In June 2014, the Ethiopian Community and Cultural Center in Oakland (ECCC) identified a crucial need within the community to support families grappling with the emotional and financial hardships brought on by the loss of loved ones. Motivated by this pressing concern, extensive research was conducted, leading to the establishment of Andenet Meredaja Edir (AME) on April 25, 2015.

 

This initiative was created with the goal of alleviating the burden on community members during their times of grief.

Today, AME stands as an independent entity with a membership base of over 1200 individuals throughout the Greater Bay Area. The organization benefits from the leadership and management of volunteer Ethiopians who bring a wealth of experience from various fields, including business, non-profit sectors, and community engagement. This pool of experience and dedication ensures that AME effectively supports its members, fostering a strong sense of community and solidarity in times of need.