FAA was established in 1973 in response to the growing influx of immigrants from the Philippines and the discrimination and alienation they faced as newcomers. Over the past 35 years FAA has been an advocate for immigrant and civil rights for the Filipino community. We have also sought to serve the more vulnerable in our community by helping recent arrivals, youth and low wage workers navigate the challenges and hurdles of life in the US. Our mission is to build a strong and empowered Filipino community by organizing constituents, developing leaders, providing services and advocating for policies that promote social and economic justice and equity.

For the past 35 years, FAA’s work has been grounded in the spirit of Bayanihan (people helping people) and our vision for a Filipino community with the power to advance social and economic justice, and to realize democratic and human rights for everyone.

Serving the Needs of the Most Vulnerable in the Community

FAA’s services continue to be centered around the needs of the most vulnerable in our community through our programs:

Newcomer Assistance—Our direct services are designed to foster self-sufficiency and mutual help in a community that is still 65% foreign-born. Our Newcomer Assistance and Empowerment services include help with applications for citizenship and family petitions, access to low or no cost health care, and navigating the social safety net to strengthen self-sufficiency.

Low Wage Workers—We provide support for low-wage workers at the Oakland Airport and more recently of home care workers in Alameda County.

Youth Development—The welfare of young people has been at the core of FAA’s work since our doors opened 35 years ago. FAA works with over 100 youth annually to build resiliency to risky behavior in favor of positive decision making, healthier lifestyles, and completion of school through cultural grounding and an appreciation for community service and leadership. FAA accomplishes this through in school and after school youth programs in Union City and Oakland/Alameda.

Community Organizing and Advocacy
Throughout our history we have been involved in and often led social justice campaigns that push back against injustices and discrimination, promote equal protections for immigrants, access to resources for immigrants, and inclusion of the Filipino community in the political process.

We strive to turn the nation’s attention to dealing with the root causes of the global displacement and migration of people. FAA has responded by working in coalition with other immigrant advocates, and strengthening our community’s ability to participate in the immigrant rights movement. We continue to work on restoring recognition, dignity and equal status to Filipino WWII veterans.

Electoral Engagement
The growing foreign-born population has increasingly become a significant political force in California. Filipinos have the 2nd largest rate of naturalization in the state and the potential to be a force in the electoral arena. In some cities, like Union City, Filipinos are 13% of the voting population. FAA is increasing our capacity to encourage active voter participation as new citizens and children of immigrants become voters.