FAQS

When was Sacramento Cultural & Linguistic Center established?

The Sacramento Cultural & Linguistic Center, previously known as the Southeast Asian Assistance Center and before that, the Indo-Chinese Assistance Center, an interfaith Service Bureau program, has been providing assistance to Southeast Asian refugees for 35 years, with roots going back to 1977 (incorporated on August 20, 1990). Since 1999, SCLC has been broadening its mission, extending its services to other linguistic communities.

What is SCLC’s mission?

SCLC’s mission is to aid and support Limited English Proficient (LEP) communities in overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers. We serve as the bridge between diverse cultures, guiding individuals towards becoming well-informed, productive, and thriving citizens. The Sacramento Cultural & Linguistic Center (SCLC) is dedicated to offering paraprofessional services, including mental health outreach, drug abuse prevention/education, and social services, to individuals who have arrived as refugees and immigrants in Sacramento County. Our staff plays a crucial role as a culturally sensitive and language-appropriate bridge, connecting monolingual and monocultural individuals to the broader community. Our goal is to empower refugees and immigrants to overcome the challenges they face in leading healthy, happy, and successful lives in the Sacramento area.

What is SCLC’s vision?

The Sacramento Cultural & Linguistic Center, in line with its mission to serve Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals, envisions providing much-needed cultural awareness and services to multilingual and multicultural communities. Through SCLC’s cultural program initiative, we aim to bridge the gap between diverse cultures, helping communities overcome linguistic and cultural barriers. With this new cultural program in place, we will offer the following:

• Free ESL (English as a Second Language) classes
• Free cultural competency and awareness training
• Cultural events and programs to foster connections between diverse cultures
• Accompaniment to local social service agencies, family resource centers, and law enforcement, providing interpretation and cultural brokerage
• Gathering individuals and families under one umbrella through events and community collaboration to promote programs and services tailored to cultural and linguistic needs
• SCLC envisions facilitating cultural leadership classes for corporate and other agencies
• SCLC will be conducting interviews with community leaders representing different cultural groups via podcasts.

Who are the funders of SCLC?

SCLC is funded by the Sacramento County Department of Health Services and is also funded by the support of donors and occasional grants.

What kind of services does SCLC provide to Sacramento County?

SCLC offers a range of services to the Sacramento County Department of Health Services (DHS). These services encompass interpretation for county Mental Health (MH) and Substance Use Prevention Treatment (SUPT), translation and translation review of county documents, and test calls to DHS to ensure LEP clients receive interpreters and access appropriate resources tailored to their needs. SCLC also conducts outreach on behalf of Sacramento DHS and assists members of the LEP community in enrolling in their programs.

How many providers from Sacramento County does SCLC serve?

SCLC currently serves 66 providers from Sacramento County.

How many languages does SCLC serve?

SCLC serves 17 languages and dialects, including Arabic, Cambodian, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Hmong, Lao, Mien, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi.

What kind of services does SCLC provide?

SCLC offers in-person, over-the-phone, and Zoom interpretation services, along with translation and document review in languages other than English. Please refer to our website for additional services.

Does SCLC provide ESL Classes?

SCLC does provide English language classes for limited proficiency people for all levels either in person or by zoom meetings. You may register by calling 916-421-1036 or emaling 

info@sclc.org.

How can I get a quote for interpretation/translation services?

To receive a quote, please call 916-421-1036.

What is the fee for translation services?

The fee for English to the target language or vice versa is $0.40 or more per word, depending on the document type. Rush translation (with a 1-2 business day turnaround time) costs $0.60 per word.

What is the fee for interpretation services?

• In-person regular appointments (8 am to 4:30 pm): $119.00 per hour (excluding mileage).
• After-hours appointments (before 8 am or after 4:30 pm): $130.00 per hour (excluding mileage).
• Same Day/Urgent Requests: $139.00 per hour.

Is SCLC hiring?

Please call us at 916-421-1036 or email info@sclc.org to inquire about any available positions. SCLC is in recruitment of independent contractors. SCLC is always on the lookout for passionate volunteers who wish to contribute with the LEP community or be a part of our cultural agency.

Where can I apply for a job position?

To apply for a job position, kindly send your resume via email info@sclc.org.

How can I become a volunteer?

To become a volunteer, please reach out by calling 916-421-1036 or emailing us at info@sclc.org.

What kind of immigration services does SCLC provide?

SCLC offers immigration consultation and assistance through the volunteer work of one of our interpreters, Larry Khon. Larry possesses over 20 years of immigration experience and has closely collaborated with immigration law offices.

Is SCLC a shelter or does it offer transitional housing?

SCLC does not directly provide shelter or transitional housing, but we can guide individuals to the resources they require. For more information, please call 2-1-1 or visit https://schs.saccounty.gov/.

What are SCLC’s partner agencies?

SCLC provides resources and referrals to other local nonprofit agencies and family resource centers in the area. Please call to inquire about referrals.

Who is the executive director?

Sadia-Himalaya Rajput serves as the Executive Director of SCLC. With extensive experience in social services, counseling, and child advocacy, she emphasizes dedication and compassion in helping others and the community. Her work promotes awareness and embraces cultural diversity within non-profit sectors.

Who is the outreach coordinator?

Amanda Oyao is the Outreach Coordinator at SCLC, a multi-talented expert who tirelessly advocates for SCLC’s objectives and mission to providers, clients, and the community at large.

Does SCLC provide walk-in services?

SCLC offers walk-in services for immediate or urgent needs, whether for interpretation services or the other services we provide.

What is SCLC’s slogan?

The well-known slogan of SCLC is 'Together We Can.' This motto embodies the spirit of unity and collaboration in overcoming challenges, language barriers, and the hardships associated with adapting to a new community. Through mutual support and appropriate guidance, we can achieve what may seem impossible.

How can I contribute to SCLC?

Individuals can contribute to SCLC by offering their time through volunteering or interning to assist with the agency’s programs and services. Additionally, advocating for and sharing SCLC’s flyers, information, and services with those in need is highly appreciated. Encouraging others in the community to contribute and spread awareness. We are greatly appreciative of our donors and funders. Without your contributions our vision would not be sustainable.