AAFE's office
Plain, simple, and old best describes the building that houses the organization American Asian for Equality. From the outside, it looks like a rundown building. There is a small main entrance which makes the office look dreary and unwelcome to visitors. Inside the offices, not much is different as the décor is plain and simple. But, appearances can be deceiving. Inside is an organization built on serving the people. Their purpose is not to impress residents with their décor but to offer services to community residents in need of help.
American Asian for Equality (AAFE) is a nonprofit organization created to assist people in the community. Over the years, many branches have been formed, each working to assist the community in different fields. They offer small business loans and help for first-time home buyers. They have foreclosure counseling and seminars for those interested in buying their first homes. Social and legal services are available at the offices. Fundraisers are held when donations are needed for natural disasters. AAFE is built upon helping the community and educating residents who want to improve their lives.
The greatest help AAFE provides is personally lending a hand to the community. AAFE’s community center is a place where local residents can come and spend their day. There are various activities and classes that provide an education or simply a dance around the room. Jessica Yan who works for AAFE said, “For a small fee of about $20, residents are allowed access to many of our services. This is cheap and affordable and anyone can join.” At the community center, many immigrants take advantage of classes with the goal to learn.
Many immigrants come to the community service to receive an education. They come to the United States to start a new life and with this new integration they need to learn English. English classes are available to people of all ages. “Our community center is a great place for new immigrants to make friends in a new country while learning English. Immigrants find it easier to learn English with people with similar backgrounds,” Jessica said. Classes are not limited to only immigrants and are available to any people interested in learning the English language.
In the 21st century, computers are the new way to look for information and to keep in contact with people through E-mail. Since computers are used in many job fields, members want to learn how to use a computer in order to conform to modern society. This is why AAFE’s community center offers computer classes. These classes are a big hit with members. Basic typing skills are taught in beginner classes while more difficult tasks such as accessing the internet and programs are taught in higher level classes.
AAFE’s classes don’t only deal with education. Dance and yoga classes at the center are very popular among the women. “Middle age women love the ballroom dance classes! They look forward to it every week. More men should join the class and come with their wives,” Jessica said. These classes are relaxing and people are encouraged to come and have some fun. The classes are great entertainment and many can exercise in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The community center is very popular among the senior citizens. They look forward to coming because the center provides them with entertainment throughout the day. “Many senior citizens live alone as their kids have grown up and moved away. The center is a good reason for them to step out of the house and be able to spend time with people their age,” Jessica said. Free newspapers are available at the center along with free tea. They gossip with fellow members about local news or their families. It is a great place for them to be in order to pass time during the day. “Summertime is when the community center is most popular. People come to escape the heat and enjoy the air conditioning,” Jessica said. Many of the senior citizens also lend a helping hand at the center as volunteers. This is what the community is about. Everyone lends a hand to help others in the community.
Besides all the wonderful classes there are people available to help you solve your problems. Since many people who come to the community service are not native English speakers, they often have trouble reading mail in English. Workers at the center can help them translate letters and documents. The workers are a huge help to these people who often have no one else to turn to for problems. During elections, workers and volunteers bring citizens to the voting booth. AAFE believes that residents should register and vote in order to voice their opinions and stance.
Asian Americans for Equality is a wonderful organization built on helping the community and providing them services to improve their lives. They have a mission of empowering Asian Americans and others to follow their dream. When they need help along the way, AAFE is there to provide them with the help they need to achieve their goals.