Los Angeles, CA – August 30, 2024 – The Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP) is excited to celebrate its 52nd anniversary with “Showtime 2024,” a highly anticipated benefit event that pays tribute to the pioneers who laid the foundation for this landmark organization. This year’s event will be held on September 21st at the JACCC Aratani Theatre, featuring an impressive lineup of performers and special guests. All proceeds from Showtime 2024 will directly support AADAP’s ongoing efforts in providing critical community-based addiction treatment and prevention services.
AADAP’s rich history is marked by the contributions of several key figures who played pivotal roles in its development. Ester Soriano-Hewitt, a distinguished Filipino American civil rights activist, was instrumental in stabilizing AADAP during its formative years. Known for her role as the jury foreperson in the Rodney King civil damages trial and her work with the County of LA, Ester was the first Chair of AADAP’s Board of Directors. Her mediation skills and leadership were crucial in navigating the complex landscape of grassroots activism in the 1970s.
Ester Soriano-Hewitt
Other Filipino Americans that were influential in AADAP’s development were: Royal Morales, also known as Uncle Roy, who was a prominent UCLA lecturer and Filipino American community leader; the late Al Mendoza who headed a County agency working with Southeast Asian Refugees; Lillian Tamoria who was on staff and a close friend of Ester; and Amado David who staffed Pakagahisa, AADAP’s outreach center for the Pinoy community.
“Uncle Roy”- Royal Morales
Today, AADAP continues to thrive and expand its impact thanks to a diverse and dedicated team. Joel Jacinto, a long-time advocate for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, has been with AADAP since 2020. With over 32 years in the nonprofit sector, Joel played a crucial role in establishing the Nursing Expansion Program funded by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, which aims to increase career opportunities in nursing for diverse individuals. This historic program marked the completion of the first year in July 2024 with dozens of graduates, and collaborates with organizations such as Kaiser Permanente, CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center, and the Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California.
Angela Perez Bartolome, LCSW, serves as AADAP’s Clinical Director and brings nearly 15 years of psychotherapy experience, along with 20 years as a community organizer and advocate. Angela holds an MSW and EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC. Her expertise in providing care to low-income communities, system-involved youth, trauma survivors, and LGBTQ individuals is reflected in AADAP’s comprehensive treatment services. AADAP has doubled the number of clients served in its treatment programs from 2023 to 2024 to nearly 1000 individuals, and is preparing to launch a new 16-bed Women’s Residential Program.
AADAP remains committed to advocacy and public safety. Richard Bis, a dedicated community organizer with over 20 years of experience, has been a prominent advocate for the Filipino community in Carson, focusing on prevention efforts. Nelson Nailat, a Community Organizer and Prevention Education Trainer with 14 years of experience, has educated thousands on current drug trends and prevention strategies.
Currently, AADAP is actively campaigning against AB 3206, a bill that proposes extending bar service hours from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. AADAP’s Prevention Director, Jeanne Shimatsu, has expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts on public safety, including increased risks of inebriated driving and the resulting burden on local communities.
Showtime 2024 promises to be an unforgettable evening with performances from funk/soul artist Leo Mercedez, “The Voice: Philippines” semifinalist Janice Javier, international sensation 4th Impact making their L.A. debut, and two-time Grammy winner Tia Carrere. Actor, writer, producer, and director Mark Dacascos will host the event, bringing his charisma and expertise to the stage.
For more information about Showtime 2024, including ticket purchases and sponsorship opportunities, please visit aadapinc.org or contact Paulina Hong at phong@aadapinc.org. A portion of ticket purchases may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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Founded in 1972, The Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP) is one of Los Angeles County’s oldest and most respected substance abuse treatment and prevention organizations. AADAP was the first publicly funded agency in the County to operate a substance abuse program specifically targeting Asian Americans. It remains one of only a few programs in the country to specifically provide culturally and linguistically sensitive treatment and prevention services to the Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. At the same time over its 50-year history the agency has broadened its mission and expertise to provide culturally competent treatment, prevention, mental health, youth gang, and employment services to serve all populations affected by drug and alcohol problems in the diverse Los Angeles County region, while broadening its staff diversity to reflect the cultural and ethnic spectrum of its community.
