For more than four decades, Asian Resources, Inc. (ARI) has served as a trusted hub for immigrant and refugee communities in Sacramento. The organization was founded in 1980 after community members came together to support Southeast Asian refugees arriving in the region post-Vietnam War.

The organization first focused on helping newcomers learn English, but it quickly expanded as community leaders saw the need for deeper support.

“From the very beginning, Asian Resources was built on trust,” said Rejie Marie Baloyos, Executive Director. “Our communities need organizations that understand their language, their culture, and their experiences. We don’t just work with individuals. We support entire families.”

Asian Resources, Inc.

Today, ARI provides a wide range of programs designed to help families thrive, including free tax preparation services and educational outreach around tax credits, employment training, vocational English classes, digital and financial literacy programs, and assistance navigating services like health coverage, housing resources, and public benefits. Advocacy is also a core part of their mission.

Since last year, they have also worked closely with GSO to support their existing Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services. ARI supports families during tax season by operating three sites staffed by IRS trained tax preparers, in conjunction with United Way. The sites, located in Citrus Heights, Oak Park, and South Sacramento, provide free tax preparation so families can claim valuable credits and keep more of their income.

Through their partnership with GSO, they have also recently been able to provide additional tax preparation services through GSO’s Tacos & Taxes events and reach even more community members. ARI first connected with GSO through a community event with Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, which introduced the organization to GSO’s outreach efforts such as Tacos & Taxes and the EITC bus.

The connection there was also personal: Before being elected to represent California’s 10th Assembly District, Assemblymember Nguyen once served as Executive Director of ARI and is herself VITA certified.

“Her continued engagement with initiatives such as the Tacos & Taxes event reflects her longstanding commitment to supporting working families and communities across her district, and it highlights the importance of partnerships that help expand access to trusted financial resources,” said Baloyos.

And their numbers speak for themselves. During the 2025 tax season, from February 3rd to April 15th, the team assisted 1,416 households, with 1,305 tax filings successfully e-filed and accepted. For Baloyos, the numbers are more than just numbers: they mean families that have more resources to utilize.

Asian Resources, Inc.

“When families are economically empowered, it can reduce stress at home and strengthen entire communities,” Baloyos said. “Our work helps people see their options and connect with resources so they don’t fall into chronic poverty.”

More than forty years after it was founded, Asian Resources continues to play a vital role in Sacramento’s immigrant and refugee communities.

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