Ethiopian Edir Mutual Assistance Association in New York Inc.

Our goal is to provide you with useful information about our organization that we hope will make it easier for you to join us in our effort to develop a strong community mutual support system.

A Brief History

Mutual aid is deeply rooted in the social fabric of Ethiopian life — a living expression of solidarity, shared
responsibility, and compassion. The establishment of the Ethiopian Edir Mutual Assistance Association in New York Inc. (EEMAA) stands as a powerful testament to the foresight and vision of our founders. Recognizing a critical need within the New York Metropolitan area, they thoughtfully created a support system that preserved our time-honored burial traditions while incorporating rotating credit and collective self-help mechanisms to strengthen our community.

Today, we witness a renewed and growing interest in the Association — a validation of the wisdom and vision that inspired its creation. This reflects not only the relevance of its mission, but also the enduring values of cooperation and mutual support that define us. On behalf of the entire membership, we pay tribute to the pioneers whose dedication, sacrifice, and leadership laid the foundation upon which we continue to build.
We also extend our gratitude to the Medhanialem Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and its leadership
for their generosity and unwavering support during the formative years of the Association.

EEMAA formally commenced its operations in its current form on April 4, 2002. After a period of diligent foundational work, including drafting the Bylaws, establishment of transparent governance and financial frameworks, and securing legal recognition, EEMAA was officially incorporated as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization in the State of New York on August 23, 2006.

EEMAA is a non-sectarian, non-religious, and non-political organization.