FAQ’s

What does CAO do?

The Colorado African Organization is a nonprofit organization, founded by Africans for Africans, that exists to support the African community in Colorado, and specifically to assist African refugees and immigrants to adjust to their new life in our state.

We do this through a number of programs, including English language classes, skills training, social integration, and other forms of education and support. We work as a bridge between their old life in Africa, and their new one in Colorado.

I’m an African, how can I get involved with CAO?

It’s easy. Simply fill out the online CAO registration form, download a printable copy, or pick one up at our offices: Suite 250, 6795 E Tennessee Avenue, Denver, CO 80224.

I’d like to help out. Where do I get started?

The work we do at CAO wouldn’t be possible without the donations and volunteer hours we receive from generous people just like you. There are lots of ways you can help out:

Your online donation (processed through PayPal) is secure, fully tax-deductible, and very much appreciated. Please remember that every dollar you give goes directly to programs that help Colorado’s African immigrants and refugees to integrate into their new life.

Resettled families need many things to begin their new lives and find work, including furniture, clothing, computers, appliances, and numerous other items. If you have items that you want to donate, please contact Linda Johnson lindaj@caoden.org to make delivery/pick-up arrangements.

To volunteer your services or resources, please call 303.953.7060, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or email Linda Johnson at lindaj@caoden.org.

What is a volag? Is CAO a resettlement agency or a volag?

A volag is a government-supported resettlement agency, tasked with assisting a refugee immediately upon arrival into the U.S. that handles the majority of case management during the first eight months after a refugee arrives. After eight months in the country, the government slows down its funding of services to divert its attention to newer arrivals.

There are 10 national volag agencies (see http://www.refugees.org/article.aspx?id=1088 for a selected listing). In Colorado, these include:

There are small differences between each of these agencies; however, CAO is not a resettlement agency. It is an independent nonprofit organization – the only ethnic community self-help program, started by Africans for Africans.

Is CAO the same as the African Community Center in Denver?

No. The African Community Center (ACC) is government-designated refugee resettlement agency, also known as a volag (see previous question). Between eight months and five years, CAO steps in and fills in service gaps for which the volags can no longer adequately provide.

CAO is not a resettlement agency or volag. We offer more supplementary, complementary, and long-term support. In addition, despite its name, ACC serves refugees from all over the world; CAO only serves Africans.

I see that CAO serves immigrants, as well as refugees and asylees. How are they different?

  • An immigrant is defined as any person who has citizenship in one country but who enters a different country to set up a permanent residence, legally or illegally.
  • A refugee is a person who is legally permitted to leave their country of residence and enter another due to persecution, or fear of persecution, on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
  • An asylee is a person who has received permission to remain in the U.S. under Section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), based on a “well founded fear of persecution” should they return to their native land. A prospective asylee applies for this permission from U.S. soil, unlike a refugee who applies from abroad.