Advancing Equitable Aging for African Immigrant Seniors: CARLDI’S Goal Priorities FY 2026 INTRODUCTION WHY THE INTEREST NOW: America’s demographic landscape is changing. Over the past decade, the population of African-born older adults in the United States has increased by more than 90 percent. Needs Assessment • African immigrant seniors and vulnerable seniors often face: • Language and cultural barriers • Limited access to workforce and adult education programs • Social isolation and reduced civic engagement. • Difficulty navigating public systems and services. • Technology and digital access gaps CARLDI’s Mission and Vision • Our mission is to be the adult education institute of choice for older African legal immigrants and other vulnerable seniors. Our vision is to participate in building a society where older African immigrants assimilate, integrate, and live purposeful, productive lives in America. Strategic Goals • Serve at least 100 seniors and vulnerable seniors annually. • Strengthen CARLDI’s role as a trusted resource for immigrant senior education. • Expand partnerships with local agencies and advisory commissions. • Achieve strong fiscal management with quarterly budget discipline. • Build organizational capacity through staff development and systems improvement Specific Careers and Courses • ESL/Citizenship Education/Culture and Assimilation • Benefits Navigation/Financial Literacy/Tech Basic/ Tax Education • Health Education (CAN, CPR etc.) • Teacher Education (Substitute) Benefits of our programs to our clients • Understand and navigate U.S. systems. • Improve English language use,financial literacy and digital skills. • Access health care and public benefits • Re-enter the workforce or contribute through mentoring and community leadership. • Build social connections that reduce isolation and improve well-being. Measurable Impact • In 2026, CARLDI will serve 100 older African immigrants, with clear outcomes: • At least 80 percent achieving proficiency benchmarks in ESL, civics, and citizenship preparation. • Improved health and benefits literacy • Increased social connection and improved self-confidence. • Access to pathways to employment, mentoring, or community leadership Financial Plan: The Budget Overview • .Total Quarterly Expenditures: $45,900 • Annualized Budget (Estimate) • Annual Income: $183,600 • Annual Expenses: $183,600 • Why Our Work Matters ? • CARLDI’s work directly aligns with the advisory priorities of the African American Resource Advisory Commission: • Equitable aging • Economic inclusion • Access to culturally responsive services • Recognition of the contributions of Black communities Our Request • We respectfully seek your support to recommend us for funding of $183,600 annual budget to implement and sustain …
AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 01.06.26 AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026 The African American Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center Room 1406. Commissioner Parsons called the African American Resource Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 5:40 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Daryl Horton, Chair Dr. Chiquita Eugene, Vice Chair Roger Davis Sophia Dozier Justin Parsons Emmy Weisberg Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alexandria Anderson Joi Harden Kyron Hayes Mueni Rudd Greg Smith Commissioners Absent: Antony Jackson Nelson Linder Kenneth Loyde Antonio Ross PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 1 AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 01.06.26 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on December 2, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of December 2, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Weisberg’s motion, Commissioner Dozier’s second on a 9-0 vote. Chair Horton and Vice Chair Eugene were off the dais. Commissioners Jackson, Linder, Loyde, and Ross were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the African American Cultural Heritage District Strategic Plan by Matthew Schmidt, Division Manager, Austin Economic Development, and Mend Collaborative. The presentation was made by Matthew Schmidt, Division Manager, Austin Economic Development and C Terrance Anderson, Mend Collaborative. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation from Dr. Obiageli Chukwuneke, President, Career Research Learning and Development Institute (CARLDI) regarding CARLDI’s priorities and programmatic goals. Presentation was made by Dr. Obiageli Chukwuneke, President, Career Research Learning and Development Institute. 4. 5. 6. Discussion regarding the African American Resource Advisory Commission officer elections, officer duties and potential interest in becoming an officer. Discussed. List of roles and role responsibilities to be sent to commissioners. Discussion regarding updates on the progress of finding a facility for Mission Accomplished and next steps in writing a recommendation to Council regarding Mission Accomplished as a budget priority for FY27. Discussed. Discussion regarding the creation of a mobilization unit for voter registration and transport to the polls for the upcoming elections. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve the addition of new members to the Budget Working Group. The motion to add Chair Horton, and Commissioners Davis and Dozier to the Budget Working Group was approved on Vice Chair Eugene’s motion, Commissioner Parsons’ motion on a 11-0 vote. Commissioners Jackson, Linder, Loyde, and Ross were absent. Current membership on the Budget …
