YAMA Serving Immigrant Small Businesses

Yemeni American Merchants Association members distribute food to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

YAMA assists community members with filling out the census.

The Yemeni American Merchants Association (YAMA), a CWE partner, was founded three years ago by bodega owners and other Yemeni business owners, following the hugely successful Yemeni Bodega Strike against the Muslim Ban. In the years since, YAMA has developed programs and campaigns to support and organize their community, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
YAMA's bodega members are essential businesses that have continued to operate during the pandemic. Over 70 of their members have contracted COVID-19, and many workers have lost their lives. YAMA has since launched a health education campaign and distributed bodega safety kits of masks, gloves, and sanitizing products to their members.
 
The organization has also developed a food pantry for its neediest members and provided technological assistance to families with children who need access to computers or tablets to participate in school remotely. In addition, YAMA’s Commercial Lease Assistance program has supported merchants with commercial leasing issues through small business loans and legal services.
 
YAMA has continued their CWE-supported ESOL and women’s programs online and will graduate those students virtually in June. They will continue to provide classes and workshops that focus on IT skills and digital literacy.
 
Virtual events, educational sessions, and trainings have served as vital contact with the members of YAMA and their families. Through weekly town halls, Zoom meetings, and Facebook Live events in Arabic and English, YAMA has shared information on health and safety resources and small business services available through the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA).