Executive Director’s Note
SACSS to celebrate 25 Years in May 2025
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS), I reflect on our incredible journey that brought us to this significant milestone. Over the past quarter-century, SACSS has worked tirelessly to empower, uplift, and advocate for South Asians and other underserved immigrants in New York and beyond. After the traumatic events of September 11th, SACSS supported the victims’ families during a time of profound heartbreak and despair. This marked a turning point for SACSS, propelling it from a community-based organization in downtown Flushing, Queens, to a leading provider of social services in the New York metro region. Through our range of services – accessible healthcare, mental health counseling, senior support, a weekly food pantry, language assistance, job training, or advocating for immigrant rights – SACSS has demonstrated its commitment to being a reliable support system for those in need.
As we embark on the next chapter, we are inspired by the prospect of expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and continuing to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those we touch. The heart and soul of SACSS lie in the powerful spirit of unity and compassion that defines our work. Through our collective efforts, we are able to amplify the voices of the marginalized, advocate for social justice, and create a more equitable society for all.
We sincerely thank our supporters, partners, volunteers, and the community for their consistent support. We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you all and continuing to work together with optimism and determination for the next 25 years and beyond. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for helping us build a brighter future for all.
– Sudha Acharya
Sudha Acharya on 25 years of SACSS
In conversation with Mukund Padmanabhan, Founder, Guru Krupa Foundation and a longtime SACSS supporter whose foundation played a prominent role in securing the SACSS Community Center
Milestones
SACSS: 25 YEARS OF EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SERVICE AND SUPPORT
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2000
South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) is founded in response to critical issues raised around the tremendous barriers to social services faced by New York City’s fast-growing South Asian community.
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2001
SACSS was deeply committed to working with the families of the victims of 9/11 during their time of need, providing empathetic grief counseling and support.
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2002
Launched Basic and Advanced English classes for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, a 12-week program teaching academic and conversational English to help clients improve their conversational skills and build confidence when seeking employment.
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2004
Released “Unlocking the Golden Door:” A report on the needs of South Asian New Yorkers based on interviews with 629 individuals. .
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2007
Launched Healthcare Access Programs that today serve over 60,000 individuals annually, ensuring our community is informed about and has access to public health issues and services.
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2009
Amid the Global Financial Crisis in 2008-2009, SACSS staff members took a pay cut in order to help the organization survive tough times during the economic downturn.
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2012
To expand its services and programs, SACSS moved from the Holly House Community Center in Flushing and opened its office at 143-06 46th Avenue.
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2014
Launched 12-week Computer Classes focusing on hardware and software programs, enabling students to enhance their job skills.
2014
Launched Senior Support Services, including individual and group counselling in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi & Bengali, that now serve older adults annually.
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2015
Launched a Youth Leadership program to prepare participants (ages 13-17) for communication skills, creative writing, public speaking, college readiness, and community engagement. Youth Leadership Program, 2015
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2016
Introduced the first South Asian culturally palatable food pantry, specializing in Asian food staples, in New York City that serves 1,700 families weekly.
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2018
Launched the Culturally Responsive Collaborative of Queens to connect hard-to-reach populations with healthcare access.
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2020
SACSS celebrated its 20th anniversary of service to the community with special guests including Sendhil Ramamurthy, Zarna Garg, Sree Sreenivasan, and many others.
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2021
Opened our permanent two-story community center in the heart of Flushing that includes a senior center and food pantry to meet the needs of our growing, diverse community.
2021
Launched a weekly Legal Clinic in partnership with CUNY Citizenship Now!
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2023
Introduced a women’s economic empowerment program, “Stitch with SACSS,” tutoring South Asian women tailoring skill sets to pursue work and enable financial independence.
2023
Launched “Wednesdays for Women” – wellness and empowerment for women in the community.
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2024
Planned expansion of mental wellness services takes hold.
2024
Data Entry classes as part of an expansion of SACSS’s workforce development initiative.
2024
Planning commences for a Resource Center to further expand workforce development services.
2024
Introduce a Community Garden for seniors to grow vegetables.
Celebrating 25 years
SACSS Gala 2025 @ The Taj Pierre on May 21, 2025
Celebrating 25 years
SACSS Gala 2025 @ The Taj Pierre on May 21, 2025
Honorees and Special Guests
Announcing soon…
Announcing soon…
Host committee
SACSS Champions
SPONSORSHIPS
Your support:
- Provides South Asian groceries, fresh fruits & vegetables to 250 individuals for one year (Food Pantry) OR
- Supports 10 “Stitch with SACSS” students receive tailoring training (10 weeks) for gainful employment (Workforce Development)
In appreciation of your support:
- One VIP Table (10 guests) at SACSS’ 2025 Gala
- Main Honorees’ awards presenter
- Acknowledgement on all promotional materials for the gala including Logo on Step & Repeat event backdrop
- Name inscription in Donor Tree installation at SACSS Center
- Back page advertisement in “Celebrating 25” Souvenir print & digital & presenting
sponsor acknowledgement - Name & logo on event press release
- Logo on SACSS site for one year linking to your site
- 300X350 Banner in Newsletter
Your support:
- Provides South Asian groceries, fresh fruits & vegetables to 125 individuals for one year (Food Pantry) OR
- Supports 10 “Stitch with SACSS” students receive training (10 weeks) for gainful employment (Workforce Development)
In appreciation of your support:
- One VIP Table (10 guests) at SACSS’ 2025 Gala
- Honorees’ awards presenter
- Name inscription in Donor Tree installation at SACSS Center
- Acknowledgement on all promotional materials for the gala including Logo on Step & Repeat event backdrop
- Front inside Full-page advertisement in “Celebrating 25” Souvenir print & digital
- Name & logo on event press release
- Logo on SACSS site for one year linking to your site
- 300X350 Banner in Newsletter
Your support:
- Supports 10 “Computer Class” students receive training (10 weeks) for gainful employment (Workforce Development)
In appreciation of your support:
- 6 guests’ tickets to the SACSS’ 2025 Gala
- Acknowledgement on all promotional materials for the gala including Logo on Step & Repeat event backdrop
- Full page advertisement in “Celebrating 25” Souvenir print & digital
- Logo on SACSS site for one year linking to your site
- Name & logo on event press release
Your support:
- Supports 10 “English Class” students receive training (10 weeks) for gainful employment (Workforce Development)
In appreciation of your support:
- 4 guests’ tickets to the SACSS’ 2025 Gala
- Acknowledgement on all promotional materials for the gala including Logo on Step & Repeat event backdrop
- Full page advertisement in “Celebrating 25” Souvenir print & digital
- Logo on SACSS site for one year linking to your site
- Name & logo on event press release
Tickets & Tables
Advertising Opportunities:
25 Year Gala Souvenir