What is CAO?
CAO stands for Colorado African Organization, an all-African 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to support African refugees in their resettlement efforts and provide preventive health education and information sessions, primarily in the Denver area.
What is CAO’s history?
CAO was created in 2003 by a group of African immigrant community leaders and professionals in Denver, Colorado. Realizing that African immigrants form a significant part of the Denver ethnic community but were poorly served and inadequately represented at both governmental and mainstream community levels, they decided it was necessary to form an umbrella organization to represent and advocate on behalf of all African immigrants in Colorado.
CAO’s original founders are Dr. Bakary J. Sonko (The Gambia), Alioune Sogue (Mauritania), Jean-Pierre Yeboah (The Ivory Coast), Dr. Magayiza (Zimbabwe), Samba Njie (Senegal), Pastor Janet (Zimbabwe), Mrs. Ngerry (Kenya), Ms. Anna Manega (Tanzania), Mr. Kandy Camara (Sierra Leone).
What is CAO’s mission?
How can I or my organization join CAO?
All African immigrants and refugees in Colorado are qualified to join CAO free of charge as individuals or as members of their associations or organizations. Fill out a CAO registration form and submit it to any staff member. Once your completed membership registration form is received, it will be reviewed by CAO Membership and Recruitment Committee and approved. CAO registration forms are available HERE and at our offices at Suite 250, 6795 E Tennessee Ave in Denver, CO 80224.
What are the benefits of joining CAO?
As a member of CAO, you’ll have better access to our services and a sense of representation in the African community. You will also be among the first to learn of news and events going on with the organization and community through email and list-serv updates, and be invited to participate in CAO events.
How can I volunteer my services and/or resources to help CAO achieve its objectives?
To volunteer your services or resources, please call 303.953.7060, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or email Kit Taintor at kitt@caoden.org or Anab Keire at anabk@caoden.org.
What if I want to volunteer but can’t make a serious or long commitment?
CAO would still love to have you. We are not just looking for regular volunteers; we could also use one-time arrangements to teach a skill, such as accounting, craftwork, job preparedness, etc. If you have a skill you think might be of use, please contact us!
Does CAO accept donations?
As a 501(c)(3), CAO depends on donations among other sources of revenue, including grants, federal aid and fundraising events. Your donation can be made securely trough PayPal HERE and is tax deductible.
Does CAO accept in-kind donations?
Yes, CAO will accept in-kind donations; of particular need right now are old computers and anything a resettled family might need to get started, including furniture, appliances, household items and clothing. If you have items that you want to donate, please contact Anab Keire at anabk@caoden.org or Linda Johnson lindaj@caoden.org to make delivery/pick-up arrangements.
What is a volag? What is the difference between CAO and a volag?
A volag is a government sponsored resettlement agency tasked with assisting a refugee immediately upon arrival into the U.S. There are 10 national volag agencies (see http://www.refugees.org/article.aspx?id=1088 for a selected listing); in Colorado, these include: Lutheran Family Services (www.lfsco.org), the African Community Center (www.africancommunitycenter.net), Ecumenical Immigration and Refugee Services (www.ersden.org) and Jewish Family Services (www.jewishfamilyservice.org). There are small differences between all the agencies; however, CAO is the only ethnic community self-help program—started by Africans for Africans.
What is the difference between the CAO and the African Community Center, also in Denver?
The African Community Center (ACC) is government-designated refugee resettlement agency, also known as a volag that handles the majority of case management for the first eight months after a refugee arrives. After eight months in the country, the government slows down its funding of services and ACC must divert its attention to newer arrivals. Between eight months and five years, CAO steps in and fills in service gaps that the volags can no longer adequately provide. We offer more supplementary, complementary, long-term support. In addition, despite its name, ACC serves refugees from all over the world; CAO only serves Africans.
CAO also serves immigrants, as well as refugees and asylees. What is the difference between an immigrant, a refugee and an asylee?
