Testimonials & Our Stories
785
total counseling sessions conducted
360
counseling sessions for seniors
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Thanks for the apples, milk, and tortillas flat bread. I'm so grateful to you all for helping me survive. Thanks for your kindness to me. I am an almost 78 year-old widow with disabilities. God bless you all.
- Text message from senior who gets groceries delivered to her home from the SACSS food pantry
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Hi to the nice gentleman who delivers food to me. Thanks for delivering the groceries to my door. I greatly appreciate it. I will pray for your good health, long life, prosperity and success in your life. Peace and happiness be yours always. I survive on the fruits and milk, oatmeal and split green peas that you deliver, and a million thanks to all you wonderful people in South Asian Council and God bless you all.
- Text message from a senior who gets groceries delivered to his home from the SACSS food pantry
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Happy Tuesday. Stay safe. Good afternoon and thank you. I am immunocompromised and I have a kidney disease. And you are taking care of me! I so appreciate your help!
- Text message from a senior who gets groceries delivered to his home from the SACSS food pantry
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Counseling services are very expensive but I am so glad that I was able to find SACSS. I feel very safe with my therapist at SACSS. I know that I can share anything with her without any fear of judgment - it is very difficult to find that. She has helped me identify the answers to my problems and I feel so much more confident now.
- SACSS Client, Mental Health Counseling (in Urdu)
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It took me nine years to finally get divorced from my husband. My therapist at SACSS was such a support system during this difficult time. At SACSS I realized that I am finally able to let go of this stress that has impacted my emotional and physical health. I feel relaxed now and this would not be possible without SACSS.
- SACSS Client Mental Health Counseling (in Punjabi)
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SACSS helped me get rid of the fear I had of getting deported if I used public benefits. I have been living in the United States for over 10 years and never saw a doctor. Even when I felt sick, I would just rely on over the counter medicine, and would not dare go to a hospital or clinic out of the fear that I would be deported. I saw SACSS advocates at an outreach event in my neighborhood. They helped me understand public charge rules and how I can access healthcare services. Now, with NYC Care, I can see a doctor and get my prescriptions filled.
Thank you so much SACSS for taking care of me and so many people like me.
- SACSS Client, Health Care Access
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SACSS has saved me. For years I struggled to get any benefits because I was unaware of what programs I would qualify for. I was under tremendous financial strain, but people would tell me you cannot get any benefits. I saw a flyer outside the SACSS community center and found out that they have someone that speaks Hindi. The SACSS social worker patiently listened to all of my issues and she helped me get SNAP and also another program, which helped me reduce my phone and internet bill. I am a senior on a very limited income, so these benefits are very vital for me.
- SACSS Client, Case Management/Public Benefits Access
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I am proud of my work and I would invite others who can volunteer to come. It enriches us as people and brings you great satisfaction as a human being.
- Food Pantry Volunteer, Yolanda Ramon
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I am proud of my work and I would invite others who can volunteer to come. It enriches us as people and brings you great satisfaction as a human being.
- SACSS Food Pantry Volunteer
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I was not sure if I qualify for health insurance because of my income. Now I have Medicaid which takes care of all my healthcare costs. I can, without any stress, take care of my kids, my health and don't have to worry about huge medical bills. Thank you SACSS!
- SACSS Client, Healthcare Access
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I am so thankful to SACSS for this regular supply of groceries to us during these testing times. I could not even imagine how my family could have survived without your support.
- SACSS Client, Food Pantry & Grocery Delivery
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Many thanks and respect from the core of my heart to you and your organization for giving support which was beyond my expectation.
- SACSS Client, Case Management/General Support Services
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We were having a difficult time with USCIS, but at SACSS' Legal Clinic we were able to find someone that speaks Mandarin and they helped us file for an extension to gather our papers. Next week, my husband will take his citizenship oath. We are very thankful for the legal clinic for simplifying everything for us.
- SACSS Client, Legal Clinic
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At the Senior Center we recently had a recipe demonstration. I tried the recipe at home and it turned out yummy! I look forward to coming to the center and learning new things with everyone.
- SACSS Client, Senior Center
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I recently moved to New York from China with my husband and two children. We did not know anybody and needed a lot of help especially with food and diapers. We went to the local council member's office and they sent me to SACSS - the case worker here helped me enroll in the food pantry and connected my family to SNAP, Health Insurance and Cash Assistance. They also referred me to another place where I got diapers and clothes for my children. Since I am new here, I had a lot of questions and she was very patient with me. I called her many times but she always explained everything calmly.
- SACSS Client, Case Management/Public Benefits Access
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My case manager keeps me informed of all the latest benefits that I can get access to. I feel like they are always looking out for me. I was struggling to pay my rent but she helped me apply for ERAP and put together all the documents I needed. The day I received approval for my ERAP, I was the happiest person. It was one less thing for me to worry about.
- SACSS Client, Case Management/Public Benefits Access
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Welcome to the South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) community Center
Our Stories
Peace of mind, mental support, home health aide... SACSS supports South Asians in many different ways