AACI Chosen as a 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens

San Jose, CA — AACI (Asian Americans for Community Involvement) is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, representing District 26.

AACI is one of more than one hundred nonprofits that will be honored by their state senators and assemblymembers for their outstanding contributions to the communities they serve.

Over the past 50 years, AACI has grown into one of Santa Clara County’s most trusted community-based organizations, serving tens of thousands of individuals each year through dozens of integrated health and social service programs. With a multilingual and multicultural workforce providing care across several clinic and community-based sites, AACI reaches diverse populations through primary care visits, behavioral health services, survivor support programs, and community outreach initiatives. By addressing both clinical needs and everyday challenges like housing, access to food, and financial stability, AACI plays a vital role in building stronger, more resilient communities and expanding equitable opportunities to thrive. Last year, AACI proudly served over 14,800 patients and clients across San Jose.

“At AACI, we believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, culturally responsive care,” said Sarita Kohli, CEO & President of AACI. “This recognition as a California Nonprofit of the Year reinforces the importance of supporting the health and well-being of our diverse community. We are grateful to Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens for this award, and we are proud to continue advancing health equity in Santa Clara County.”

“We are grateful for the work of AACI and want to extend our congratulations for this well-deserved recognition,” said Geoff Green, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits) which sponsors the initiative. “Nonprofits are among our country’s most trusted organizations and an integral part of civil society. There’s likely never been a more important time to lift up the contributions nonprofits make within the communities they serve.”

Nonprofits are well known for being problem-solvers, innovators, helpers, and advocates, but they are also a major economic force. According to “Causes Count 3.0,” a new report soon to be released by CalNonprofits, the nonprofit sector is now the 3rd largest employer in the state, with approximately 1.5 million Californians working for nonprofit organizations. Collectively, our state’s 110,000 501c3 public charities generate more than $430 billion in revenue each year.

Now in its eleventh year, the California Nonprofit of the Year initiative provides the opportunity for each California state legislator to recognize a nonprofit organization doing outstanding work in their district. The program culminated with a celebratory luncheon at the Capitol on California Nonprofits Day, which was on May 20th this year.

The program is sponsored by the CalNonprofits in partnership with the state Senate and Assembly Select Committees on the Nonprofit Sector. CalNonprofits, the leading policy voice for California’s nonprofit sector, focuses on advocacy, education, and research to build a more powerful and politically engaged nonprofit network across the state.

About AACI: Founded in 1973, AACI (Asian Americans for Community Involvement) serves individuals and families with cultural humility, sensitivity, and respect, advocating for and serving the marginalized and ethnic communities in Santa Clara County. AACI’s mission is to strengthen the resilience and hope of our diverse community members by improving their health and well-being. Our vision is for everyone in our diverse community to be healthy, safe, and well.  Our many integrated programs provide support that is client-centered and remove barriers to accessing care.  Current programs include behavioral and primary health services, substance abuse prevention and treatment, center for survivors of torture, shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, senior wellness, youth programs, and community advocacy. To learn more about AACI’s services, visit aaci.org.