APSARA

APSARA (Asian Pacific Self-Development And Residential Association) was formed in 1989 by a resident group of 35 refugee families who lived in Park Village Apartments (PVA), a deteriorated and unsafe 230-unit apartment complex. The 35 families (7 to 12 members in each family) were experiencing severe economic hardship and trauma after fleeing the Khmer Rouge regime. After losing four children to gun violence and tired of desolate living conditions, APSARA was organized to build a safe community with affordable housing, a safe place for community and youth, self-determination, and economic opportunity.

We are a grassroots organization home to the largest concentrated Southeast Asian population in Stockton, and the last remaining affordable housing property collectively owned by Cambodian refugees in the U.S. We are an anchor institution that provides space, organizing infrastructure and leadership for community work ranging from deportation defense to access to healthcare and youth leadership development. Our deep ties in Stockton make us ideal partners with grassroots groups, regional collaboratives, schools, temples and churches, and local government.

Today, our services have grown and are geared towards the welfare of residents in the San Joaquin county. We provide assistance to children and seniors with food, education, healthcare, safety, job development and other basic needs.

****This May, we ask your support for the APSARA Founders Fund. Created in April 2024, this Fund recognizes the exemplary contributions of our founding Board Chair Mr. Hak Nhet, who retired in March after 35 years of service. The APSARA Founders Fund will give us the ability to address emerging community needs. Some APSARA initiatives launched by philanthropic seed funding, like the APSARA Founder Fund, include the Teen Crime Prevention Program, After School Enrichment Program for Children and Youth, Community Health Workers to promote healthy behaviors and disease management, and Senior Program to facilitate recreational opportunities and civic engagement.***