Meriama and Fred’s Story

“When my son was born, I wanted him to live a healthy and happy life. I decided to come back to the US alone so I could send money back to Samoa. It was heartbreaking to leave him. 10 months ago, I moved to San Francisco, and brought him with me. I really needed to find work, but it was difficult. SCDC is so important for local Samoans to gather. We get support with things like housing, family issues, or employment. Knowing SCDC is there to take care of my son I am better able to focus on my education and career and our family’s future. I’m so thankful they’re here.”

Meriama F., Samoan Community Development Center

Samoan and Tongan Americans living in the Bay Area have the lowest per capita income of all ethnic groups. Organizations like Samoan Community Development Center (SCDC) help individuals like Meriama and her son, Fred, by not only providing programs and services, but a community of Samoans and Pacific Islanders who share the same customs and traditions.

The Asian Pacific Fund works with a broad network of affiliate organizations who collectively reach more than 100,000 of the Bay Area’s most vulnerable Asian and Pacific Islander community members. Our affiliate partners address the hidden needs of our community by providing programs that focus on poverty and unemployment, mental health, education and youth development, access to health care and legal services, and civic engagement.

In the past year, we distributed more than $1.3 million in grants, scholarships, and donor-advised funds to tackle these needs.

We invite you to learn more about our work, our supporters, and hope that you’ll consider making a tax-deductible gift that will make a lasting impact.