SLAVIC COMMUNITY CENTER OF SACRAMENTO INC

ABOUT OUR CENTER

We are pleased to introduce you to Slavic Community Center Inc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of immigrants, refugees, and families throughout Northern California. Located in Sacramento and proudly serving the region since 1993, we are the first organization of our kind in the area, originally established to support Slavic-speaking communities—and now committed to helping all ethnic communities in our region build stronger, safer, and more successful lives.

Our Mission

Our mission is to be a place of hope, refuge, and transformation for individuals and families navigating the challenges of immigration, resettlement, and cultural integration in the United States. With compassion and deep cultural understanding, we strive to support our community members—regardless of background—as they build new lives marked by dignity, opportunity, and purpose.

What We Do

The Slavic Community Center offers a wide range of essential services, tailored to the unique needs of immigrants and refugees from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Our services include:

Immigration Support & Legal Services

Asylum applications and personal declaration preparation | Green card applications and renewals | Adjustment of status, naturalization, and citizenship assistance | Support for all immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories (H-1B, B-1, B-2, F-1, etc.) | U.S. Passport applications | Foreign passport service assistance | In-house notary services and certified document translation

Social & Educational Services

Crime prevention initiatives | Drug awareness programs | Educational seminars and life skills training | Community events and resource fairs

Ethnic Studies & Civic Engagement

Promotion of ethnic and cultural studies through community-based research and outreach | Programs emphasizing social justice, leadership, activism, and intercultural dialogue | Civic knowledge and engagement initiatives to build stronger local and global communities | Encouragement of ethical reasoning, diversity awareness, and lifelong learning

Our work is rooted in the belief that every person deserves safety, support, and the opportunity to thrive. Whether helping a family file for asylum, translating vital documents, or hosting workshops on civic engagement, the Slavic Community Center remains a trusted and inclusive resource for all.

A Commitment to Inclusion

While our name reflects our historical roots in the Slavic community, our heart and services extend to any ethnic or cultural group in Sacramento and beyond in need of support. For over 30 years, we have been a pillar of strength for over two hundred and fifty thousand families escaping persecution, war, and instability, and we continue to expand our reach to meet the changing needs of our region’s diverse population.

We welcome opportunities to collaborate with local organizations, civic leaders, service providers, and community advocates who share our vision of inclusion, empowerment, and equity for all.

Thank you for your interest in Slavic Community Center Inc. We look forward to building meaningful partnerships and continuing our shared mission of serving and strengthening our diverse communities.

Sincerely,
Valentin Kalinovskiy
President of Slavic Community Center Inc

Valentin Kalinovskiy
President

Valentin Kalinovskiy is a passionate leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate who has dedicated his life to empowering the Slavic-speaking population in the United States. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1995, Valentin quickly became an active voice within the Russian-speaking community, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by immigrants adjusting to a new culture and society.

By the year 2000, his leadership qualities and deep understanding of the community’s needs led him to serve as a spokesperson for the Slavic community, where he advocated for greater access to resources, representation, and integration support. His tireless efforts culminated in his appointment as Assistant Director of the Slavic Community Center in 2018. Just two years later, in recognition of his vision and unwavering commitment, he was named Executive Director of the organization.

Under his leadership, the Slavic Community Center has expanded its programs, strengthened its outreach, and deepened its impact across generations. Valentin’s mission has always been rooted in service—empowering individuals through education, cultural preservation, and civic engagement.

In addition to his nonprofit leadership, Valentin is a successful business owner and philanthropist. He believes in using every resource at his disposal—his time, financial means, skills, and experience—to uplift others and build a stronger, more compassionate society. His life and work reflect a deep commitment to making a lasting difference, both within his local community and beyond.

ASYLUM SEEKER

Since 1993, the Slavic Community Center has been dedicated to assisting individuals and families in the complex process of applying for asylum. With decades of experience, we offer compassionate, knowledgeable support to those fleeing persecution, violence, or political instability, helping them navigate legal documentation, prepare personal declarations. Our mission is to be a place of hope and refuge for those seeking safety and a new beginning in the United States.
If you need assistance, please contact our office.

ИЩУЩИЙ УБЕЖИЩА

С 1993 года Славянский общественный центр оказывает поддержку людям и семьям, обращающимся за убежищем. Обладая многолетним опытом, мы с сочувствием и профессионализмом помогаем тем, кто бежит от преследований, насилия или политической нестабильности. Мы сопровождаем наших заявителей на каждом этапе — от подготовки личных заявлений и оформления документов. Наша миссия — быть местом надежды и убежищем для тех, кто ищет безопасность и новую жизнь в США.
Если вам нужна помощь, пожалуйста, свяжитесь с нашим офисом.

HIstory

A Legacy of Resilience: The History of the Slavic Immigrant Community in the United States
The story of Slavic immigration to the United States stretches back to the early 1800s, during a period of strong diplomatic and trade relations between the United States and the Russian Empire. Early Slavic immigrants brought with them a wealth of skills in industries critical to America’s development—railroad construction, masonry, bricklaying, cement work, and general labor. These pioneers made lasting contributions to the nation's infrastructure and economic growth.

In the eastern United States, Russian and Slavic workers played a significant role in the mining of coal and precious minerals. Meanwhile, on the West Coast, one of the most iconic testaments to early Russian presence is Fort Ross in California. After a Russian vessel was wrecked on the rugged Pacific shoreline, survivors salvaged the ship’s timber to construct a durable hilltop settlement. Fort Ross remains a symbol of Slavic perseverance, craftsmanship, and cultural pride—marking the beginning of a legacy built on courage and determination.

Throughout history, Slavic and Russian-speaking immigrants have been recognized for their strong work ethic, adaptability, and pursuit of opportunity. Their willingness to leave their homelands in search of a better life has fueled generational success stories and fostered a deep integration into the fabric of American society.

A significant wave of immigration began in the late 1980s, as the Soviet Union faced internal collapse under the leadership of Brezhnev, Chernenko, Andropov, and later Gorbachev. Amid growing religious persecution and political repression, many sought the freedom and opportunities of the West. In 1987, during President Ronald Reagan’s administration, the United States began accepting more Soviet emigrants—particularly Jews and Christians—often through religious asylum or family reunification channels. Many were granted exit visas on the condition they renounce Soviet citizenship, opening the door for hundreds of thousands to resettle in the United States. California became one of the primary destinations for these émigrés.

In response to the growing needs of this rapidly expanding community, the Slavic Community Center of Sacramento was established in 1992. Its mission: to support and empower newly arrived immigrants through legal assistance, cultural orientation, and social services. Over the years, the center has become a cornerstone of hope and support—not only for the Slavic diaspora but for diverse immigrant populations seeking guidance in their American journey.

Through legal aid, citizenship services, and advocacy, the center has helped thousands navigate the complexities of immigration, adjust to new surroundings, and become productive members of society. Its contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, commendations, and media features, solidifying its role as a trusted institution within California’s multicultural landscape.
Looking back, the Slavic immigrant experience in America is one of resilience, hard work, and unity. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who, driven by hope and faith, left everything behind to build a better future—and, in doing so, enriched the nation they now call home.

Immigration and Deportation defence
(480) 377-1111

Embassy's Links

Afisha Media Group

SERVICES

We provide variety of assistance to our community with:
Immigration Services,
Green-card application and renewal,
Adjustment of Status, Citizenship,
All immigrant and nonimmigrant visas (H-1B, B-1, B-2, F-1),
U.S. Passports,
Foreign Passport Service Assistance,
Legal Assistance,
in house Notary,
translation of any documents.

Мы оказываем разнообразную помощь нашему обществу:
Иммиграционные вопросы,
Заявление и продление Green Card,
Регулировка статуса гражданства,
Все иммиграционные и неиммиграционные визы (H-1B, B-1, B-2, F-1),
Паспорт США,
Заграничние паспорта,
Юридическая помощь,
Нотариальные услуги,
Перевод любых документов.

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DRUG AWARENESS

It is crucial to provide children with education on tobacco, alcohol, and various drugs to empower them to make informed and safe choices. You can access a wealth of educational resources, including lessons and printable materials, designed to instruct students about topics such as smoking, substance abuse prevention, and overall health and wellness.

The misuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit substances imposes a substantial financial burden on our nation, amounting to over $740 billion annually. These costs are associated with factors like crime, diminished work productivity, and healthcare expenses.

There is a concerning trend of increasing illicit drug use in the United States. In 2013, approximately 24.6 million Americans aged 12 or older, constituting 9.4 percent of the population, had used illicit drugs in the past month. This figure marks an increase from 8.3 percent in 2002. Notably, this rise is primarily attributed to the growing use of marijuana, which is the most commonly abused illicit drug.

Over the past decade, the use of most drugs, excluding marijuana, has either stabilized or decreased. In 2013, approximately 6.5 million Americans aged 12 or older, constituting 2.5 percent of the population, engaged in nonmedical use of prescription drugs within the previous month. These prescription drugs encompass pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives. Additionally, about 1.3 million Americans, accounting for 0.5 percent of the population, had consumed hallucinogens, a category that includes substances like ecstasy and LSD, during the same period.

The consumption of cocaine has experienced a decline in recent years. In 2013, the number of current cocaine users aged 12 or older was 1.5 million. This figure is notably lower than the numbers recorded from 2002 to 2007, which ranged from 2.0 million to 2.4 million.

(Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.)