AmASSI Health&Cultural Centers

AmASSI is a non-profit, community based health, wellness and cultural affirmation center. AmASSI is an acronym for the African American Advocacy, Support-Services & Survival Institute. We provide preventive health for HIV/AIDS, STDs, cancer, diabetes, etc., psychological and therapeutic assistance and math and literacy tutoring, skills building opportunities and empowerment. At the AmASSI Center, community members are culturally respected and affirmed, and all services are free and low cost.

AmASSI is an award winning organization that, since 1993, has provided healing to over 10,000 primarily African American and Latino men, women, and children in the South Central Los Angeles neighborhoods of Inglewood, West Adams, Crenshaw, Baldwin Hills, Leimert Park, and Adams-La Brea. Although AmASSI's programs have a cultural emphasis on African Americans, and a substantial number of Spanish speaking staff, people of other ancestries (e.g., Asian, Native-American and European) often seek AmASSI's services and are warmly embraced.

AmASSI continues to be a unique and vital resource to the African American and Latina/o communities of the greater South Central Los Angeles area by providing innovative risk-reduction, health, wellness, empowerment and cultural affirmation programs to its socio-economically, spiritually and sexually diverse members. AmASSI has received national recognition for its Critical Thinking and Cultural Affirmation (CTCA) model of services for hard to reach and sub populations.

AmASSI services include Self-Esteem Building Workshops for children and young adults, HIV/AIDS Risk-Reduction programs, Math and English Literacy Tutoring, Wellness/Mental Health Counseling for Individuals and Couples, Peer Empowerment Groups, and Fitness and Nutrition Programs. Special cultural events include spoken word and open mike showcases and art exhibits. Additionally our Women In Jazz benefit concerts that have featured Chaka Khan, Brenda Russell, Sheila E. and Miki Howard and our Tribute To Black Music Benefit (suspended since 9/11/2001) are part of our ongoing fundraising efforts to support our programs and services in the community.

AmASSI recognizes that to effectively provide prevention services, we must be in the community and part of the rhythm. AmASSI participates in local community events, schools and clinics, etc and is part of the rhythm.