Samantha’s Story

“My mom told me I was a big regret. I was sad and constantly depressed. I starved myself to be skinnier, I harmed myself. I wanted to escape the pain. In seventh grade, friends told me about EBAYC’s after school program and soon I realized how healthy it was for me to be away from home. I could focus on my homework and participate in interesting enrichment activities. There are staff and counselors to talk to and it feels relaxed. They listen and I know they really care about me. I’ve now gotten involved with restorative justice at school. I’ve attended student council meetings with student board members. I see myself as a leader.”

Samantha P., East Bay Asian Youth Center

Like many Asian youth, Samantha was hiding her problems and because of it, felt isolated and alone. That all changed when she joined her school’s East Bay Asian Youth Center (EBAYC) after school program. She gained new friends, the counseling she needed and ultimately, her confidence.

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.