Asian Community and Cultural Center
Serving the Community, Fighting Racism
The Asian Community & Cultural Center supports and empowers all refugees and immigrants through programs and services and advances the sharing of Asian culture and other cultural heritages of our clients with the community at large. Our staff provide services and education to the community through six core programs: the Youth Program, the Women’s Program, the Family Resource Program, the Health Education and Advocacy Program, the Seniors Program, and the Cultural Education Program.
Despite continuing to work remotely and meeting with clients by appointment only due to COVID-19, Asian Community & Cultural Center staff are still very busy making phone calls, arranging deliveries and services, and having Zoom and other types of meetings with our clients and partners. For one family of 5, challenges mounted when the head of the household lost her job. After waiting for four weeks without receiving any unemployment assistance, ACCC staff member Nyabuoy quickly helped the family troubleshoot by assisting with the unemployment process and support in finding a new job. The family is now in a more stable economic situation and able to make ends meet.
During this difficult time, a shift in needed services is evident in all programs. ACCC Seniors Program participants need additional assistance with food and prescription delivery. Staff are coordinating care with medical providers via conference calls. We are also coordinating with clients to provide up-to-date health information, support, and other services that are needed. We are doing everything we can to provide up-to-date guidance and support for clients including the provision of masks, cleaning supplies, and food delivery for families in quarantine or isolation. Our staff do regular mental health check-ins and provide advice for managing stress and how to do physical distancing. In addition, domestic violence clients need additional support as they navigate the unique challenges posed by COVID-19. We continue to explore new ways to offer online citizenship and language classes. The work hasn’t changed, just the delivery!
Communication has always been a big part of what we do. We are doing our best to provide area agencies and state and local government whatever support they need in terms of translation and advice on messaging. Our staff are monitoring the misinformation that is being shared by their clients and we are creating responses and information guides.
Staff and clients are also extremely concerned about racism and violence towards Asians at this time. Recent hate events targeted at individuals of Asian descent around the United States have left many community members in Lincoln feeling extremely vulnerable, so it is our responsibility to inform and educate the public about this. Bystander intervention is one tool to counter these harmful narratives and discrimination.
We are very grateful for the support of donors, volunteers, and partner agencies in Lincoln like the Partnership for Healthy Lincoln for the ongoing support, especially during these uncertain times. We are very thankful for the support of our community.
