20220328-004c8: AAQoL Budget Recommendation for funding that enables services for Asians and Immigrants hindered by language and cultural barriers — original pdf

Recommendation

ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION #: 20220328-004c8 Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Violence Against Asians & within Families Motioned By: Fang Fang Seconded By: Vincent Cobalis VIOLENCE AGAINST ASIANS & WITHIN FAMILIES DESCRIPTION The AAQoL Advisory Commission recommends ongoing funding that enables nonprofits to continue to provide services and other resources to underserved individuals and families, particularly Asians and Immigrants hindered by language and cultural barriers. Few agencies provide services focused on Asian American and immigrants. One such agency, AFSSA, has been a trusted, critical partner in Austin to reach underserved individuals and families for over 29 years. There are few nonprofit organizations in Austin/Travis County focused on the growing Asian and Immigrant populations, the fastest growing demographic in Central Texas, their services clearly align with the City’s Strategic Direction 2023 goals. AFSSA was originally focused on family violence and continues those services effectively, given adequate staffing. Other agencies serving these communities include AACHI and American Gateways. These agencies have been a conduit to bring other resources to families in communities hindered by language and cultural barriers. To meet the growing service demand the City should consider ongoing or increased investments in service contracts for professional human services that address the wellbeing and safety of AAPI and immigrant communities. In 2021 a portion of the funding from State of Texas was reduced and the City Council and Travis County augmented one agency’s funding, with the City adding $200,000 to maintain existing programs and meet the growing demand for services. The Commission recognizes the important role of these agencies serving AAPI and immigrant communities and supports their need for reliable funding to continue to meet the growing need in the Community. The Commission recommends that $200,000 added to the budget to support ongoing or increased investments in service contracts to offset potential federal and state funding cuts. This would enable existing agencies maintain support to underserved individuals and families, particularly Asians and Immigrants hindered by language and cultural barriers. Cost is $200,000 ongoing. ALIGNMENT WITH COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Health & Environment: Healthy conditions among individuals (absence of unhealthy conditions). For: Kirk Yoshida, Fang Fang, Vince Cobalis, Hanna Huang, Sarah Chen, Azra Siddiqi, Meena Mutyala, Zahra Shakur Jamal-Hassan, and Kuo Yang. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Pramod Patil, Pooja Sethi, and Salimah Shamsuddin. Attest: Jeremy Garza, Staff Liaison, Equity Office: x_______________________________ DEPARTMENT APH VOTE