Great Nonprofits

Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) helps so many families in Silicon Valley. Over 30% of the population in Santa Clara County is Asian Pacific American, and AACI is the largest community-based organization focused on serving that population. They have programs that help at-risk youth, victims of domestic violence abuse, survivors of torture, low-income seniors, and families who need mental health counseling. AACI's shelter for victims of domestic violence serves a huge need in our community. Many of their clients do not speak English, which makes leaving abusive relationships even harder. The majority of these women are extremely low-income, surviving on less than $9,000 a year. Luckily, AACI has a comprehensive program to serve these women and their children. Their staff speaks 14 languages and include people who serve as family advocates and legal advocates. Given the wide range of languages and cultural backgrounds of AACI's staff, they are able to help women and children receive food, clothing, a safe place to stay, and a host of free and confidential services. Our community is a better place because of the dedication of AACI's staff.

Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) excels at providing critical services for people who might have nowhere else to turn. For example, AACI runs the only community health clinic in Silicon Valley focused on serving the low-income Asian community, providing affordable health care to uninsured patients. AACI also runs a Center for Survivors of Torture, which helps torture survivors from all around the world start a new life in the U.S. AACI literally saves lives-- by providing health care, safe shelter for domestic violence victims, counseling, etc.

I first became aware of the good work of AACI more than 20 years ago, when I worked for the County of Santa Clara. AACI had an excellent reputation as a top-notch provider of mental health services and advocacy for civil rights. I was very pleased many years later to work for the organization as an employee. I found the staff to be highly committed and the Board and Executive team visionary.

Asian Americans for Community Involvement does heroic work in the community-- providing mental health services, safety for women and kids who are victims of domestic violence, a senior center, HIV/AIDS testing, after-school youth programs, and the list goes on. The staff are incredible-- working long hours in order to serve the community and speaking multiple languages.

I received a number of services for my family that helped to maintain the quality of life for my loved ones. They were the only organization that my family members were able to relate to and felt comfortable with their expertise in language and cultural competence.