Haki Yetu Inc

Haki Yetu was founded in 2009 by Bishop Dr. Solomon L.M. Jackson, a human rights activist. Haki Yetu, meaning “Our Rights" in Swahili is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promote the rights of individuals living in marginalized and disenfranchised communities where human rights are violated. Haki Yetu is committed to empowering individuals, families and communities to act in defense of their own rights by giving them the tools to overcome the barriers created by societal problems. Through a wide range of programs, advocacy and services, focusing on upholding human rights to the highest standards, Haki Yetu works to end injustices, discrimination, violence and other forms of human rights abuses. Our strong linguistic proficiency, cultural competency and our emphasis on human rights at the core of our services greatly sets us apart of other organizations. Our current initiatives prioritize the rights and needs of the poor and disenfranchised individuals living in New York City with a special focus on immigrants and refugees, as they often face linguistic, cultural, educational and socioeconomic barriers in accessing services, by equipping them with knowledge about their rights, including the tools needed to live peaceful and self-sufficient lives. Our work encompasses a domestic and international scope and focuses on issues which infringe upon individual or community rights such as: Immigrants & Refugee Rights Initiative which connects participants with legal advocacy and services to refugees and immigrants who would otherwise not be eligible for services;, Family Rights & Advocacy Initiative, which assists in improving the quality of life and standard of living for low-income families and individuals, Children's Rights Initiative, focuses on the educational right and well-being of the child, through after school and other enrichment activities, provides counseling, legal advocacy and social support for children who have been abused; Economic Rights Initiative, facilitates financial management, budgeting, job readiness, job training and computer training skills to participants seeking to re-enter the workforce or obtain better job opportunities: Women's Rights & Violence Intervention, is dedicated to meeting the special needs of women, children, and men who are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault and other forms of abuse, Disabilities Rights Initiative, seeks to enhance the rights of individuals with disabilities protect and advocate for the human and legal rights of individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness and International Human Rights.