SAN JOSE, Calif. – Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) today announced African American Community Service Agency (AACSA) as the 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year for Assembly District 27.
“African American Community Service Agency has always been at the forefront in providing activities and services that help foster and strengthen the diverse African American identity, culture, values, traditions, knowledge, and family life here in Santa Clara County,” said Assemblymember Kalra. “Especially now with the pandemic disproportionately impacting communities of color, AACSA has gone above and beyond in its commitment to ensure that those in need are being served with respect and dignity.”
AACSA’s services include: education, economic development, social and racial justice, social services, and health and wellness resources, as well as its acclaimed Family Resource Center.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, AACSA has increased its commitment and capacity to help meet the greater need for laptops, food, diapers, financial assistance, transportation, voting and census information, personal protective equipment, and job referrals.
The Agency has also helped prevent homelessness by housing families and continues to offer mental health services through free community therapy sessions. “Nonprofits are often hidden in plain sight,” said Jan Masaoka, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits.
“With one in every 14 California jobs being at a nonprofit, honoring a California Nonprofit of the Year shows that elected officials recognize and celebrate the good work they see nonprofits doing in their districts. We urge everyone to appreciate the collective impact of nonprofits in our communities.”
This year marks the fifth celebration of California Nonprofit of the Year initiative, and with nonprofits doing more than ever to help their communities weather the COVID-19 crisis, their work is widely celebrated across the state.
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