Newsletter

Welcome to the November edition of AACI’s newsletter!

AACI is currently accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys and warm clothing for children ages 0-17. Toys will be distributed to Asian Women’s Home (AACI’s Domestic Violence Program and Shelter) and AACI’s Center for Survivors of Torture. These children are from families who have been stripped of their homes, incomes, and belongings as a result of abuse and torture. Whether you are donating individually, are part of a community group, or are organizing a company toy drive, we would love your support! To donate, please contact Melissa Luke at (408) 975-2730 x226 or dvdevelopment@aaci.org.

Thank You,
Michele Lew

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FLU SEASON IS HERE – Don’t delay. Get the flu shot right away.

If you’re are 65 or older, the flu prevention message for you this year is simple: Get the flu shot as soon as you can. There’s no need for two shots like last year–just one shot will help protect you for the 2010-2011 flu season.

This year-and every year-health officials urge you to get the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it’s available in your community. Older adults are at greater risk of serious flu-related complications (like pneumonia), hospital stays, and dying from the flu when compared with young, healthy adults. This is because the body’s ability to fight illness drops as you age.

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Client Spotlight

Last year, AACI launched the Center for Healthy Independence (CHI), an innovative wellness program that helps individuals reduce stress, improve coping abilities and build confidence. Through the workshops and social events CHI provides, clients learn from each other, gain new skills, and become active participants in their own recovery.

One of these participants is Verna, a Filipino grandmother, who was encouraged to join CHI by an AACI staff member. Suffering from poor eye sight and multiple health issues, Verna feels that she has learned to have more patience with herself and others after attending the CHI workshops.

Focused on activities that promote both independence and interdependence, the CHI program coordinates events that are co-facilitated by client participants. While CHI has classes in nutrition, cooking, and tai chi, Verna’s favorite workshop is crocheting. She recently learned how to make bonnets and scarves.

“I’ve also learned how to be peaceful through crocheting…it relaxes me, helps me calm down. While waiting at the bus stop, or when I start to feel anxious, I start to crochet. It’s one way I know I can help myself.”

While learning new skills with others, Verna has noticed a strong camaraderie among her CHI peers. She reports that they’ve all become quite good at crocheting, and have proposed selling what they’ve made to raise funds for the program.

“We’re different people with a lot of different problems, but when we get together we have fun and forget…”

For more information about the Center for Healthy Independence (CHI), please contact Veronica Pallad at (408) 975-2730.

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AACI’s Monthly Community Involvement Corner

AACI’s Center for Survivors of Torture and Domestic Violence Program recently received over 250 handmade hats, scarves, and blankets from two Bay Area volunteer groups.

The Sangha Crafters are an extension of the Sangha Support Committee at San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin. Sangha Crafters provide blankets, quilts and other items to local community agencies and shelters.

The San José/South Bay Chapter of Project Linus has donated over 38,000 blankets to local families. Their mission is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new handmade washable blankets and quilts lovingly created by volunteer blanketeers.

These beautiful items will be used by survivors of domestic abuse and torture, who may walk through our doors with literally nothing but the clothes on their backs. Parents who can barely afford food and diapers are often unable to buy warm clothing for themselves and their children. That’s why donations of warm items become so precious during the winter, and why we are so grateful to these two groups for sharing their talents and warm spirit with our clients.