Feel Good Friday - Little Tokyo Service Center

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month so let’s celebrate by learning about Little Tokyo Service Center.

Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) began as a multipurpose social service center “aimed to provide linguistically and culturally sensitive social services to the Little Tokyo community and the broader Japanese American community in Southern California.” 

As they explain in this brochure, “before World War II, there were over 40 historical Japantowns in California alone. Today, LA’s Little Tokyo is one of just four remaining in the entire U.S.” That’s why LTSC is working to ensure this neighborhood remains a vibrant cultural center in Southern California. To do so, they work in six major areas.

Strengthening Little Tokyo promotes a vibrant and diverse neighborhood with community projects and events, support for small businesses and real estate development such as a new multipurpose sports facility and community center. Afterschool programs, bilingual case management and financial workshops are examples of the Nurturing Families programs. Care management, caregiver support, and organized social activities are some of the ways LTSC is Helping Seniors.

For the last 30 years, LTSC has been Building Affordable Housing for low income residents in Little Tokyo. They also operate as a one-stop service center Assisting People In Need with issues such as domestic violence services, transitional housing and multilingual care management. Finally, the Small Business Program provides consulting sessions and networking opportunities for small business owners in Little Tokyo.

Every year, Little Tokyo Service Center helps thousands of people. The way you can help LTSC is by volunteering, making a donation or shopping for groceries. As always, you can also amplify their work by following LTSC on Facebook and Instagram and subscribing to their YouTube channel.