Category Archives: News

Our statement on the tragedy in Beirut, Lebanon

California (August 6, 2020) – Access California Services (AccessCal) is deeply saddened by the terribly tragedy that claimed over 100 lives and displaced around 3,00,000 people in Lebanon. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and extend our prayers to the people who have been hurt and injured. For 22 years, AccessCal has been serving refugees and immigrants who relocate to Orange County – California from around the world.  AccessCal serves over 11,000 underserved and vulnerable individuals, each year with over 100,000 services. Our thoughts are with our community members who have family members in Beirut. 

About Access California Services 

Driven by the belief “You cannot give a person dignity – every person is born with it – but sometimes you need to help vulnerable people maintain it,” Access California Services began in 1998 by Nahla Kayali, a Palestinian refugee from Syria. The humanitarian essential services non-profit has since transformed into a trusted organization serving the underserved community including immigrants and refugees in southern California. With services delivered in 16 different languages such as health coverage access, mental health services, client advocacy, employment services, educational enrichment, financial assistance and much more – AccessCal is a culturally sensitive community-based organization dedicated to empowering all underserved populations. Through direct health & human services, we strive to enhance quality of life and foster self-determination. To learn more, visit www.accesscal.org.

Toys for Eid

Playtime is incredibly crucial for our little ones right now as they are at home being safe.

AccessCal is excited to have the opportunity to keep our commitment to helping children receive toys this Eid!

Pre-Registration is a must!

Please contact Suzanne at AccessCal by calling (714) 917-0440.

Join Sheikh Yassir on Mindful Wednesdays

The month of May is all about mental health.

AccessCal is offering weekly talks on:

• How to address and balance personal wellness amidst these stressful times

• Tips and preventive ways of handling our daily responsibilities

• Helping you manage your lives better

Let’s prioritize ourselves for a change!

Online Citizenship Classes

AccessCal is providing online learning for our citizenship preparation classes and we are providing naturalization application assistance! We can assist you with preparing for the test as well as the application process. Please contact our office at 714-917-0440 for registration.

Every human being is entitled to bread and water

The Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) stated: “There is no right for the son of Adam except in these things: a house in which he lives, a garment to cover his nakedness, and a piece of bread and water.”
This Ramadan, despite the pandemic, Access California Services (AccessCal) continues to stand by its mission and provide critical health and human services to underserved and vulnerable communities. AccessCal is on the frontlines providing families with rental assistance, utility bill assistance, food vouchers and food packages, case management, counseling and support services, and much more.
Our community needs our help now more than ever before…
We understand that these uncertain times are difficult on all of us, but also see that many are suffering to even have their basic needs met. As many of us know, an important aspect of the month of Ramadan is to aid our fellow brothers and sisters in humanity who need assistance. As citizens of humanity, it is our moral responsibility to step up and support those who are less fortunate.
AccessCal, through the help of generous donors, volunteers, and the City of Anaheim Police Department, took on a new initiative in holding a food distribution on April 22nd, 2020. This food distribution was unique in that it was a drive-thru event to ensure families, volunteers, and staff remain safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The time of the distribution fell perfectly into place with just a few days before the start of Ramadan, a special time in the year to maximize on the spirit of giving. With over 400 vehicles served, AccessCal was able to provide food security to over 2,500 individuals of all faiths and ethnicities. Families were relieved to receive fresh produce, meat products, dairy products, variety of breads, snacks, and drinks to fill their refrigerators. Members of the homeless community were also able to receive food boxes to help them get through these times of extreme hardship.
As we reflect on Ramadan and fast during these hot weeks ahead in the midst of a pandemic, let’s remember the less fortunate, who struggle with the lack of sufficient foods every single day, and the importance of being generous to those in need.
So, let’s give more than ever this Ramadan. Let’s make sure families have access to sufficient and healthy food. Through generous donors like yourselves, AccessCal is able to host food distributions and provide direct grocery store gift cards so at-risk families can have hearty meals.
If you are able to contribute, we please ask you to help us help those in need.

Get ready, get set for the school year!

Access California Services will be distributing backpacks filled with school supplies to children from low-income families. Items will be geared towards students attending kindergarten – twelfth grade.

Friday, August 17| 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Access California Services
631 S. Brookhurst Street Suite 107, Anaheim, CA 92804

Many thanks to our community members, AccessCal supporters, and Community Action Partnership of Orange County for donating to this project.
For more information, please contact:
Nedda Elhaija
(714) 917-0440
Nedda@accesscal.org

Parenting Workshop COACH YOUR CHILD TO SUCCEED

Join our 4-week workshop & learn how to help your children succeed
If you have a child, chances are you’ve had your fair share of challenges.
We’re here to help!
Join our fun workshops and learn how to :
– Balance discipline with affection
– Praise your child’s good behaviors
– Reduce problem behaviors
– Minimize power struggles
– Communicate effectively
Attend all 4 classes and earn a certificate of completion.
Classes are available at NO COST to Orange County parents and caregivers.
Class size is limited, so register quickly!

AccessCal is Hiring! 2018/2019

AccessCal is accepting applications for AmeriCorps Members 2018-2019! ‪#‎americorps‬ Become a hero for your community and apply for AmeriCorps at AccessCal! If you’re interested in getting hired at AccessCal as an AmeriCorps member, send your resume to Suzanne@accesscal.org

Positions available:

Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Trainees and Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Interns: MFT and MSW Interns will have the opportunity to provide social and emotional health support to individuals and families by conducting counseling sessions and teaching community members positive coping methods.

After-School Homework assistants: This position will provide academic support to children and youth by assisting with math, English reading, writing and comprehension as well as study skills and learning strategies.

Peace of mind

Do you feel stressed? Are you frustrated with parenting? Would you like more information about available professional services?

Join #AccessCal and our community professionals on April 29 at Peace of Mind: A Family Wellness Event.

Go to www.accesscal.org to register now!

We’re excited to have Marwa Azab, Ph.D. (Professor of Psychology, Human Develop at California State University, Long Beach), Aneesah Nadir, Ph.D (Family Life Educator, Diversity Trainer & President of Islamic Social Services Association-USA), and Sheikh Yassir Fazaga (Former Director of Mental Health Services at Access California Services and President and Founder of Tanweer Institute), speaking at this event!

After registering, you can submit questions for our community professionals to answer AND you can win a $100 gift card by submitting a poem or spoken word piece.

To find out more, visit www.accesscal.org or www.accesscal.org/peace-of-mind-2018.

No entrance fee & free parking – though you MUST register. Breakfast and lunch included. Child care available with pre-registration.

#PeaceOfMind2018
#FamilyWellness
#BuildYourResilience

This event is sponsored by:
– OC Health Care Agency (OCHCA)
– County of Orange
– Each Mind Matters
– HOAG
– Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange

This event is endorsed by:
– Islamic Shura Council of Southern California
– Muslim American Society (MAS) Greater Los Angeles
– Olive Community Services
– Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)
– Afghan American Muslim Outreach (AAMO)
– Orange County Islamic Foundation (OCIF) of Mission Viejo Masjid
– Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) California – Greater LA
– Islamic Society of Orange County (ISOC)
– Islamic Institute of Orange County (IIOC)
– Islamic Center of Inland Empire (ICIE)
– Islamic Center of Irvine (ICOI)
– ICNA Relief
– Al Ansar