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ASSOCIATED BLACK CHARITIES

ASSOCIATED BLACK CHARITIES
A Brief History

Associated Black Charities (ABC) was born of a very real need within the Black community; the need for a single, unifying organization capable of supporting New York City's many Black-oriented human service agencies.

About eight years ago, Black Agency Executives (BAE)--a group of Black executives of major social service agencies--joined together to assess and influence the social service policies and practices that affect Blacks in New York City. They, having realized decreasing public funding in their own agencies, were seeking cost-effective mechanisms that would help meet the increasing number and complexity of Black social service needs.

BAE commissioned a study to determine the feasibility of a federated or centralized approach to Black-oriented fundraising and social support services. These findings led to what is now Associated Black Charities.

ABC was formed in June, 1982 and has a current membership of 50 agencies. ABC's member agencies are located throughout the city and offer a broad spectrum of human services to New York City's Black population. Services offered include: day care, senior citizen care, job training, family and individual counseling, food distribution, educational programs, emergency shelter, and other worthwhile services.

ABC tries to assist its member agencies by providing financial and non-financial resources. Through ABC, these agencies receive grants and, where necessary, technical and management assistance. In short, ABC is an "umbrella" organization under and through which these agencies can raise funds and improve their human delivery systems.

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