Search to Involve Pilipino Americans

Established in 1972, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) emerged during the Asian American movement by community leaders to serve the Filipino American community in what is now known as the Historic Filipinotown neighborhood of Los Angeles. In the 80s-90s, when much violence rocked Los Angeles amidst gangs, riots and protests, SIPA served as a safe zone and pillar of strength for the community. Then and now, SIPA continues to ensure that the needs of underserved Filipinos and residents of Historic Filipinotown are addressed, especially for youth and their families. 

SIPA’s mission is to enrich and empower generations of Pilipino Americans and others by providing health and human services, community economic development, arts and culture, and a place where people of all backgrounds come together to strengthen community.  

Our Indigenous Values

Pakikipag-bayanihan para sa kapakanan, katarungan, at karapatan ng ating kapwa-tao.

Coming together for the well-being, justice, and human rights of our community.

KAPWA | Humankind - In the spirit of bayanihan - translated as a “communal energy and enthusiasm” - we emphasize our shared connection with each other, as we collaborate with communities to shape and achieve common goals.  We strive to cultivate interconnected communities where mutual support and cooperation, collective growth, and empowerment flourish. 

KARANGALAN | Honor - Excellence and integrity guide our engagement with communities, driven by accountability, continuous learning, and an ongoing commitment to improvement.  

KAPAKANAN | Well-being - We champion equitable access to optimal health and well-being for all, centering marginalized voices to address intergenerational trauma, promote holistic healing, and build resilience. 

KATARUNGAN | Social Justice - Advocating for equitable treatment, the fair distribution of resources, dignity, and justice for all, we embrace our collective responsibility to nurture one another and uphold community well-being through restorative justice principles.  We accomplish this by integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) into our efforts, ensuring that community members have the opportunity to reach their full potential.  

SIPA Programs and Services 

SIPA's three pillars of work are Health and Human Services, Community Economic Development, and Arts and Culture. Guided by these pillars, SIPA serves approximately 4000 low-income, disadvantaged, underserved, at-risk, multi-ethnic youth and families of color in the Historic Filipinotown community of Los Angeles, and Filipino Americans throughout Los Angeles County. SIPA offers the following:

Mental Health Support: Programs and services for Filipino Americans to maintain wellbeing and destigmatize mental health and wellness, including outreach, community education, mental health support and linkages to resources, Mental Health First Aid training, Mag Usap Mondays, as well as in-language case management and counseling related to family preservation.  

Cultural Roots & Leadership: After school program, Filipino Summer Program, Youth Leadership Internships, Walang Hiya/Rising Above Shame, Filipino Martial Arts, Tagalog classes, tutoring, arts, dance, music and recreation programs, cultural education workshops 

Health & Wellness: Access to Care & Resource Navigation, Mobile Clinics, PLATO/Pilipinos & Latinos Accessing together, Food Pantry, Hygiene & PPE Kit distribution, and life skills workshops

Affordable Housing: Since 1972, SIPA has supported the Filipino American community in what is now designated as Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles. For over 20 years, SIPA has developed a track record for successfully developing and operating affordable housing communities in and around Historic Filipinotown and providing supportive services to residents. These communities include HiFi Collective, El Centro Loretto, Normandie Village, and Lucena on Court.