Early Years: Recognizing the Need (Pre-2015)

• The Challenge: Dedicated members of the Chaldean community, deeply involved in local programs, observed a significant gap in youth development opportunities.

• The Solution: Brainstorming sessions led to a vision: partnering with established non-profits to introduce youth to services they were missing. The focus was on supporting Chaldean refugee youth.

2020: Official Non-Profit Status

• 501(c)(3) Designation: The Ayana Group achieved legal 501(c)(3) status, enabling fundraising and financial disbursement under the guidance of its Board of Directors.

• Expanding the Mission: The group expanded its focus to encompass all underprivileged and low-income Chaldean children in the community.

2015: Launching Ayana Chaldean Mentoring

• Mid-2015: The Ayana Chaldean Mentoring affinity group was born, with a core mission: to provide impactful one-on-one mentorship for youth who needed it most.

• National Recognition: The program quickly gained recognition, becoming the first successful refugee mentorship program of its kind.

2023 & 2024: Streamlining Operations & Impact

• Operational Optimization: The organization implemented new policies and procedures to manage the increased demand for programs and awareness events.

• CRM Implementation: A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system was adopted to centralize and streamline the organization of parent and child information, program interests, communications, and enrollment. The CRM also provided crucial support for income verification and scholarship application processes.

2017: Expanding Programs & Partnerships

• Strategic Alliances: Ayana Chaldean Mentoring began partnering with other organizations to broaden its service offerings.

• Summer Camp Initiative: The group supported the first Chaldean refugee summer camp, providing transportation and enriching experiences for youth.

Looking Ahead: Continued Growth (2025 & Beyond)

• Projected Impact: By the end of 2025, The Ayana Group is projected to have:

  • Supported over 750 children in the community with scholarships for various programs.

  • Hosted awareness events that have attracted over 4,000 attendees.

• Ongoing Evolution: The Ayana Group remains committed to adapting and growing to meet the evolving needs of the community, ensuring a brighter future for the Chaldean youth.

2019: Becoming an Independent Non-Profit

• Organizational Evolution: After careful consideration, the Ayana Chaldean Mentoring group made a pivotal decision: to establish an independent non-profit organization.

• The Birth of The Ayana Group: The Ayana Group was created and the Board of Directors became established: signifying a commitment to a broader scope of support.