Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) visited South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) to announce a $50,000 state funding grant that she secured for the non-profit’s food pantry and social service and workforce development programming. To announce the grant, Rozic attended the graduation of SACSS’ workforce development program, “Stitch with SACSS”, a 10-week program that teaches women how to design, sew, and alter clothing.

“Our heartfelt gratitude to Assemblywoman Nily Rozic for the $50,000 grant that will be used to serve the critical needs of over 250 families (1,000 individuals) who depend on SACSS’ Food Pantry for their next meal," said SACSS Executive Director Sudha Acharya. “This grant will also support 25 students in our Job Readiness Program, and will go a long way in ensuring the economic empowerment of our underserved communities.”

SACSS, founded in 2000 in response to a lack of social services for New York City’s

fast-growing South Asian community, has become a trusted community institution serving over 500,000 New Yorkers a year in over 18 languages. Their mission to empower and integrate underserved South Asians and other immigrants into the economic and civic life of Queens and New York City as a whole, offers services spanning from healthcare access, support for seniors, food security, job preparedness, legal immigration services, youth programs, and beyond.

“I am delighted to announce that SACSS has been awarded $50,000 in grant funding through my office. This will contribute to SACSS’ efforts of providing for Queens families by expanding the reach of their food pantry and helping local residents acquire new skills and training,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic.

This allocation marks Rozic’s first funding announcement of 2024 following last year’s record-breaking year where she announced over $2 million in community investments among schools, non-profits, universities and hospitals. Her most recent allocation of $50,000 was awarded to Commonpoint Queens for the purpose of holiday meal distributions to homebound seniors and activities for the community.