Feel Good Friday - Asians Fighting Injustice

We’re closing out Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by highlighting a non-profit organization in New York, Asians Fighting Injustice.

Founded in 2021 and headquartered in New York City, the mission of Asians Fighting Injustice (AFI) is “to fight all forms of injustice and decrease AAPI hate by providing services that support the victims of anti-AAPI hate crimes, curating educational resources that increase the safety of our city, and executing programs which aim to unite the various communities of NYC.”

AFI was created in response to the alarming increase in hate and bias incidents targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have two main programs that help with the goal of reducing Asian hate crimes in their local communities. 

Dumplings of Love is a monthly food distribution program that supports both businesses and individuals. AFI purchases discounted meals prepared by local AAPI owned businesses, and volunteers hold events where they distribute these meals in underserved communities. These events are opportunities to showcase how diverse the AAPI community is, gain increased exposure for the businesses who participate, and feed people in need. At past events AFI has distributed food, along with toys, books, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products and diapers.

The Hate Crime Victim Support group is creating educational materials to spread awareness of the historic and systemic roots of hate and bias targeting the AAPI community. They have comprehensive support services for individuals impacted by hate and bias, including culturally competent mental health resources. AFI is also advocating for policy reforms and forging partnerships with government agencies, law enforcement, civil rights organizations, and community-based nonprofits to leverage resources and expertise and expand their impact.

 

Asians Fighting Injustice is a 100% volunteer run organization so your support makes a big difference. If you live near New York City you can become a Community Support Volunteer by completing this application. The rest of us can fight anti Asian hate by making a donation, shopping for merch and spreading the word on social media. Follow AFI on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

 

Feel Good Friday - TAPS

Memorial Day is Monday and many of us are getting ready to enjoy a long weekend. Before you head off to whatever adventure awaits, take a moment to learn about the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, also know as TAPS.

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, TAPS is “the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving a death in the military or veteran community.”

TAPS provides a variety of programs to survivors nationally and worldwide. Key services include grief counseling, peer support networks, casework assistance, survivor seminars and retreats, Good Grief camps for children and teens, online resources, a 24/7 military survivor helpline (800-959-8277), and assistance connecting survivors to community-based resources and support services. You can see the full list of programs here.

All programs are offered free of charge and it’s important to note, survivors doesn’t just include spouses, children, parents, and siblings. TAPS programs are open to extended family members, battle buddies, and friends. In this 9-minute video, survivors talk about the death of their loved ones and the impact TAPS has made in their lives.

In addition to the programming, the TAPS website has a wide variety of resources, including education assistance, suicide loss support, advocacy updates, a magazine and a link to search for events in your area.

In 2024, TAPS had 3,433 survivors attend their seminars, they awarded $584 million in education benefits and scholarships, they answered 18,901 helpline calls and over 10,800 people engaged with the care team. You can read more details on the TAPS Impact Report 2024.

If you would like to help the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors care for the families of America’s fallen heroes there are many ways to do so. Volunteer your time, make a donation, shop for merch and amplify their message on social media. Follow TAPS on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

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.