History

	Conference on Peace with the Kyoto Junior Chamber of Commerce.

JASSI was the brainchild of the late Midori Shimanouchi Lederer, a former publicist, who was nearly of retirement age herself when she became aware of gaps in social services for Japanese senior citizens, largely owing to language and cultural barriers. Together with a young community-minded attorney and a caring, bilingual friend, she formed Japanese American Social Services, Inc. in 1981. JASSI’s skeleton staff of three worked around her dining room table, with a single telephone line, one typewriter and a strong desire to serve those unfamiliar with procedures for obtaining assistance, not to mention entitlements. Volunteers were quick to offer their help, and an agency whose initial purpose was to help seniors soon received requests from many other individuals seeking assistance for information and direct services for a broad range of needs including legal and immigration issues and family problems. 

As its work became known, JASSI received grants and corporate and individual donations, which in time enabled the organization to acquire office space, equipment, and additional staff members.

Whether you are a newcomer to New York, a long term resident, or a short-term visitor, you may encounter unforeseen problems arising from cultural differences, language barrier or lack of familiarity with procedures. By providing information and referral or direct services, JASSI assists individuals with problems ranging from immigration, housing, and government benefits, to health and labor-related issues. JASSI is the only professional social services agency for the Japanese community on the East Coast.  Its services are provided on a no-fee basis.