Ashiyanaa is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, that serves people of South Asian heritage with origins in the South Asian countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
ABOUT
The Journey
The journey continues renewed, energized, and empowered by our Volunteers, our Staff Members and Board.
Our Story
Under its old identity ( ASHA for Women ) Ashiyanaa has provided culturally sensitive support services since 1989 to South Asian women facing gender and interpersonal violence (also known as domestic violence), empowering them to become self-sufficient. Now, with its fresh, contemporary, and brand new identity, Ashiyanaa is redefining its services to include all South Asians without gender bias, taking a clear direction towards inclusivity.
A Home for Everyone
Ashiyanaa means ‘Home’ and hopes to provide a safe and peaceful home to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, creed, national origin, gender, physical or mental health, disabilities, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law.
Our Mission
Empowering South Asians to lead peaceful lives with dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency by providing comprehensive and culturally-sensitive services.
Our Values
Our work is guided and informed by our core values: HOME
Hope
eMpowerment
Open-mindedness
Equality
Programs of Hope & Change
Ashiyanaa's culturally sensitive pathways are geared to fuel two-way movement:
1. Outward
Helping our clients navigate and access social service benefits and community resources with the goal of helping them attain self-sufficiency and guiding them through situations that may often appear threatening and challenging.
2. Inward
Opening doors to a deep understanding of the underserved needs of South Asians by society at large, by social and health services, law enforcement etc.
Continuum & Enhancement
in Support Services
The nature and complexity of client requirements have changed for South Asians. Ashiyanaa affirms its continued role in helping clients through crisis intervention, coordinating community and legal referrals, career and emotional counseling, and other individualized services as deemed necessary.
Touching the Core Issue:
Cultural Sensitivity
Despite the model minority myth/stereotype prevalent in the US, South Asians are an underserved population. South Asians often face challenges due to cultural and linguistic differences. Being an integral part of this diaspora, and with its vast experience and knowledge, Ashiyanaa is strategically positioned to provide needed services and educate society at large, empowering them to become self-sufficient.
The Way Ahead:
Prevention & Spreading Awareness
Ashiyanaa has been full-throttle on outreach initiatives to reach diverse groups to promote healthy relationships and communities – across multiple platforms, utilizing community ambassadors, making presentations to social service agencies and police departments, signing partnerships with private and government organizations, permitting us to use their resources and becoming a referral center to them. Awareness and Prevention is part of the Ashiyanaa strategy to make South Asians feel secure, confident, and self-sufficient in the United States.
