Our Story

Local leadership, community trust, and global commitment.

Who We Are

Since 2005, we have advanced human dignity, equity, and social justice.

At our core, we believe everyone deserves a real chance to build a better life. No matter their circumstances or abilities, every single person should have the opportunity to survive, learn, thrive, and shape their own future.

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Years of Impact

Our journey started back in 2005 in Ethiopia with a simple goal: to stand alongside vulnerable children, women, and families[cite: 1]. Over the last twenty years, we have grown into an organization that our communities truly trust[cite: 1]. Whether we are helping a child with a disability take their first steps, keeping girls in school, or giving young people the tools to start a business, we focus on practical support that changes everyday lives.

As our programs grew, we realized we needed stronger global connections to support our work on the ground[cite: 1]. That is why we expanded to the United States, officially registering there in 2025 to build a bridge between our local roots and international partners[cite: 1]. Today, our teams are working across Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan, doing whatever it takes to help communities recover from crises and build lasting resilience.

Our Mission

We envision a world where every person has the opportunity to survive, learn, thrive, and shape their own future. Our mission is to advance human dignity, equity, and social justice by standing alongside vulnerable communities and delivering practical, life-changing support.

Our Values

Together, we won't stop until every family and every child has the opportunity to survive, heal, and build the future they deserve.

Where We Work

From our roots in Ethiopia to our growing hub in the United States, Center of Concern operates across borders to deliver integrated humanitarian and development programs. By maintaining a strong presence in East Africa and the US, we ensure that our community-driven solutions reach those who need them most, no matter where they are.

Ethiopia

This is where our story began in 2005, and it remains the heart of our foundational work. Over the last two decades, we have partnered with local communities across the country to deliver comprehensive, high-impact programs. From rehabilitating conflict-affected schools and providing emergency water access to supporting youth entrepreneurs and running expansive disability rehabilitation centers, our Ethiopian operations continue to drive sustainable, community-led change every single day.

United States Hub

Officially registered in 2025, our US hub serves as a vital bridge connecting our East African roots with global development partners. Beyond mobilizing diaspora communities to support our international humanitarian programs, we provide essential, on-the-ground support to immigrant families right here at home. We focus on disability inclusion advocacy, youth leadership development, and fostering university partnerships that drive shared learning and innovation across borders.

Kenya

In Kenya, our programs are deeply focused on building long-term community resilience and fostering peace. We work alongside local leaders to establish climate-smart agricultural initiatives that protect the environment and secure reliable livelihoods for vulnerable families. Additionally, our dedicated teams provide essential support for survivors of gender-based violence, youth vocational training, and comprehensive disability rehabilitation to ensure every person has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive environment.

Somalia & South Sudan

Operating in some of the most challenging and conflict-affected regions, our dedicated teams in Somalia and South Sudan deliver urgent, life-saving humanitarian aid when communities need it most. In South Sudan, we focus heavily on emergency health interventions, critical nutrition screenings, and providing safe spaces for displaced children to continue their education. In Somalia, our efforts are strongly anchored in providing vital disability inclusion services, ensuring that even in crises, vulnerable individuals receive the assistive devices and rehabilitation therapies they need to regain their mobility and dignity.

A Global Team

None of our on-the-ground impact would be possible without the strength of our bi-continental leadership structure[cite: 1]. By bringing together a unified board of directors and an expert advisory council from both East Africa and the United States, we blend deep, localized community wisdom with world-class governance standards.

Our Leadership Structure

It takes a dedicated, coordinated team to drive impact across two continents. Our leadership model bridges deep community roots in East Africa with strict US nonprofit standards to ensure every program is delivered with integrity and care.