Archive for the ‘News’ Category

We’ve just published a new demographic report on Asian Americans in the United States, co-authored by the Asian American Justice Center and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, members of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice

The new demographic report, A Community of Contrasts: Asian Americans in the United States, 2011, found significant social and economic diversity among Asian American ethnic groups, with some enjoying prosperity and others experiencing hardship. For example, while Asian Americans have made considerable contributions to the U.S. economy over the past decade (e.g., Asian American businesses issued more than $80 billion in payroll), other data shows that certain ethnic groups like Hmong, Bangladeshi and Cambodian Americans are among the country’s poorest (e.g., nearly one in four Hmong Americans live below the poverty line). Limited fluency in English remains a significant barrier for many.

With the 2012 elections upon us, Community of Contrasts comes at a most opportune time.  The Asian American community has grown faster than any other racial group over the past decade: More than 46 percent between 2000 and 2010, according to the report’s analysis of Census data.  That means more Asian Americans than ever before are poised to influence next year’s presidential election, and we are ready to speak up and voice the issues that matter most to us. At the same time, our community needs citizenship assistance, voter registration and Get Out the Vote programs to ensure we reach our full potential.

The report is also available under Resources (above), Issue Briefs and Policy Papers

For Immediate Release
November 7, 2011

Press contact: Robin Nau (440) 554-6253; robin@asiainc-ohio.org

ASIA launches Challenge Fund at Gala to commemorate 15 years of service

CLEVELAND- Asian Services In Action’s 15^th Anniversary Gala and Auction Benefit held at Corporate College in Warrensville Heights on November 4 was a resounding success. Nearly 150 guests attended to bid on silent and live auction prize packages, enjoy live performances from area talent, and show their support for the work ASIA is doing in the community.

ASIA’s four founding women were honored for their vision and commitment to serving the immigrant and refugee community.  A peer mentor in ASIA’s International Community Empowerment Project (ICEP) shared his story with attendees about growing up in an immigrant family and the importance of having a program like ICEP as a safe community that encouraged him to grow.  His story prompted attendees to give above and beyond during the program’s Fund In Need collection to support ASIA’s programs for children, youth, and families.

During the event, ASIA’s Executive Director Michael Byun announced a Challenge Fund opportunity.  In recognition of this important 15^th year anniversary, ASIA has received a challenge from Dr. James K.C. Juan Family Fund who will match dollar for dollar (starting with proceeds from the Gala & Auction Benefit through the end of December 31, 2012) up to $50,000.  Additionally, inspired by Dr. Juan’s Family generosity and their efforts to be a catalyst to encourage others in the community to give to ASIA, an anonymous donor has stepped forward and has agreed to match for every $1 another $1 up to $100,000, bringing the potential total amount to be raised to $300,000.

“These tough financial times mean greater challenges for organizations like ASIA. The organization continues to take ongoing steps to become efficient and financially prudent, and support from the broader community is essential to the agency’s long-term operation,” said Mr. Byun.

He also announced the creation of the Founders Circle, an intimate group to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the organization. The Founders Circle is comprised of those who embody the commitment, passion, and vision of the founding “Asian mothers” of Asian Services In Action.  Donors whose gift or multi-year pledge of $25,000 or more will become a part of this intimate group.

More information on the Challenge Fund and the Founders Circle can be found at www.asiainc-ohio.org.  Photos from the Gala & Auction Benefit are available online.

 Asian Services In Action’s mission is to empower Asian American and Pacific Islanders in Northeastern Ohio to access quality, culturally, and linguistically appropriate information and services.  ASIA is Ohio’s largest comprehensive health and social service agency and serves over 8,000 people annually in 30 languages. 

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