Greater Philadelphia Asian Social Services

The Greater Philadelphia Asian Social Services (GPASS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in the Philadelphia area. Founded in 1993, GPASS aims to provide assistance to residents citywide by connecting them with needed resources and information, bridging cultural and language gaps, strengthening families, enriching lives, and sustaining communities.

Mission and Services

GPASS is dedicated to providing high-quality social services and health programs to all residents of Philadelphia. It offers a variety of services, including:

• Housing Counseling: GPASS provides comprehensive housing counseling, workshops, and advocacy for low- and moderate-income tenants, homebuyers, and homeowners. These services are funded by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

• Behavioral and Mental Health Services: GPASS offers outpatient individualized counseling and treatment for substance use and mental health disorders. The organization's SAFE (Stop Addiction ForEver) program helps patients address issues fueling their addiction. Additionally, GPASS provides support in coping with stressors, daily pressures, and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Energy Assistance: GPASS collaborates with other agencies' programs to offer financial assistance to low-income individuals and families struggling with high energy and utility bills.

Community Focus

GPASS has a strong focus on serving multicultural communities, particularly in the Logan/Olney, North Kensington, Germantown, Lawndale, and Hunting Park areas of Philadelphia. These communities include many first- and second-generation immigrants who face challenges in adjusting to American culture and society. The organization provides counselors who speak multiple languages, including English, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Cambodian, Creole, and Spanish, to help overcome language barriers and cultural differences.

Organizational Structure

GPASS operates as a nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors. The organization's leadership works to ensure that its mission is implemented effectively, providing essential services to the community while fostering partnerships and collaborations to enhance its impact.

History

Since its inception, GPASS has advocated for equal rights and access to goods and services for underserved populations in the Philadelphia area. The organization has evolved to meet the changing needs of its community, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to empower individuals and families.