FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is ACRS?
ACRS is Asian Counseling and Referral Service. Each year, ACRS provides hope and opportunity in over 40 languages and dialects. People of all generations come to knowledgeable and caring ACRS staff for a variety of issues and leave with the tools, skills and confidence to face life’s challenges.
Food for survival and culture
• Food bank, specializing in Asian and Pacific Islander staples
• Emergency feeding for homeless and low-income people
• Ethnic lunch programs for seniors
Healthy mind and body to stay safe, stable and independent
• Assistance for elders and adults with disabilities so they can remain in their own homes
• Bilingual, bicultural counseling for children and adults
• Problem gambling treatment
• Substance abuse treatment and recovery services
• Domestic violence batterers treatment and community education
Building blocks for success and realizing dreams
• Youth leadership development, violence prevention and academic support
• Employment and training services
Stronger communities through civic engagement
• Citizenship and immigration assistance
• Community education, mobilization and advocacy
Information for taking action
• Legal clinic
• Information and referral
• Consultation and education
Who does ACRS serve?
ACRS helps primarily low-income, immigrant, refugee and American-born Asian Pacific Americans living in King County. In 2015, ACRS served over 26,000 people.
What is ACRS’ mission?
To promote social justice and the well-being and empowerment of Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals, families and communities – including immigrants, refugees and native born – by developing, providing and advocating for innovative, community-based multilingual and multicultural services.
When did ACRS start, how will it continue to meet needs?
ACRS was founded in 1973 out of a grassroots effort. During that time, Asian Pacific Americans were at risk of misdiagnosis and receiving inappropriate care from service providers unfamiliar with their culture and language. Asian Pacific Americans are the fastest growing racial group in the county, with many immigrants and refugees. ACRS moved to its new home in Rainier Valley in June 2008 in order to expand services and meet the emerging needs of this growing community.
Who works at ACRS?
More than 240 staff members reflect the diversity of the community and collectively speak over 40 languages and dialects. Volunteers and interns also contribute their time to ensure ACRS continues to provide quality services.
What is ACRS’ annual budget and where does the money come from?
ACRS’ 2015 operating budget was approximately $18 million. In order to make sure our high quality services are available to the most vulnerable, ACRS relies on government contracts, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships and individual contributions. Donations, which are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law, are greatly appreciated. ACRS accepts Medicaid, Medicare and most private insurance plans for mental health care and offers a sliding-fee scale based on household income.
