About AshaUSA

Formed in July, 2014, AshaUSA (Asha means hope) is a non-profit organization focused on creating healthy, happy, and harmonious South Asian communities by engaging and empowering South Asian women, men, and children through culturally specific programs and services.

 

Over 5.5 million South Asians (including ancestry from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives, and Indo-Caribbean individuals from countries including Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago) live in the United States out of which about 58,000 live in Minnesota (2020 census). 70% of South Asian Minnesotans are first generation immigrants.

 

The South Asian population in Minnesota has more than doubled since 2000. With the increase in population, challenges associated with acculturation in terms of health, youth development, and family relationships have become more distinct. There is a need for culturally specific programs that proactively address acculturation challenges for the South Asian community in Minnesota. ​

 

AshaUSA will focus on implementing culturally specific programs that will proactively address acculturation challenges  with the first generation immigrant community  before  they become major issues.