SSG – Special Service for Groups https://www.ssg.org/ Fri, 17 Jul 2026 23:45:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://www.ssg.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cropped-siteicon-1-32x32.png SSG – Special Service for Groups https://www.ssg.org/ 32 32 Fiftieth Anniversary Gala Celebrates Pioneers Who Built and Led AAPI Equity Alliance https://www.ssg.org/fiftieth-anniversary-gala-celebrates-pioneers-who-built-and-led-aapi-equity-alliance/ Fri, 17 Jul 2026 23:45:21 +0000 https://www.ssg.org/?p=1441 In 1976, a group of AAPI activists and advocates began to meet regularly as the “Asian Lunch Bunch,” becoming the nucleus of an organization with the mission of maximizing access to government services and resources for the Los Angeles AAPI community. They launched what would begin as the Asian Pacific Planning Council (APPCON), evolving five […]

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]]> In 1976, a group of AAPI activists and advocates began to meet regularly as the “Asian Lunch Bunch,” becoming the nucleus of an organization with the mission of maximizing access to government services and resources for the Los Angeles AAPI community. They launched what would begin as the Asian Pacific Planning Council (APPCON), evolving five decades later to its present identity AAPI Equity Alliance (formerly A3PCON). The initial group numbered between 30-40 individuals and has grown presently to 50 member organizations. Its historic accomplishments included advocacy for increased funding addressing mental health needs for AAPI communities, amplifying AAPI participation in legislative processes, and the formation of APIAVote!, the Human Trafficking Task Force, and Stop AAPI Hate. On Thursday, May 21, 2026, AAPI Equity celebrated these and many other achievements at its 50th Anniversary Gala held at California Science Center, Los Angeles. A major highlight was recognition of founders and early community pioneers, including SSG Executive Director Dr. Herb Hatanaka and APAIT Director Jury Candelario, who served as AAPI Equity’s board president in 2004.

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]]> “Recovery in Motion” Expressed in 4th Annual Art on Canvas Client Exhibit https://www.ssg.org/recovery-in-motion-expressed-in-4th-annual-art-on-canvas-client-exhibit/ Fri, 17 Jul 2026 22:16:30 +0000 https://www.ssg.org/?p=1434 A division of Special Service for Groups, Inc., the Benefits Assistance Clients’ Urban Project (BACUP) celebrated 40 years of promoting and practicing person-centered, recovery-oriented approach to mental health wellness. Held at the Tropico De Nopal Gallery Art-Space in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 9, 2026, “Recovery in Motion” was the title of the 4th Annual […]

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]]> A division of Special Service for Groups, Inc., the Benefits Assistance Clients’ Urban Project (BACUP) celebrated 40 years of promoting and practicing person-centered, recovery-oriented approach to mental health wellness. Held at the Tropico De Nopal Gallery Art-Space in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 9, 2026, “Recovery in Motion” was the title of the 4th Annual Art on Canvas Client Art Exhibit hosted by BACUP and SSG Division Access to Prevention Advocacy, Intervention & Treatment (APAIT) in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month in May. L.A. County’s LAvsHATE showcased its art-centric information in posters, yard signs, stickers and buttons in the gallery space with walls adorned by powerful original artwork created by individuals with lived experiences to highlight stories of resilience, growth, and self-expression.

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]]> Hub City Heights: New Housing Offers Support, Opportunity, and Community https://www.ssg.org/hub-city-heights-new-housing-offers-support-opportunity-and-community/ Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:48:32 +0000 https://www.ssg.org/?p=1410 On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, leaders of the City of Compton welcomed Hub City Heights, a new permanent supportive housing community, providing 40 units to the community of East Compton (also known as East Rancho Dominguez). Funded through California’s Project Homekey state program, the complex is operated by the Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System […]

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]]> On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, leaders of the City of Compton welcomed Hub City Heights, a new permanent supportive housing community, providing 40 units to the community of East Compton (also known as East Rancho Dominguez). Funded through California’s Project Homekey state program, the complex is operated by the Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System (HOPICS), a division of SSG. Residents will have access to critical supportive services, including case management, behavioral health support, wellness activities, and direct connections to essential resources that promote stability and independence.
View images of the facility’s grand opening

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]]> Statement Regarding Allegations Involving Former Service Provider Abundant Blessings https://www.ssg.org/statement-regarding-allegations-involving-abundant-blessings/ Mon, 26 Jan 2026 22:38:07 +0000 https://www.ssg.org/?p=1380 SSG is aware of allegations involving the misuse of funds by Abundant Blessings, a former contracted homeless services provider. Any misuse of funding is deeply concerning as it undermines public trust and the essential work being done to serve individuals experiencing homelessness.  While SSG does not manage or oversee the internal financial operations of contracted […]

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]]> SSG is aware of allegations involving the misuse of funds by Abundant Blessings, a former contracted homeless services provider. Any misuse of funding is deeply concerning as it undermines public trust and the essential work being done to serve individuals experiencing homelessness. 

While SSG does not manage or oversee the internal financial operations of contracted providers, we take our role as a steward of public and private funds seriously and are cooperating fully with appropriate oversight authorities. 

SSG maintains strong fiscal protocols, compliance standards, and monitoring requirements for the funds we administer to serve individuals and families in need each and every day, and we remain committed to safeguarding those dollars, upholding accountability, and ensuring resources reach the people and communities they are intended to serve.

Press Contact:

Scott Mann

(323) 333-4850

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]]> SSG’s 2021 Community Report https://www.ssg.org/ssgs-2021-community-report/ Tue, 24 May 2022 20:50:12 +0000 https://www.ssg.org/?p=1291 The post SSG’s 2021 Community Report appeared first on SSG - Special Service for Groups.

]]> SSG-Community-Report-2021Download

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]]> COVID Rent Relief is Available for Renters & Landlords https://www.ssg.org/covid-rent-relief-is-available-for-renters-landlords/ Wed, 04 Aug 2021 20:21:45 +0000 https://www.ssg.org/?p=1231 If you’re a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs – or if you’re a landlord trying to stay afloat with tenants in this situation – help may be available. State and local programs are distributing billions of dollars in rental assistance to help renters stay housed during the pandemic.Visit the […]

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]]> If you’re a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs – or if you’re a landlord trying to stay afloat with tenants in this situation – help may be available. State and local programs are distributing billions of dollars in rental assistance to help renters stay housed during the pandemic.
Visit the CFPB’s Rental Assistance Finder to find out what this means for you and what you can do. The CFPB’s site also includes resources to help renters and landlords understand other resources to help navigate various financial hardships related to the pandemic.

Find where to apply
To find the state or local agency where you can
apply for rental assistance, visit cfpb.gov/govrent

If you can’t find a program in your area, call 2-1-1
or your local housing authority for assistance.


This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ERA-Call-to-Action-Toolkit_07262021.jpg

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/housing/housing-insecurity/help-for-renters/get-help-paying-rent-and-bills/

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]]> SSG Executive Director featured during AAPI Heritage Month https://www.ssg.org/ssg-executive-director-featured-during-aapi-heritage-month/ Fri, 28 May 2021 18:50:03 +0000 https://www.ssg.org/?p=1213 Herbert Hatanaka, Executive Director of SSG, was featured by United Way of LA during their AAPI Heritage Month celebrations. We are grateful for United Way’s support of our programs, especially our services that target the most disadvantaged communities in Los Angeles County. Our fearless leader, Herb Hatanaka, was featured by @LAUnitedWay for AAPI Heritage Month. […]

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]]> Herbert Hatanaka, Executive Director of SSG, was featured by United Way of LA during their AAPI Heritage Month celebrations. We are grateful for United Way’s support of our programs, especially our services that target the most disadvantaged communities in Los Angeles County.

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]]> Connecting the Dots | October 2020 – February 2021 https://www.ssg.org/connecting-the-dots-october-2020-february-2021/ Sun, 28 Feb 2021 14:47:00 +0000 https://www.ssg.org/?p=1249 The post Connecting the Dots | October 2020 – February 2021 appeared first on SSG - Special Service for Groups.

]]> The post Connecting the Dots | October 2020 – February 2021 appeared first on SSG - Special Service for Groups.

]]> RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE IN FIVE LOS ANGELES ASIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES: INTERGENERATIONAL RISK AND STRENGTHENING FACTORS https://www.ssg.org/relationship-violence-in-five-los-angeles-asian-american-communities-intergenerational-risk-and-strengthening-factors/ Tue, 03 Nov 2020 00:27:37 +0000 https://www.ssg.org/?p=1180 SSG releases a new publication. In 2019 the Blue Shield of California Foundation partnered with A3PCON, SSG R&E and six community organizations (Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers, Korean American Family Services, Koreatown Youth & Community Center, Pacific Asian Counseling Services, South Asian Network, and Center for Pacific Asian Family) to conduct a needs assessment […]

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]]> SSG releases a new publication. In 2019 the Blue Shield of California Foundation partnered with A3PCON, SSG R&E and six community organizations (Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers, Korean American Family Services, Koreatown Youth & Community Center, Pacific Asian Counseling Services, South Asian Network, and Center for Pacific Asian Family) to conduct a needs assessment on domestic violence. This study explores risk and protective factors in five Southern California Asian American communities: Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, North Indian Hindu, and Pakistani Muslim. These factors include cultural traditions, norms, attitudes and beliefs, particularly around gender roles, intergenerational family dynamics, intimate relationships, and approaches to child-rearing.

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]]> Connecting the Dots | March – August 2020 https://www.ssg.org/connecting-the-dots-march-august-2020/ Mon, 31 Aug 2020 21:37:00 +0000 https://www.ssg.org/?p=1262 The post Connecting the Dots | March – August 2020 appeared first on SSG - Special Service for Groups.

]]> The post Connecting the Dots | March – August 2020 appeared first on SSG - Special Service for Groups.

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