My One Year Anniversary at CHAA by Roxanne Wong

I never thought that I would be working this hard…this late in my life. I’m at the age where I should be traveling the world, scaling back my work hours and enjoying my “golden years.”  Instead, as a Realtor in the midst of the real estate market downturn of foreclosures and short sales, I answered a Craigslist Ad for Office Manager at Community Health for Asian Americans…and fell in love. CHAA is a mental health non-profit organization that helps the underserved Asian and Pacific Islander community with therapy, outreach, drug & alcohol rehabilitation, domestic violence…the list is endless. Programs extend to mental health for children and youth, AOD treatment and prevention, cultural, job and family support. I have never encountered this many caring and dedicated people under one organization and I am so proud to be associated with CHAA. There are the Therapists, Psychiatrists, Support Counselors, Interns, Outreach workers and Volunteers who speak a myriad of languages to support Oakland’s extremely diverse and immigrant population. These talented individuals hold sessions that literally transform a client walking through the front door from dazed confusion to a smile and a wave as they exit the front door.

My admiration for CHAA staff and therapists is immense in their ability to listen, calm, understand, guide and uplift….consequently, keeping all of the problems, traumas and events in utmost confidence.

There is an unspoken unity at CHAA of strength, bond, commitment and strife for betterment of the community, of the people and the underdog. I am completely and thoroughly impressed with the way they handle trauma, upset, threats and horrific events our clients face. I am constantly blown away by the obvious distress on the clients faces as they enter CHAA doors, anxious to speak and unburden their hardships to very willing, apt, professional ears as their woes are soothed.

There are heartwarming and profound moments when groups join to discuss violence and safety in the neighborhood, learn how to write a resume, or practice beautiful Burmese dances for the New Year celebration. The Women’s Gardening project produces smiles, cohesiveness and teamwork from Cambodian, Bhutanese and Burmese women cultivating pride and enjoyment along with organic vegetables and fruit. The Women’s Arts and Crafts group convenes weekly at CHAA and the large conference room is converted into a sewing extravaganza of fabric and sewing machines and/or the clicking of knitting needles as women find common ground while working together.  I am brought to tears when a CHAA Outreach Worker holds an event for Earthquake Preparedness with the Red Cross and Cambodian Immigrants from the Community, only to find that the supplies they put away for disaster are eaten because the children are so hungry.  A CHAA employee experiences domestic violence first hand and becomes a National spokesperson for all Women and a 2011 Vagina Warrior winner.  Seminars and discussions around domestic violence and safe havens for women and children are advocated and CHAA employees attend evening meetings after a full day at work to help facilitate.  

The outreach programs are continuous; flu shot vaccines for immigrants to Himalayan Youth Leadership summits, “A Safe Place” walkathon, Pacific Islander Health Fairs, World Refugee Day, Himalayan Fair, Tibetan, Thai, Cambodian & Khmer New Year celebrations, Peace Cranes for Japan, Thingyan Festival are just some of the events. To describe each event is to delve into history, tradition and culture for poignant and significant meaning reaching hearts, bringing familiarity and the essence of “home.”

Our Executive Director and leader Beatrice Lee is beautiful as she is hard working and dedicated managing four offices, always in search of that grant, funding and/or donations to keep our doors open and our services available to many who need us. Our waitlist is now 2 years long and our clients are willing to wait. Assistant Director Sean Kirkpatrick and Clinical Operations Directors Kenneth Kim are the epitome of commitment to the successes of CHAA in every endeavor and every project. I could go on and on about every CHAA worker, Therapist,  Intern and volunteer as weekends, evenings and long work hours are the norm for this establishment and the dedication is profoundly felt by each individual. Today marks my one year anniversary with CHAA and I am so proud, happy and grateful for the opportunity to work with so many giving and caring people in the quest for wellness, productivity and happiness and yes, love for our Community.

-Roxanne

Photograph by Sean Kirkpatrick