“Resilience Rising 2020’ video shows selfless work by South Asians

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The South Asian Council for Social Services, based in Queens, New York, is among several non-profit organizations to be recognized in a video distributed by NY Service, a division of the NYC Office of the Mayor, which focuses on volunteerism and service.

The video looks back on the year of Covid-19 and how volunteers responded to the crisis.

From putting food on the table and keeping people connected, to organizing for racial justice and getting out the Census count, New Yorkers showed up to help with all aspects of the recovery, says Sudha Acharya, executive director of SACSS.

“We are proud to have been part of this effort, and to be featured in the video, along with the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, Food Bank For New York City, and others,” Acharya said in a press release.

The video was initially screened at the NYC Mayoral Service Recognition Program.

The SACSS also called for everyone to come together and raise their voice against hate crimes on Asian Americans in this month of May which is AAPI Heritage Month.

“As we celebrate the heritages of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities – with our vast differences – we at SACSS look to the shared experiences, and values that unite us, and celebrate both differences and commonalities,” SACSS said.

In early May, SACSS joined almost 40 other Asian American community-based organizations for a Mayoral Candidates’ Forum to discuss how the next mayor would best serve them.

The SACSS also hosted a pop-up clinic at its office from MY 20-23 to give the second-dose of vaccinations. It was attended by 238 people.

During April, SACSS helped numerous seniors support groups, fielded wellness calls, counseled seniors and helped them with vaccine appointments. It was able to reach some 13,000 people with food services, and also reached 2,200 people with health care access issues.

The organization is also keeping within its purview the many relatives of those from the South Asian Subcontinent affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

“As South Asian countries like India and Nepal report high numbers of COVID-19 infections and rising death tolls, relatives here in the US are struggling with grief, anxiety, despair, trauma, and in some instances, even survivor’s guilt,” the SACSS said.

This June 3, 2021, the SACSS and Councilmember Peter Koo (District 20) are partnering on Anguished from Afar, a panel of mental health professionals who will discuss how to cope with these challenges, answer questions, and provide resources.