Fifteen years after a gunman barricaded himself inside the American Civic Association and shot and killed 13 people, the center has not wavered in its mission to help immigrants on their path to becoming U.S. citizens.

"I was here 15 years ago outside participating in the memorial services. And you see that the same community members are still here. The American Civic Association is still here. Yes, we've grown, but we've had to remain resilient as a community, as an organization," said Executive Director Hussein Adams.

Despite one of the worst tragedies the city and state has ever seen, this group refused to close their doors for good.

Today, the ACA is once again helping immigrants, with hundreds each year earning citizenship.

"I think it speaks volumes for the type of community that we are, the type of people that we are. And you've seen that in the growth within the city,” said Adams.

So what keeps this group motivated to come to work each day?

For Adams, it’s one word: passion. 

“You really have to be passionate, genuine, sincere about the work that you do. And that goes a long way because you can all of the barriers and obstacles that come along the way. It doesn't stop you from helping new Americans succeed,” said Adams.

The ACA is helping more immigrants than ever before and continuing their dedication to helping others.

"I think it's a really rewarding thing to watch and watch someone grow. Seeing them go through that process in where one day they become a citizen of the United States. And we have helped them. We've helped them and their work authorization documentation. We've helped them secure those jobs and and health benefits, securing health benefits and services,” said Adams.

Just down the road from the center, a monument stands as a reminder of the 13 people, most of them immgrants, killed that day. The 13 illuminated doves symbolize the journey that they took, coming from countries all over the world and settling in Binghamton.