors are instrumental in bridging cultural divides and dispelling myths and taboos that often hinder marginalized communities from seeking assistance. Through their ongoing efforts in the Save Our Sisters Initiative - S.O.S. project AWC community ambassadors are actively working towards securing medical care for those in urgent need underscoring their commitment to the well-being of all community members. In addition to their advocacy and support roles AWC Community Ambassadors engage in a wide range of activities to ensure the well-being and empowerment of the community. From providing transportation to mobilizing resources conducting research and offering translation and interpretation services these ambassadors play a multifaceted role in enhancing community resilience and cohesion. By participating in educational workshops and civic engagement initiatives they further empower community members to take an active role in shaping their future and accessing the resources available to them. The AWC Community Ambassadors Leadership Program represents a holistic approach to community engagement blending advocacy education and hands-on support to address the unique needs of diverse populations. By equipping ambassadors with professional training and certifications AWC ensures that they are well-prepared to navigate complex issues and serve as trusted voices within the community. Through their dedicated efforts in the Save Our Sisters Initiative - S.O.S. AWC community ambassadors are making a tangible difference in the lives of refugee women in need of critical medical care embodying the organizations commitment to compassion and solidarity. Overall the AWC Community Ambassadors program stands as a beacon of hope and support for marginalized communities offering a lifeline to those in need and empowering individuals to overcome barriers to essential services. Their dedication to serving as advocates educators and leaders within the community exemplifies the transformative impact of grassroots initiatives in fostering resilience and fostering social change. As AWC community ambassadors continue their vital work in 2024 and beyond they remain steadfast in their mission to uplift and empower those most in need embodying the spirit of compassion and collaboration that defines their organization.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since June 2007.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
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