Chinese Information and Service Center Programs
Immigrant transition programs that help non-English speakers understand and navigate American culture - including comprehensive information and assistance services, crime prevention education, crime victims assistance, health insurance benefits counseling, and ESL classes.
Family programs with multigenerational impact - including preschool and youth programs that enhance academic achievement and bicultural identity, bilingual parent education and family counseling, and elder services and caregiver support.
Employment and technology programs to prepare adults and youth for success - including pre-employment, placement, and job retention services, employer assistance, and multilingual computer training.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
CISC's Sunshine Garden Senior Day Care Program holds monthly field trips for its members to learn about their community and participate in new experiences. When the Link Light Rail completed its extension to the airport, we helped these seniors learn how to purchase Orca cards through the automated machines, and ride the light rail to its terminus.
Demand was so great, we had to arrange for 2 separate groups. And even that was not enough. One member told us she missed the scheduled trips but REALLY wanted to learn how to get to the airport. When asked why, she simply said, "Well, you never know when you might want to go somewhere."
At 102, she didn't have any immediate plans to travel, but we were so impressed by her enthusiasm and desire to learn about her community, of course we arranged for yet another outing. We're happy to say that now all our seniors are confident in their ability to get to the airport on their own - because you just never know when you might want to go!
Sunshine Garden serves nearly 100 seniors 65+ each year - mostly very low income and all limited English speaking. Government funding covers less than half the cost of running this critical program and we rely on donors like you to help us promote our seniors' health, independence, fellowship, and lifelong learning.