Japanese American Social Services

Japanese American Social Services is a nonprofit social service organization dedicated to providing culturally and linguistically sensitive assistance to individuals and families across the Greater New York metropolitan area. Founded in 1981, the organization acts as a trusted community lifeline for Japanese residents, newcomers, long-term immigrants, and seniors facing language, cultural, or administrative barriers.

The agency operates a confidential bilingual helpline providing free information and casework across a broad range of life challenges. Professional staff and trained volunteers guide clients through health insurance enrollment, Medicaid and Medicare navigation, affordable housing applications, senior rent freezes, disability benefits, and immigration visa concerns. In addition, the organization coordinates legal consultations and consumer protection advice to resolve landlord disputes and public entitlement issues.

Senior support and social connectedness are central to the organization's work. The agency coordinates regular friendly visiting programs, telephone reassurance check-ins, and the Sawa Kai weekly tea party gatherings that reduce isolation among older Japanese community members. Staff also deliver public educational seminars on healthcare planning, end-of-life care, and Medicare enrollment. Community members can access confidential support by calling the helpline or emailing the Gold Street office. Supporters can get involved by volunteering as friendly visitors, assisting with translation, or making tax-deductible financial donations.