APCC has come a long way from its humble beginnings dating back to 1976, when a group of Asian Americans saw a gap in mental health and counseling service for persons of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) descent and decided to do something about it. Formally known as “Stepping Stones”, APCC incorporated in 1977 as a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency to provide culturally and linguistically relevant outreach, prevention, education, therapy, counseling, and recovery support services. APCC is fortunate to have a multi-cultural and multilingual staff. Through this diversity, APCC is capable of serving the majority of API communities directly or with interpreters from partner agencies in Sacramento.
For many, trauma, relocation, language barriers and adjustment to a new culture, different systems and foreign customs can be isolating. In combination with mental illness, this can be overwhelming to individuals and their families. The stigma associated with mental illness remains strong in the API community and in the larger society. Mental health also continues to be an important and frequently overlooked part of overall health and wellness. At APCC, through a culturally and linguistically relevant approach, individuals and their families receive services and participate in programs that address their unique needs. This person-centered approach effectively serves clients, families and the community while reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.
As we look towards the future, we continue to search for new and innovative programs to effectively meet the needs of the API community. In collaboration with our community partners, Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services and strong support from people like you, we are sure to succeed together!