Access California Services

Specialties

Established in 1998, Access California Services (AccessCal) is a culturally and linguistically sensitive health and human services nonprofit organization. We provide economic and social resources to local Arab– and Muslim-​Americans, refugees and immigrants, yet we are non-​sectarian, serving families and individuals of any faith or ethnicity.

History

Established in 1998.

Access California Services (AccessCal) was founded in 1998 by Nahla Kayali who was in need of supportive services and just could not find an entity that understood her as an Arab– and Muslim-​American woman. She became determined to establishing and growing a nonprofit organization that served Arab– and Muslim-​Americans, refugees, and immigrants to ensure they had support in times of struggle or transition. She envisioned AccessCal with friendly and diverse staff that communicated in different languages and understood the cultures of newcomers. In 1998, AccessCal launched with a volunteer (Kayali), a folding table, and a telephone Kayali had borrowed. Today, AccessCal is the listening ear and helping hand of over 11,000 community members in southern California annually. With over 30 staff providing over 30,000 units of service at its facility in Anaheim, AccessCal has become the go-​to resource center for many seeking support with linguistic, economic, community, and civic integration.

Meet the Manager

Nahla K.

Manager

Nahla Kayali serves as the Founder and Executive Director for Access California Services (AccessCal). Since the inception of AccessCal in 1998, Kayali has been described as a leader in the Arab– and Muslim-​American, immigrant and refugee communities, ensuring individuals and families receive access to quality services. Under Kayali’s leadership, the organization has grown to provide programs to over 11,000 community members annually in 16 languages delivered by 38 staff including 10 AmeriCorps members.

Kayali serves on national and international boards including the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, Community Action Partnership and the Orange County Food Bank. Kayali also serves as the Chairwoman of the Refugee Forum of Orange County and holds the State Refugee Forum Seat for the State Advisory Council on Refugee Assistance and Services.

In 2014, Kayali received the White House Champions of Change award for being a nationwide leader in supporting immigrant communities.