Item 7. Greater Austin Vietnamese Network presentation to Commission on Aging 10-9-2024 — original pdf

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Greater Austin Vietnamese Network Presents “ A 9000-mile Dream” Austin Vietnamese Cultural Community Center Luan Tran, Gerontologist Founder of Greater Austin Vietnamese Network (GAVN) CEO of Austin Vietnamese American Medical Professional (AVAMPS) Vice-President of Austin Vietnamese Senior Citizens (AVSC) Luanntran@yahoo.com 512-496-3285 October 9, 2024 Austin, TX Good afternoon Commission on Aging, THANK YOU for allowing me to share with you our story today. Just for today, I would like to speak on behalf of 102 Vietnamese seniors who have sent me here to share with you their lived experiences. They are members of the Austin Vietnamese Senior Citizens which is a non-profit organization established 36 years ago. How does AVSC impact the quality of life for Vietnamese seniors? The Austin Vietnamese Senior Citizens provides an essential and consistent source of social, cognitive, emotional, physical, and nutritional enrichment for the Vietnamese seniors of Austin. AVSC has touched the lives of hundreds of past members over a 36-year span. The senior center has continued to create a culturally based, safe, and fun environment for its current members. Additionally, it has also facilitated meaningful life-long friendships and support networks within the Vietnamese community. For many seniors, this center is the only place of socialization with a free hot Vietnamese meal. Moreover, for over three decades, AVSC has continued to be a vital part of life- “beating heart” for the Vietnamese seniors. To date, AVCS has outgrown their space and although we have adapted over 36 years in the same space, it has become an inefficient and unsafe environment. The internal small space of 1,000 SQ space is outdated and is not ADA compliant without a ramp or elevator. When more than 60 members congregate, it is standing room only. Externally there is no dedicated Handicap parking spaces or enough parking spaces for 30 cars. As the aging Vietnamese population continues to increase in the greater Austin area, the seniors will need a larger space with ADA considerations and ample parking spaces to congregate on a weekly basis. In summary, AVCS desperately and passionately wants to expand to meet the growing needs of the aging community of Austin with more culturally based programs, services, and ultimately preserving and passing on our heritage. Unfortunately, we do not have the infrastructure to expand and grow. Austin Vietnamese Senior Citizens (Hội Cao Niên tài Austin) 8222 Jamestown Dr. #131, Austin, TX 78758 Front of the building, second floor with stairs Side of the building with ramp Front corner view  Inside space, an exact square, 1000 SQ FT What can the Vietnamese seniors possibly do in a 1,000 SQ FT space? We eat, karaoke, dance, socialize, share stories, share photos, gossip, and above all- we speak the same language!!! DANCE! MOVE! SWEAT! EXCERISE! SMILE! USE BRAIN CELLS!  THE YOUNG and the RESTLESS Weekly dance lessons  Dance club- Free Ball room dance lessons every Mondays Tango, ChaChaCha, Waltz, Boston, Zumba, Bachata  Traditional Vietnamese Fruit  Lunar New Year- 2024 YEAR of the DRAGON Traditional Ladies áo dài The President of AVSC, Nhan, with his wife Mai (in the green) Luan, Lucy and Kathy  Men dining away from the women  Honoring and Celebrating Memorial Day  2024-2026 OFFICERS First T-shirt in 36 years  Lunar New Year 2024 Vietnamese Traditional Dresses- Ao Dai Fashion Show  Picnic June 2024 The Austin Vietnamese Senior Citizens provides an essential and consistent source of social, cognitive, emotional, physical, and nutritional enrichment for the Vietnamese seniors of Austin. We are STRONGER TOGETHER and have been serving the Vietnamese community for over 36 years. Our community space facilitates engagement, growth, and preserving our culture and traditions for the young and old. Proposed Programs for the Vietnamese Community Cultural Center Physical Activities • Ballroom dancing (free lessons) • Tai Chi (various levels) • Chair Yoga, Chair Exercises Silver Sneakers • Walking Club (around the garden and picnic areas) • Ping-Pong Table Social Activities • Karaoke and dancing • Mealtime (socializing) • Arts/Crafts and Pen Pal Club (assisted living and nursing homes) Cognitive/Social Activities • Book Club • Vegetable and Flower Gardens • Learning English or Vietnamese (as a second language) • Mentorship Program- Adopt a grandchild/grandparent Culturally Based Activities • Lunar New Year Celebration (Tết) and Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết trung thu) • Memorializing our founders and ancestors • American holidays • Wearable traditional clothing (áo dài) at major events • Bake/cook traditional food/drink (seniors and children) • Food truck/wagon on Fridays and Saturdays  Nutritional Enrichments • Mealtime (Vietnamese cuisine on Thursdays) • Healthy Living Concepts (fresh fruits and vegetables) • Cooking/baking club • Food truck/wagon on Fridays and Saturdays Health and Wellness Events • Annual Community Health Fair • Vaccination Clinics • Wellness events • Monthly health lecture with Q&A session • Weekly blood pressure screening, medication review and health topics Social/Legal Resources Immigration support and referrals • • Civic Support (citizenship coaching, voter’s education) • Translation services • Assistance with Medicare and Medicaid applications • Referral to home health and in-home care services • Referral to community resources • Referral to medical specialties Proposed Business Plan, 27 pages Physical Space- • 4-5K SQ space, 2K for open area/events, 2K rental office space, 1K administrative/classrooms. • Walking trail outside, shaded picnic and lounge areas, and a safe environment. • Ample parking spaces with Handicapped designated spaces. • Centrally located, 10-mile radius from current location, between HWY 183 and the Pamer Lane borders (north south) and Loop 1/360 loop and Cameron Road off of 183 (east west). Financial Challenge- • 3 million dollars to secure land to build from ground zero or buy an existing building and remodel. Phase One: Lack of money upfront to secure the land or building. Phase Two: Donations from the community and grants are feasible. Phase Three: Sustainability- the seniors cannot fund this on their own, therefore; revenues from rental office space, events, programs, and Food truck/wagon weekend events are MANADATORY. WHAT is OUR ASK? We, as the Vietnamese people of Austin would like to be financially responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the Vietnamese Cultural Community Center. We ask for your moral support by sharing our story with others and referring us to resources so that we can make this journey of 9,000-mile dream come true here in Austin. I leave you with one photo to think about. Why are we doing this? FOR our YOUNG to carry on our LEGACY. THANK YOU.  If a picture can say a thousand words- it would say all our efforts is to practice, preserve, and pass on the Vietnamese language, customs and traditions, beliefs and values, and behaviors to our young generation.