In 1979, when LTSC opened its doors, the primary activity was providing social services to the Issei (Japanese-speaking first generation immigrants) who needed help in dealing with the activities of daily living, and in navigating often complicated systems of government services. Limited English proficiency was a major barriers in a wide range of activities, from transportation, to paying utility bills and to obtaining earned government benefits.

Over the years, as the community changed, LTSC made changes to live up to its goal of helping people and building community through meeting the unmet needs of all who needed assistance. We continue to assist the Japanese-speaking elderly, but also assist the growing number of Korean seniors in Little Tokyo.

LTSC conducts outreach and education to increase awareness mental health services by Japanese and Japanese American families and individuals when they are needed. A part of that work involves overcoming social stigma and developing an awareness of tools and resources for counseling, support groups and educational workshops. Our counselors provide culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate services to the Japanese American community throughout Southern California and uses a variety of therapies that cut through cultural barriers to understanding.

Services are provided on a sliding scale that allows everyone, regardless of income, to receive counseling. In addition to direct services, LTSC also sponsors educational seminars for the general population and service providers.

Support groups provide a place for participants to exchange not only helpful information but also share life experiences that encourage each other in their struggles. Most of these support groups are facilitated by social workers.

Cancer Support Group

The Cancer Support Group is open to any Japanese-speaking patient diagnosed with any type of cancer and is the only group of its kind in Southern California. Group members come together every other week to support each other and overcome fear, anxiety, stress and pain. Members have a positive outlook and are living their lives to their fullest potential. Some members have expressed their view that after their cancer diagnosis they realized how precious and beautiful life is and have chosen to celebrate everyday.

KOALA Club

Because raising children in the United States presents unique challenges to Japanese speaking mothers, Little Tokyo Service Center holds a parenting support group called Koala Club. The mothers, along with their children, meet twice a month to socialize and interact with each other. Making new friends and building a support network is a significant aspect of the group because many of them are recent immigrants from Japan and often feel isolated having left family and friends behind.

Kosumosu Transitional Housing

Kosumosu opened in January of 2003 to provide transitional housing for victims of domestic violence. In addition to a physically and emotionally safe environment, residents also receive job counseling, financial management, counseling and more. Residents become empowered to rebuild new, healthier lives through living together and supporting each other. Services are provided in English, Korean, Mandarin and Japanese.

Stop the Violence program

The "Stop the Violence" program, started in 1994, is for Japanese speaking batterers who are court ordered to attend a 52-week educational session. The goal of the program is to educate men who are also caught in the cycle of violence through education, discussion sessions, stress management, and anger control.