Empowering Communities.
Celebrating Cultures.
Connecting Generations.
USA-Mali Charitable Association (UMACA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering immigrant families, women, children, and underserved communities throughout New York City.
Rooted in a commitment to dignity, inclusion, and opportunity, UMACA supports families facing economic and social challenges by providing essential resources, connecting individuals to community services, and creating pathways toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Building upon our humanitarian mission, UMACA is expanding its reach through arts, culture, education, and intergenerational engagement. Through our Malian Cultural Center initiative, we celebrate the rich artistic traditions of Africa, India, Latin America, and beyond, bringing communities together through music, dance, storytelling, cultural workshops, and shared experiences.
Our growing vision includes expanding cultural education in New York City public schools and introducing creative aging programs for older adults in senior centers, community spaces, and residential settings. These culturally responsive experiences are designed to encourage lifelong learning, social connection, creative expression, and meaningful participation at every stage of life.
Through partnerships with teaching artists, schools, cultural institutions, and community organizations, UMACA is building a more inclusive and connected New York City one where cultural heritage is preserved, diversity is celebrated, and every generation has an opportunity to thrive.
Our Mission
UMACA (USA-Mali Charitable Association) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women, children, immigrant families, and older adults through humanitarian assistance, education, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
We strive to promote dignity, independence, inclusion, and equitable access to opportunities while helping underserved communities overcome social, economic, and cultural barriers.
Rooted in the rich traditions of West Africa, our mission extends to celebrating cultural diversity through arts education, music, dance, storytelling, and intergenerational experiences that connect communities across Africa, India, Latin America, and beyond.
Through partnerships with schools, senior centers, teaching artists, and community organizations, we seek to expand access to meaningful cultural experiences, foster lifelong learning, combat social isolation, and strengthen connections across generations.
We are committed to preserving cultural heritage, empowering future generations, enriching the lives of older adults, and building stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
What We Do
Essential Support & Family Assistance
We support immigrant families experiencing hardship by providing essential resources, including food, clothing, books, toys, and other necessities. Through community outreach and resource navigation, we help families overcome barriers to healthcare, education, and social services, promoting greater stability, independence, and well-being.
Education & Youth Development
Through school-based arts education, cultural workshops, and enrichment programs, we introduce young people to the history, languages, music, dance, and traditions of West Africa and other cultures. Working with professional teaching artists and educational partners, we create engaging learning experiences that encourage creativity, cultural appreciation, self-confidence, and meaningful connections across communities.
African Cultural Preservation & Multicultural Exchange
We are dedicated to preserving and celebrating West African cultural heritage, with a particular emphasis on Malian traditions. Through Bambara and French language instruction, traditional drumming, dance, storytelling, and cultural activities, we connect communities to the richness of African history and identity.
Our expanding multicultural initiatives also introduce artistic traditions from India, Latin America, and beyond, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, shared learning, and greater understanding among New York City's diverse communities.
Creative Aging & Older Adult Engagement
We are expanding our programs to engage older adults through culturally responsive arts, lifelong learning, and social enrichment activities.
In partnership with senior centers, older adult residential communities, and professional teaching artists, we aim to offer participatory workshops in music, dance, rhythm, storytelling, and cultural expression. Programs will be adapted to participants' interests, mobility, and accessibility needs, encouraging creativity, social connection, and continued community participation.
Through these initiatives, we seek to celebrate the experiences and contributions of older adults while creating meaningful opportunities for intergenerational exchange.
Women’s Rights & Advocacy
We advocate for the dignity, safety, rights, and empowerment of women and girls. Our work includes raising awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM), gender-based violence, and other challenges affecting vulnerable populations. Through education, community dialogue, advocacy, and outreach, we seek to advance greater awareness, protection, and opportunities for women and girls to live safely, independently, and with dignity.
Cultural Programs & Community Events
Through performances, educational workshops, community celebrations, and public cultural events, we bring people of different backgrounds and generations together to experience the transformative power of arts and culture.
Our programs showcase the artistic traditions of Africa, India, Latin America, and other communities while fostering cultural appreciation, inclusion, and stronger neighborhood connections.
By collaborating with schools, cultural organizations, artists, community centers, and public institutions, we seek to expand access to meaningful cultural experiences throughout New York City.
At UMACA, we believe culture connects generations, education opens doors, and community empowers us all.
Your Support Can Make a Difference
Your donation helps UMACA provide essential resources and support to women, children and immigrant families facing difficult circumstances. Every contribution helps us extend our reach and strengthen our community.