I am truly grateful to all the volunteers, friends and staff members who partnered with the Southeast Asian Coalition (SEACMA) to make the Central MA Refugee Welcoming Event such a success. We would not have been able to bring several hundred children and families from area hotels without the support of the Worcester Public Schools. The Event could not have happened without Seven Hills Foundation leadership team and staff. They helped setup what feels like tons of tables and chairs, and then superbly cleaned up every crumb of cookies that fell on the floor. The Worcester Rise for Health team provided health care resources and Center for Health Impact provided translation and interpretation support. Finally, the Welcoming Event would not have been successful without the delicious Haitian food and the great dancing provided by Jean Appolon Expressions. I am grateful to everyone, particularly the SEACMA Team. They have gone out of their way to make sure that the Event feels welcoming and that the children can have fun. Thank you everyone for your kindness!
Southeast Asian Heritage Night at Polar Park in Worcester MA.
Celebrating and Honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Had a great time presenting with Aivi Nguyen at Quinsigamond Community College. Aivi, you are a wonderful person, a role model, an accomplished Attorney and much much more…Aivi and Tuyet at QCC
Recent visitors to our center
Worcester Superintendent Meets Refugee Families at the Southeast Asian Coalition of Central MA
I was delighted when I heard that the Worcester Superintendent, Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez wanted to meet with members of our community. When I realized that our community was made up of immigrants and refugees from different parts of the world and speaking several different languages, I became quite anxious. I didn’t know how we were going to pull that off as our families speak Vietnamese, Khmer, Dari, Arabic, Kharini and other Burmese languages. I was relieved when staff from the Center for Health Impact (CHI) came prepared with United Nation style simultaneous Interpretation equipment and trained, multi-lingual interpreters.
Well, the superb CHI interpreters, SEACMA staff and communication enabling technology (provided by CHI) made the conversation between Dr. Monárrez and our families from Afghanistan, Burma, Vietnam, Nepal, and Cambodia flow with ease.
The parents and youth shared their concerns related to having enough resources and support from the WPS to be successful in their education. They also shared their hopes and dreams. Dr. Monárrez listened to feedback, answered some very lengthy questions and provided some innovative ideas.
The Southeast Asian Coalition community in Worcester thanks Dr. Monárrez for listening to our stories. We want to let you know, Dr. Monárrez, that you can visit us anytime.
Interpreters from the Center for health Impact Making the conversation between DR.Monárrez AND OUR REFUGEE FAMILIES POSSIBLE.
Visited by Amie Shei of the Health Foundation of Central MA
I am not sure who had more fun, but we certainly enjoyed having Amie, Kathleen and Jennie visit us at the Southeast Asian Coalition of Central MA today. They got a chance to hear from our youth who shared about the SEA Center being a safe and fun place. The youth said that they come here after school to do their homework, learn, play sports and connect with friends. As you can see, Amie is having fun too! We appreciate the visit and look forward to a strong partnership.
