Welcome to TAMKEEN: The Center for Arab American Empowerment. TAMKEEN – which in Arabic means empowerment – is a direct services and advocacy organization serving the Arab immigrant and Arab-American community in New York City. Our goal is to empower our community so that our members are able to individually improve the quality of their lives and to participate fully in the lives of their communities.

If you would like to learn more about TAMKEEN’s programs and services, you can visit us or contact us at:

450 81st Street
Brooklyn, NY 11209
(tel): 718.701.3005
(tel) 718.491.2257
(fax): 718.701.1276
(e-mail): tamkeenus@yahoo.com

Pictures from Tamkeen Launch and Fundraiser Event, 5 June 2005. Please click here.

About Us

Historically, the social service needs of the Arab immigrant community have largely been neglected. Language and cultural barriers preclude new Arab immigrants from accessing existing social services provided by city or other service providers. Similarly, lacking the language skills and knowledge/sensitivity to Arab culture has prevented social service agencies from effectively reaching this under-served community.

Since 9/11, the social service needs of the Arab immigrant community significantly increased and underscored vital areas where key needs are not being met. TAMKEEN was founded in September 2003 in response to the unmet mental health needs of the Arab immigrant community. TAMKEEN is the first organization of its kind to provide culturally competent mental health services to the nation’s third largest Arab-American population. TAMKEEN’s mental health program aims to assist Arab immigrants acculturate and integrate into American society.

Mission

Through knowledge, skills and advocacy, TAMKEEN’s mission is to enable Arab Americans to expand their choices, claim their voices, and take their place in American society.