Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services
A 501(c)(3) organization serving Central Ohio
A 501(c)(3) organization serving Central Ohio
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About ETSS
Background
The Ethiopian Tewahdo Social Services (ETSS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit corporation. ETSS began outreach to the Ethiopian community in central Ohio as Ethiopian Family Services in 2002. Funding for services began in October 2002 with a grant from the US Department of Labor through the Faith Based Initiative in collaboration with Jewish Family Services. In 2004 ETSS partnered with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Debre Medhanit Medhani Alem Church and formed the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Social Services as a faith based community outreach. In 2005, ETSS incorporated as a free standing nonprofit entity.
In 2005 ETSS was selected by the Capacity Building Initiative (a collaboration of the Franklin County Commissioners, United Way, the Columbus Foundation, and others) to receive a mini grant and technical assistance for two years. In 2007 after completion of CBI training, ETSS changed its name to “Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services” The same year ETSS relocated its head office to 1060 Mt. Vernon Avenue and opened an education center at 225 Fairway Blvd in Whitehall. In 2008 ETSS opened a second education site at 530 McNaughten Road in collaboration with Prince of Peace Lutheran church to provide after-school tutoring and traditional Ethiopian cultural teachings.
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Agency Profile
ETSS is an independent non-profit agency serving Ethiopian refugees, asylum-seekers and immigrants in central Ohio. ETSS is unique in its ability to provide culturally appropriate services in both English and Amharic (the Ethiopian traditional language). ETSS provides after school and summer programs for children, Amharic language instruction, music and art appreciation, computer literacy, language interpretation and translations, ESOL, and intake and assessment for employment health, immigration and other social support services. ETSS also serves adoptive families with children from Ethiopia so the children will be able to learn about Ethiopian culture and language and remain connected with their country of origin.
ETSS has become a trusted resource in the Ethiopian Community and has documented achievements: 100% of program slots were filled; 100% of the students completed the program; 90% of the students had attained skills in math and reading evidenced by increases of 30% compared to their pre-test results. Student’s families report that for the first time, they are consistently getting positive feedback from school teachers regarding attendance, responsibility and improved academic performance. Parental involvement in schools and community has also increased dramatically. Thanks to cultural competency training provided by ETSS, school personnel have developed a better understanding of the cultural challenges faced by these immigrant students and they are well equipped to deal with those problems.
ETSS was awarded a certificate of achievement from the Capacity Building Initiative and a certificate of Excellence from Children’s Hunger Alliance and Huntington Bank. ETSS is part of the Columbus Foundation Power Philanthropy web portfolio. See:
http://www.columbusfoundation.org/login.aspx for additional information.
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Ethiopian Demographic and Cultural Background
History
Located in the horn of Africa, Ethiopia is the oldest nation and the tenth largest country in Africa. Ethiopia traces its history as a country back 3,000 years and remains the only African nation never to be colonized. In the mid-1970s, the government of King Haile Selassie was overthrown and a repressive regime was established. Recent years have seen internal wars for liberation and ethnic conflicts. Many families left the country as refugees because of civil war, internal strife and gross human rights violations.
Ethnic groups and languages
The population includes many ethnic groups with nearly 80 languages and approximately 200 dialects. Major groups include the Amhara, Oromo and Tigre. Smaller groups include Gurage, Afar, Isa, Somali, Wolaita, Sidama, Kimbata and Hadiya.
Economic and social system
Ethiopia is agrarian and the economy depends on subsistence agriculture. In recent years, crops have been poor because of drought. Approximately 85 percent of the population lives in rural areas. The settled rural population is scattered, making delivery of health and social services difficult.
Family life and structure
The family is the core of the Ethiopian society and family structure typically includes the extended family. In traditional Ethiopian families, the man is the breadwinner and the woman is recognized for running the home and raising the children. Family ties are strong. In times of crisis, the family will take full responsibility for an individual member's problem, whether it is financial, health or social. Disputes are settled by elders of the community. Honoring one’s parents is an Ethiopian teaching, and the care of the elderly family member is the responsibility of the family. The society respects elders and accepts their admonitions or advice. Interaction is personal, informal and intimate; a great deal of interdependence is needed to accomplish a task or solve a problem.
Traditional families in Ethiopia tend to be large (seven or eight children). Knowledge and use of family planning remains extremely limited.
Religion and Social Values
There are two dominant religions: the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (Christian) and Islam. 60% of the population is Christian. Throughout history, the Ethiopian people have placed considerable emphasis on faith, family and the importance of Ethiopian history and tradition. Other key values include generosity, achieving success (financial and educational), and social justice.
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The Ethiopian Community in Central Ohio
Population size and residence
The Ethiopian community in Central Ohio is one of the most rapidly growing in the United States. A stable economy, low rate of crime, affordable housing and a middle-class environment of Columbus contribute to this growth.
Ethiopian immigrants first arrived in the 1980’s and increased significantly from 1989 to 1993 as refugees from the Sudan. Secondary migrants from other parts of the country have brought large numbers of Ethiopians to Columbus to be reunited with family and community members. Current estimates of Ethiopians in Central Ohio vary from 20,000 to 25,000. The majority of the Ethiopian population in Columbus is Christian. Many Ethiopians in Columbus live on the east side of Columbus in the surrounding communities of Whitehall, Reynoldsburg and Gahanna, but a number of families also live in the NE and W of Columbus as well. Many members of the Ethiopian community have undergone horrendous events including terror and civil war, the loss of family members, and possible detention and torture. Ethiopians continued leaving their home land because of gross human rights violation, war and fear of persecution. Routes for continued migration to Columbus as political asylum, Diversity Visa (DV), family reunion, as refugees from neighboring countries such as Kenya and Uganda and secondary migration from other parts of the US.
Community organizations
The Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services is the leading organization in providing services to the Ethiopian families and children in central Ohio. ETSS board is composed of 75% Ethiopians and other professionals from the general public. Employees of ETSS are bicultural and multi-lingual and speak many of the major Ethiopian languages spoken in Columbus, including: Amharic, Oromigna, and Tigrigna. ETSS programs include after school tutoring, homework assistance, Amharic lessons, physical fitness and nutrition, English as a Second Language (ESL), interpretation and translation, literacy classes, and referrals for employment, social services, legal advice, and counseling for families with dependent children.
Other organizations include the Ethiopian Community Organization, Inc. in Ohio, The Ethiopian Soccer club and civic and social organizations assist the community for different social and communication activities.
There are seven Ethiopian churches in the Columbus area, most of them located on the east side. Ethiopian Muslims share the International mosque located on the east side of Columbus.
Employment and family life
Most of the Ethiopians settling in Central Ohio came from rural areas and have had little formal education. Those from urban areas are educated and had worked as health professionals, engineers, teachers and social workers. Unemployment and underemployment are among the leading problems for many Ethiopians in Central Ohio. Most educated professionals have the challenge of transferable work experience and professions. There are no bridges for skills training or professions that will help new comers to help them to find competitive jobs. Currently, many Ethiopian business establishments are located between Livingston Ave and Broad and James and Brice roads. Many Ethiopians are independent taxi owners, carry out and ethnic and cultural store owners. Ethiopians also own real estate, home healthcare, cleaning and transportation businesses. Many Ethiopians work at Columbus Airport, the hotel industry, corporations (such as Limited brand), pharmaceutical companies, and in a variety of health and human service roles.
Households in the Ethiopian community typically include one to six persons, half of whom are children under age 10. The divorce rate throughout the community is high and mothers often find themselves raising children as single heads of household.
Immigration
Most Ethiopians came to Columbus as asylum-seekers, to facilitate family reunion, and as refugees. They need assistances in filling out immigration and affidavit forms for permanent residents, application and assistance for citizenship, acculturation and adjustment to the new community. Access to information for free or affordable legal assistance is a challenge. Most community members travel to Washington DC or Chicago to seek Ethiopian legal counsel and return to Columbus only after they have secured their legal status.
Education
Culturally, Ethiopians place great value on education and success. Most residents of Columbus came from rural part of Ethiopia and had no opportunity for regular education in their homeland. Ethiopians are hard working and responsible parents. They often work two to three jobs to feed and support their families both here and back in Ethiopia. The outcome is low high school graduation rates and inability to join colleges which is the highest expectations of parents and the community.
Health
The major heath issues identified in the Ethiopian communities include: diabetes, depression anxiety and stress-related illness, high blood pressure, obesity, HIV/AIDS, TB, Hepatitis (B, C), intestinal problems (stomach ulcers, gastritis), poor dental health, smoking, and breast and colon cancer.
There is significant stigma attached to mental illness in the Ethiopian culture. Because of it, Ethiopians are reluctant to identify and treat these problems. Mental health problems are estimated to be the second only to diabetes in incidence.
Major challenges and issues
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The Ethiopian Tewahdo Social Services (ETSS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit corporation. ETSS began outreach to the Ethiopian community in central Ohio as Ethiopian Family Services in 2002. Funding for services began in October 2002 with a grant from the US Department of Labor through the Faith Based Initiative in collaboration with Jewish Family Services. In 2004 ETSS partnered with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Debre Medhanit Medhani Alem Church and formed the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Social Services as a faith based community outreach. In 2005, ETSS incorporated as a free standing nonprofit entity.
In 2005 ETSS was selected by the Capacity Building Initiative (a collaboration of the Franklin County Commissioners, United Way, the Columbus Foundation, and others) to receive a mini grant and technical assistance for two years. In 2007 after completion of CBI training, ETSS changed its name to “Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services” The same year ETSS relocated its head office to 1060 Mt. Vernon Avenue and opened an education center at 225 Fairway Blvd in Whitehall. In 2008 ETSS opened a second education site at 530 McNaughten Road in collaboration with Prince of Peace Lutheran church to provide after-school tutoring and traditional Ethiopian cultural teachings.
Return to top of page
Agency Profile
ETSS is an independent non-profit agency serving Ethiopian refugees, asylum-seekers and immigrants in central Ohio. ETSS is unique in its ability to provide culturally appropriate services in both English and Amharic (the Ethiopian traditional language). ETSS provides after school and summer programs for children, Amharic language instruction, music and art appreciation, computer literacy, language interpretation and translations, ESOL, and intake and assessment for employment health, immigration and other social support services. ETSS also serves adoptive families with children from Ethiopia so the children will be able to learn about Ethiopian culture and language and remain connected with their country of origin.
ETSS has become a trusted resource in the Ethiopian Community and has documented achievements: 100% of program slots were filled; 100% of the students completed the program; 90% of the students had attained skills in math and reading evidenced by increases of 30% compared to their pre-test results. Student’s families report that for the first time, they are consistently getting positive feedback from school teachers regarding attendance, responsibility and improved academic performance. Parental involvement in schools and community has also increased dramatically. Thanks to cultural competency training provided by ETSS, school personnel have developed a better understanding of the cultural challenges faced by these immigrant students and they are well equipped to deal with those problems.
ETSS was awarded a certificate of achievement from the Capacity Building Initiative and a certificate of Excellence from Children’s Hunger Alliance and Huntington Bank. ETSS is part of the Columbus Foundation Power Philanthropy web portfolio. See:
http://www.columbusfoundation.org/login.aspx for additional information.
Return to top of page
Ethiopian Demographic and Cultural Background
History
Located in the horn of Africa, Ethiopia is the oldest nation and the tenth largest country in Africa. Ethiopia traces its history as a country back 3,000 years and remains the only African nation never to be colonized. In the mid-1970s, the government of King Haile Selassie was overthrown and a repressive regime was established. Recent years have seen internal wars for liberation and ethnic conflicts. Many families left the country as refugees because of civil war, internal strife and gross human rights violations.
Ethnic groups and languages
The population includes many ethnic groups with nearly 80 languages and approximately 200 dialects. Major groups include the Amhara, Oromo and Tigre. Smaller groups include Gurage, Afar, Isa, Somali, Wolaita, Sidama, Kimbata and Hadiya.
Economic and social system
Ethiopia is agrarian and the economy depends on subsistence agriculture. In recent years, crops have been poor because of drought. Approximately 85 percent of the population lives in rural areas. The settled rural population is scattered, making delivery of health and social services difficult.
Family life and structure
The family is the core of the Ethiopian society and family structure typically includes the extended family. In traditional Ethiopian families, the man is the breadwinner and the woman is recognized for running the home and raising the children. Family ties are strong. In times of crisis, the family will take full responsibility for an individual member's problem, whether it is financial, health or social. Disputes are settled by elders of the community. Honoring one’s parents is an Ethiopian teaching, and the care of the elderly family member is the responsibility of the family. The society respects elders and accepts their admonitions or advice. Interaction is personal, informal and intimate; a great deal of interdependence is needed to accomplish a task or solve a problem.
Traditional families in Ethiopia tend to be large (seven or eight children). Knowledge and use of family planning remains extremely limited.
Religion and Social Values
There are two dominant religions: the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (Christian) and Islam. 60% of the population is Christian. Throughout history, the Ethiopian people have placed considerable emphasis on faith, family and the importance of Ethiopian history and tradition. Other key values include generosity, achieving success (financial and educational), and social justice.
Return to top of page
The Ethiopian Community in Central Ohio
Population size and residence
The Ethiopian community in Central Ohio is one of the most rapidly growing in the United States. A stable economy, low rate of crime, affordable housing and a middle-class environment of Columbus contribute to this growth.
Ethiopian immigrants first arrived in the 1980’s and increased significantly from 1989 to 1993 as refugees from the Sudan. Secondary migrants from other parts of the country have brought large numbers of Ethiopians to Columbus to be reunited with family and community members. Current estimates of Ethiopians in Central Ohio vary from 20,000 to 25,000. The majority of the Ethiopian population in Columbus is Christian. Many Ethiopians in Columbus live on the east side of Columbus in the surrounding communities of Whitehall, Reynoldsburg and Gahanna, but a number of families also live in the NE and W of Columbus as well. Many members of the Ethiopian community have undergone horrendous events including terror and civil war, the loss of family members, and possible detention and torture. Ethiopians continued leaving their home land because of gross human rights violation, war and fear of persecution. Routes for continued migration to Columbus as political asylum, Diversity Visa (DV), family reunion, as refugees from neighboring countries such as Kenya and Uganda and secondary migration from other parts of the US.
Community organizations
The Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services is the leading organization in providing services to the Ethiopian families and children in central Ohio. ETSS board is composed of 75% Ethiopians and other professionals from the general public. Employees of ETSS are bicultural and multi-lingual and speak many of the major Ethiopian languages spoken in Columbus, including: Amharic, Oromigna, and Tigrigna. ETSS programs include after school tutoring, homework assistance, Amharic lessons, physical fitness and nutrition, English as a Second Language (ESL), interpretation and translation, literacy classes, and referrals for employment, social services, legal advice, and counseling for families with dependent children.
Other organizations include the Ethiopian Community Organization, Inc. in Ohio, The Ethiopian Soccer club and civic and social organizations assist the community for different social and communication activities.
There are seven Ethiopian churches in the Columbus area, most of them located on the east side. Ethiopian Muslims share the International mosque located on the east side of Columbus.
Employment and family life
Most of the Ethiopians settling in Central Ohio came from rural areas and have had little formal education. Those from urban areas are educated and had worked as health professionals, engineers, teachers and social workers. Unemployment and underemployment are among the leading problems for many Ethiopians in Central Ohio. Most educated professionals have the challenge of transferable work experience and professions. There are no bridges for skills training or professions that will help new comers to help them to find competitive jobs. Currently, many Ethiopian business establishments are located between Livingston Ave and Broad and James and Brice roads. Many Ethiopians are independent taxi owners, carry out and ethnic and cultural store owners. Ethiopians also own real estate, home healthcare, cleaning and transportation businesses. Many Ethiopians work at Columbus Airport, the hotel industry, corporations (such as Limited brand), pharmaceutical companies, and in a variety of health and human service roles.
Households in the Ethiopian community typically include one to six persons, half of whom are children under age 10. The divorce rate throughout the community is high and mothers often find themselves raising children as single heads of household.
Immigration
Most Ethiopians came to Columbus as asylum-seekers, to facilitate family reunion, and as refugees. They need assistances in filling out immigration and affidavit forms for permanent residents, application and assistance for citizenship, acculturation and adjustment to the new community. Access to information for free or affordable legal assistance is a challenge. Most community members travel to Washington DC or Chicago to seek Ethiopian legal counsel and return to Columbus only after they have secured their legal status.
Education
Culturally, Ethiopians place great value on education and success. Most residents of Columbus came from rural part of Ethiopia and had no opportunity for regular education in their homeland. Ethiopians are hard working and responsible parents. They often work two to three jobs to feed and support their families both here and back in Ethiopia. The outcome is low high school graduation rates and inability to join colleges which is the highest expectations of parents and the community.
Health
The major heath issues identified in the Ethiopian communities include: diabetes, depression anxiety and stress-related illness, high blood pressure, obesity, HIV/AIDS, TB, Hepatitis (B, C), intestinal problems (stomach ulcers, gastritis), poor dental health, smoking, and breast and colon cancer.
There is significant stigma attached to mental illness in the Ethiopian culture. Because of it, Ethiopians are reluctant to identify and treat these problems. Mental health problems are estimated to be the second only to diabetes in incidence.
Major challenges and issues
- Stress regarding traditional gender roles
- Male underemployment
- Women needing to work outside the home.
- Difficulty of supporting many children
- Accessing adequate daycare
- Obtaining necessary healthcare
- Ensuring academic achievement, which may require after-school tutoring
- Stress between parents and children, as children may assimilate faster and assume greater control than is traditional
- Differences in practices and laws pertaining to the discipline of children
- Change in eldercare practices, in particular, respect and support of elders
- Cost of healthcare, and lack of access to good information
- Language and cultural barriers
| Position | Resource | Contact Information |
| Executive Director | Dr. Selshi Ayalew Asfaw | Phone: (614) 252-5362 Email: info@ethiotss.org |
| Program Director | Mr. Seleshi Kebede |
Phone: (614) 252-5362 Email: info@ethiotss.org |
| Youth Program Coordinator | Mr. Amanuel Dangi | |
| Site Program Coordinator | Mr. Wakjira Lencho | |
| Youth Career Coach |
Mr. Ali A Shariff |
|
| Tutor & Mentor |
Gulelat Abate | |
| Tutor & Mentor |
Yedilnesh Tesfaye |
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Board
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| Role | Member |
| Board President |
Mr. William Sherry |
| Board Vice President |
Mr. Zewde Dunago |
| Secretary | Dr. Andrew Carlson |
| Treasurer | Mr. Berhan Ayele |
| Board Director |
Chaplain Mark Arni |
| Board Director |
Mr. Ckakle Kuminegere |
| Board Director |
Mr. Kinfe Tesfai |
| Board Director |
Ms. Tsegaye Dejene |
| Board Director | Mr. Abraha Yihdego |
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