SCCS

Immigration and Deportation defence (480) 377-1111

ASYLUM SEEKER

ИЩУЩИЙ УБЕЖИЩА

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.

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

Valentin Kalinovskiy
Executive Director, Slavic Community Center

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.

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.

Afisha Media Group

ABOUT OUR CENTER

Ivan Megidyuk - President of Slavic Community Center of Sacramento Inc.

The Slavic Community Center in Greater Sacramento is the region's first non-profit organization dedicated to serving Slavic ethnic communities and refugee populations. Its mission is to facilitate the integration of these communities into American society by offering a wide range of essential services.

This organization provides an extensive array of services, including social support, assistance with immigration processes, crime prevention initiatives, drug awareness programs, and educational services. Its target audience includes immigrants from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Belarus, and other Slavic regions residing in Northern California.

Additionally, the Slavic Community Center is actively involved in Slavic ethnic studies, emphasizing excellence in teaching, research, and community-based service learning. By building on the tradition of Ethnic Studies, this organization explores themes related to race/ethnicity, class, and gender. It engages in scholarly practices and community outreach to address issues such as social justice, transnationalism, leadership, activism, and sovereignty within local, national, and global contexts.

Furthermore, the center promotes civic knowledge and engagement, both locally and globally, fosters intercultural competence, encourages ethical reasoning and action, and provides foundational skills for lifelong learning. This comprehensive approach is rooted in active engagement with diverse communities, tackling real-world challenges collaboratively.

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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.)

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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.

Embassy's Links

​Immigration and Deportation defence (480) 377-1111