History

F​or many years, Ektaa Center has served as a hub for the Orange County community, but it lacked programs specifically designed for seniors. Ongoing discussions about how to better connect seniors with younger generations eventually led to the creation of South Asian Senior Association (SASA) as an extension of Ektaa Center.

On January 20, 2020, Preeti Singh introduced the idea of intergenerational senior programs to a small group of community members and youth volunteers she had previously collaborated with. The idea was warmly received, and just two days later, Preeti, along with Harish Murthy and Nita, met to brainstorm concepts and select a name. From this planning, SASA was born, with a vision to host bi-monthly senior gatherings that would include one intergenerational event each month.

The first seniors-only meeting, with six participants, was held on February 19, 2020, followed shortly by the first intergenerational meeting on February 21. Soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person gatherings, and SASA transitioned to virtual meetings via Zoom beginning May 29, 2020. Throughout 2020 and 2021, seniors met online every other Friday. These sessions became a vital source of connection and support, offering opportunities to learn, socialize, and enjoy activities together. Youth volunteers also joined in, bringing joy through games, jokes, and shared laughter.

In 2021, SASA was officially recognized and partnered with the Senior Services of the City of Irvine. With this support, SASA launched monthly in-person socials, fitness activities, and dance events at the Lakeview Senior Center. In 2022, the program expanded further with the addition of monthly luncheons, giving seniors a space for informal socialization, learning, and community-building.

Today, SASA continues to grow, hosting Connect to Celebrate evening socials, Lunch and Learn gatherings, and a variety of programs that enrich the lives of seniors while strengthening intergenerational ties.

SASA has served over 3,000 older adults in recent years and now has 600 active members, with about 300 participants joining classes each month.