The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

History and Mission

The Asian American Support and Resource Agency (AASRA) is a grassroots organization in New England that provides support and resources to women and families in the Asian American immigrant community. Founded in May 2001, AASRA's mission is to "provide assistance to women in need, to increase the awareness of women's rights in society, and to encourage social change for the empowerment of South Asian women."

Participation

While not exclusively a women's organization, AASRA is deeply sensitive to the unique needs of Asian American women. By providing opportunities for women to network and share ideas, the organization empowers them to develop strategies for improving their lives. Participation is not limited by factors such as ethnicity or religious affiliation. Founder Kamal Misra remarked, "We really try to draw people from all religious groups."

Programs and Outreach

The organization offers various programs and outreach related to women's health and nutrition, finance, stress management, child rearing, cultural concerns, and domestic violence. AASRA hosts educational forums on women's wellbeing, addressing issues related to cultural immersion and immigrant family life, as well as gender-bias. AASRA also offers confidential domestic crisis assistance and support to women and their children. Trained counselors reach out to ensure their safety, calling upon mainstream resources (that can seem daunting and inaccessible to immigrant women) as necessary. Similarly, AASRA has a cadre of volunteers and counselors available to assist families in times of illness, bereavement, and loss.

AASRA Center

Open every Saturday and for special events, the AASRA Center is a walk-in facility for women in search of support and services in the following areas: women and family health, family law, immigration, and personal and domestic crisis. The Center makes referrals as needed from its Professional Partner Resource Directory, a compendium of professionals that partner with AASRA to offer their services pro-bono. English as a Second Language (ESL), basic computer and internet classes, as well as arrangements for driving lessons, are also offered by the Center.

Recent Initiative

In 2004, AASRA launched its Women's Well-being Initiative "to address the overall well-being of South Asian women by promoting an interdisciplinary, community-focused program of research, education, and action." Holistic in its approach, this initiative seeks to honor the individualized experiences of each woman and her community. The long-term goals of the initiative are to impact research and activism and to build the economic capacity of the organization.

Leadership and Funding

An Executive Board and Advisory Board govern AASRA. The Executive Board works to "maintain and leverage a network with key state agencies and community service providers in legal protection, health care, family welfare and cultural issues within the Asian American and mainstream community and in the New England area." AASRA's administration and programs are funded through membership drives, fundraisers, and grants.