Causes

Human services Health & nutrition Violence prevention

Posted by

Shikha B.

Executive Director

Our mission

Founded in 1990, South Asian Network (SAN) is a community based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization advancing the health, well being, and civil rights of South Asians in Southern California. We are one of the oldest South Asian social justice organizations in the U.S. and one of the only that addresses multiple issue areas under one roof.

We seek to provide care and assistance for our clients, in their communities, and in their languages. We seek to provide a safe space for community members to seek the help they need to navigate complex and difficult ropes.

What we do

The South Asian Network is not a single-issue organization. We provide holistic support to South Asians across Southern California, recognizing the reality that needs are intersectional. Our organization is broken up into three main program areas: CHAI (Community Health Action Initiative), AWAZ (Voices Against Violence) and CRU (Civil Rights Unit). We provide free or low-cost services to members of the South Asian community in the greater Los Angeles area, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.

HEALTH | CHAI:

The mission of our CHAI/Health Unit is to ensure all South Asians have access to affordable health care and the tools to live healthy lives. We serve all members of the community, regardless of age, immigration status or income level. We provide the following services:
-Assistance in applying for public benefits, such as:
-Social Security
-Disability insurance
-Food stamps
-Health coverage renewal/enrollment -assistance for Covered California and Medi-Cal (Medicaid)
-Educational workshops
-Referrals to health clinics
-Interpretation assistance
-Emotional & mental support
-Free/low cost counseling for adults, children, seniors, youth, families, and couples
-Referrals to mental health professionals for medication
-Support groups


CRU| CIVIL RIGHTS UNIT:


The mission of our Civil Rights Unit is to ensure that all South Asians are civically and politically engaged. Our goal is for all community members to have access to the skills and resources needed to lead safe lives with dignity and respect. We provide the following services:
-Citizenship application assistance
-Civic engagement education
-Voter registration
-Legal referrals for worker's rights, hate crimes, and discrimination

AWAZ| VOICES AGAINST VIOLENCE:


The mission of our Awaz program is to ensure the safety and empowerment of survivors of violence. We offer support to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, child sexual abuse, human trafficking, and elder abuse within and outside the South Asian community. Through outreach, education, and advocacy we combat these forms of violence and the social stigma that are associated with them. We provide the following services:
-Counseling and support for survivors and their children
-Safety planning for survivors
-Case Management
-Shelter referral
-Court support
-Legal Referrals