Executive board. / Courtesy- Priya Kulkarni

In the heart of Washington DC, Ashiyanaa is rewriting what support feels like for survivors of gender and interpersonal violence (IPV). True to its name, this non-profit organisation has been ‘home’ to many South Asian immigrants experiencing physical, emotional, verbal, financial, and social abuse.

It has inspired positive change at every step since its conception in the year 1989 and has evolved into a culturally rooted response to trauma, built by and for the community—walking with clients from the moment they seek help until they firmly stand on their own feet. Started in 1989 as ASHA to help individuals undergoing domestic violence, Ashiyanaa has recently expanded services to also serve Seniors and their caregivers access services and combat isolation as well as help support and educate South Asian youth on college campuses with issues like campus dating violence and acculturation .

In this edition, New India Abroad catches up with Ashiyanaa’s president, Priya Kulkarni, to delve into the organization’s journey so far, its cultural-specific approach, and the impact it continues to make across the South Asian community. Read on…

It is a well-established fact that South Asian culture, which is quite prominent in the United States now, has been highly complex – shaped by a rich history, diversity, migration, religion, and nuanced social structures. Over time, in the West, families have become more nuclear. In contrast, in the South Asian community, families are still rooted in extended structures involving in-laws, siblings, cousins, and others who often exert substantial influence over personal decisions.

In addition to that, cultural factors such as patriarchy, family honor, and societal pressure play a significant role. These nuances are often misunderstood by agencies, services providers or any other non-profit unfamiliar with South Asian background. As a result, when they offer advice or direction to individuals struggling with any kind of trauma or discord,clients are unable to follow through—not because they’re unwilling, but because of layered cultural constraints. 

“This is where Ashiyanaa fits well,” says Priya Kulkarni, who joined this non-profit about 17 years ago. “We are the link in the cultural competency gap between our South Asian clients and local government and non-government service providers who often don’t understand the cultural nuances. We help them understand why our clients are responding to the service providers the way they are.”

 “After my children grew a little older, I was searching for ways to give back to the local South Asian Community. I came across this wonderful organization, originally known as ASHA ( Asian Womens Self Help Association) started in 1989, it later became simply known as ASHA for women. I completed the required training and began working as a volunteer. After I helped my first client get out of a very difficult situation, I felt so fulfilled!” 

Before 2018, we served South Asian women from the DC metro area, including immigrants and long-time residents. Clients came from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Volunteers worked directly with them one-on-one, providing support as they navigated difficult situations.” We have now expanded to include South Asian men as well as the countries of Afghanistan and Bhutan.

 

Advancement Board. / Courtesy- Priya Kulkarni

In the year 2020 , ASHA for Women rebranded as Ashiyanaa which means ‘home or nest’ in Hindi, Urdu, Bangla, and Nepali. The new identity was carefully chosen after an extensive needs assessment conducted within the community, around the start of COVID. The name reflected their core values, and focused more on inclusivity towards ALL South Asians. Kulkarni notes that around the same time, Ashiyanaa expanded their services to Bhutan and Afghanistan as well.

They also launched a senior services program to support senior citizens with issues like accessing government benefits, addressing isolation, and ensuring food security. One of the most sought-after Senior programs of Ashiyanaa is ‘Chai and Chat’. This interesting virtual program is held twice a month featuring experts who speak on various topics. It provides a vibrant and engaging online environment for the elderly to connect and network. The other Senior initiative includes in-person gatherings for seniors, and other immigrants who are unable to meet otherwise due to various reasons. 

Speaking of other initiatives, Kulkarni shares, “Last year, we launched a Youth program targeting local universities in the DMV area. We facilitated workshops on interpersonal violence (IPV) among South Asian youth at American University, George Mason, GW, and the University of Maryland. These sessions not only raise awareness but offer support in the form of follow-up counselling, as IPV discussions can often trigger emotional responses.”

In 2025, Ashiyanaa will enter its 36th year of service marking over three decades of unflinching support for the South Asian community. 

The NGO which was entirely volunteer-run at one point now employs a new executive director, two full-time caseworkers, and a highly committed part-time staff supporting grant writing, accounting, and other functions- all currently run by the executive board who acts more like a management team At heart, Ashiyanaa remains a grassroots, hyperlocal organization embedded in the DMV community, with no branches elsewhere.

“Our funding is mainly community-based. We proudly hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from both Candid and GuideStar,one of the nonprofit rating agencies in the U.S., which means our financials are fully transparent. 94 cents on every dollar donated goes directly to support the program. People hear about us through word of mouth and we’re well supported by individual donors, local South Asian-owned businesses, and family foundations. Quite recently, we have started receiving small amounts of federal funding. But what makes our model truly unique is the deep commitment of our community—they recognize the need and actively support our work,” remarks Kulkarni with evident pride. 

It's important to note that for all its clients, Ashiyanaa offers various support services like mental health counselling resources , legal referrals, employment resources, affordable housing and food and emergency assistance as part of its essential service. In addition to that, the NGO serves as a crucial link between clients and local government agencies in Virginia and Maryland, which surround the Washington D.C. area. 

“Our approach is all about empowering rather than enabling our clients. We don't want our clients to rely on us forever—to that end we never tell them what they should do or not do. Rather, we want them to start taking control of their lives, start to reclaim their lives, feel confident, and thrive on their own terms.”

If you or someone you know needs help and support please contact us. 
Toll-free helpline: 1-888- 417-2742/ https://ashiyanaa.org/get-help/