Asian American Pacific Islander

Our Mission

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Our mission is to improve mental health and well-being in the Filipino and Asian American/Pacific Islander community in Riverside County through educational workshops, referrals to support services, community events and support groups with the goal of reducing the stigma against mental illness.

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From Humble Beginnings

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Our organization emerged as a result of Perris Valley Filipino American Association's active involvement and advocacy in the Riverside University Health Systems-Behavior Health Asian American Taskforce beginning in 2012. Through the hard work and dedication of our current Director, Mila Banks-Varela, and Co-Founder Joey Chen, funding was awarded through the Mental Health Services Act grant to create what was known as the Filipino American Mental Health Resource Center. From inception, FAMHRC aimed to address the disparity in mental health services in Riverside County's Filipino, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities. Today, the FAMHRC now offers monthly workshops on mental health, with presentations from esteemed mental health experts to educate our community and reduce the cultural stigma surrounding mental illness.

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A New Name to Carry On Our Legacy

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At our fifth Anniversary in 2022, the Filipino American Mental Health Resource Center transitioned to our new name, the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Mental Health Resource Center to reflect our commitment to serving all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our community.

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