Assisted Living for Chinese American Seniors: An Overview
Covered in this guide:
- Common Concerns of Chinese Americans Related to Assisted Living
- Things To Consider When Dealing With Cultural Guilt of Moving a Loved One to Assisted Living
- How to Choose an Assisted Living Community for an Older Chinese American Loved One
- Where to Find Mandarin-Speaking Assisted Living Facilities
- The Cost of Mandarin-Speaking Senior Living and How to Pay
- National Resources for Chinese American Seniors
- State Resources for Chinese American Seniors
Updated: March 4, 2024 | Reviewed by: Dr. Brindusa Vanta, MD
Historically, Chinese Americans aged at home with relatives rather than moving into residential care settings. Despite long-standing cultural norms, more Chinese American families are starting to understand the benefits of long-term residential care. Research indicates that attitudes are shifting and that 38% of aging Asian Americans are willing to move into a nursing home.
It can be difficult for seniors and their families to find assisted living communities that meet their unique cultural and social needs. With almost 2.5 million Asian Americans aged 65 and older as of 2019, it’s perhaps little surprise that care communities are starting to realize the importance of providing culturally appropriate services. Indeed, some facilities are designed to meet the needs of and appeal to Chinese American seniors.
This guide discusses common fears of elderly Chinese Americans about residential care and looks at ways for family members to overcome feelings of cultural guilt. It details the costs of assisted living and provides information on how to pay for care. It also lists national and state resources for members of the Chinese American community and suggests where to find facilities that meet cultural needs.
Common Concerns of Chinese Americans Related to Assisted Living
Chinese American seniors and their loved ones often experience the same concerns and fears related to assisted living:
- Food choices: People may worry that assisted living communities won’t be able to cater to their cultural food preferences. For example, seniors who have spent their life eating a specific cuisine may struggle to adapt to new dishes.
- Language: Seniors who primarily use their native language often worry about a language barrier with caregivers and other residents.
- Religion: Spiritual beliefs and practices are important to many Chinese elders, who may worry about not being able to maintain religious activities in an assisted living community.
- Isolation: Older Chinese Americans are often used to having their family members nearby and may worry about becoming isolated from their relatives if they move to senior living.
- Medicine: Chinese Americans may place great faith in traditional Chinese remedies and may worry that they won’t be able to receive services such as acupressure, massage and herbal remedies in an assisted living facility.
- Dignity: Many older Chinese Americans have fairly conservative views when it comes to nudity. They may worry that aides won’t respect their dignity. Seniors may also be concerned about the possibility of caregivers from the opposite gender.
- Culture: Older individuals may commonly worry about cultural misunderstandings in a group setting. For example, Americans tend to be more direct when expressing their opinions than people from a Chinese background; the latter group is often concerned more about losing or causing loss of face. Chinese Americans often avoid making eye contact, which may be taken as impolite or even hostile among groups that typically see direct eye contact as the norm.
- Discrimination: Seniors may worry about experiencing discrimination from other residents and members of staff.
Things To Consider When Dealing With Cultural Guilt of Moving a Loved One to Assisted Living
Many Chinese American families retain traditional Chinese values to some extent. Chinese families tend to be much more collectivist than modern American families, often with a strong sense of filial responsibility stemming from traditional Confucian teachings. The long-standing practice of sacrificing personal independence in favor of the greater collectivist unit can make it challenging for families who are thinking about moving a loved one to an assisted living facility. The following information may help those struggling to overcome cultural guilt.
- Life expectancy: Asian Americans have the longest average life expectancy of any ethnic or racial ground in the United States. As of 2023, the current life expectancy of 87.3 years is almost a decade longer than in China, where the average is 78, per the World Bank. This can lead to families being put under undue pressure for longer if trying to take care of elders at home. Assisted living can help to alleviate pressure while making sure elders are looked after and comfortable.
- Caregiver stress: Research indicates that 75% of Chinese American caregivers feel stressed and burdened by caring for their aging parents, with 50% experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Assisted living can help relieve pressure on families.
- Access to care: Seniors may have unmet care needs at home, particularly when all household members are out of the house during the daytime. Assisted living provides comprehensive care and support. Staff members can assist with day-to-day activities, such as toileting, mobility and bathing, and aides may be able to help with medication management. Some communities have on-staff nurses to monitor senior health.
- Loneliness: Seniors who remain at home alone all day while relatives work may be prone to loneliness and social isolation, which can adversely impact their overall health. Living in a culturally appropriate assisted living facility can alleviate isolation, helping seniors make friends and join an array of enrichment activities for a higher quality of life.
- Engagement: Assisted living facilities typically offer an array of enrichment activities to nourish holistic well-being. In a culturally suitable facility, seniors may have the opportunity to connect more with their heritage and traditions than they would by remaining at home. Additionally, many communities encourage family participation, meaning families can still spend plenty of quality time together.
How to Choose an Assisted Living Community for an Older Chinese American Loved One
Download PDF
Where to Find Mandarin-Speaking Assisted Living Facilities
| California | Colorado | Florida | Illinois |
| Kansas | Minnesota | Montana | New York |
| Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Texas |
California
| Community | Location | Phone Number | Description |
| Fremont Healthcare Center | 39022 Presidio Way, Fremont, CA 94538 | (510) 792-3743 | Located in Fremont, CA, the Fremont Healthcare Center offers personalized care plans to meet individual needs. They provide rehabilitation, skilled nursing, social and nutritional services, and 24/7 care for residents who require assistance. |
| The Tamalpais Marin | 501 Vía Casitas, Greenbrae, CA 94904 | (415) 461-2300 | Located in Larkspur, California, The Tamalpais Marin retirement community offers breathtaking mountain views and easy access to local venues. Residents receive access to assisted living, skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation care. 24-hour surveillance provides enhanced security for all apartments. |
| York Healthcare & Wellness Centre | 6071 York Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90042 | (323) 254-3407 | Located in Los Angeles, CA, York Healthcare & Wellness Centre offers personalized care to residents, including short or long-term care and rehabilitation services. Religious and spiritual services are also available. |
Colorado
| Community | Location | Phone Number | Description |
| The Retreat at Sunny Vista | 2450 East Cache La Poudre Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 | (719) 377-6735 | Located just minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, The Retreat at Sunny Vista offers an active retirement lifestyle for seniors. The campus of care community provides daily assistance, personalized medical support, and life enrichment programs to cater to seniors at every stage of their aging journey. |
| Dayspring Villa Assisted Living | 3777 West 26th Avenue, Denver, CO 80211 | (303) 552-5367 | Located in Denver, CO, Dayspring Villa Assisted Living community promotes independent living for its residents, offering compassionate and affordable care and assistance with daily activities. The community is comfortable and active. |
| Casey's Pond | 2855 Owl Hoot Trail, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 | (970) 329-2709 | Located in Steamboat Springs, CO, Casey's Pond provides a simple lifestyle for residents by handling basic housekeeping needs. Residents can focus on enjoying their retirement with leisurely walks or hanging out on the patio with the fireplace and fire pit. |
Florida
| Community | Location | Phone Number | Description |
| Almost Home Senior Services Inc | 9664 Hood Road #1141, Jacksonville, FL 32257 | (904) 292-9600 | Providing adult day care and assisted living services, Almost Home Senior Services Inc in Jacksonville, FL offers gentle 24/7 care and memory enhancement activities. Residents receive specialized care designed to promote socialization, purpose, and overcome challenges associated with aging. |
Illinois
| Community | Location | Phone Number | Description |
| Alden Gardens of Des Plaines | 1227 East Golf Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016 | (847) 294-0644 | Located in Des Plaines, IL, Alden Gardens offers 24-hour assisted living services. Team members provide assistance with daily activities and amenities such as furnished lounges, four-course meals, scheduled outings, and an ice cream parlor. |
Kansas
| Community | Location | Phone Number | Description |
| Manor of the Plains | 200 Campus Drive, Dodge City, KS 67801 | (620) 682-4059 | Located in Minnetonka, MN, Beacon Hill offers independent and assisted living options. Housekeeping services are provided for residents. This faith-based community offers Presbyterian religious services. |
Minnesota
| Community | Location | Phone Number | Description |
| Beacon Hill | 5300 Beacon Hill Road, Minnetonka, MN 55345 | (952) 988-8800 | Beacon Hill, in Minnetonka, MN, offers Independent and Assisted Living options to its residents, who are encouraged to maintain their independence. Staff provides basic housekeeping services, and the community offers Presbyterian spiritual and religious services as well. |
| Stonecrest | 8725 Promenade Lane, Woodbury, MN 55125 | (651) 264-3200 | Located in Woodbury, MN, Stonecrest is a faith-based senior community that offers a continuum of care including help at home, independent living, assisted living and memory care. The community provides apartment homes that promote health care, recreation, social opportunities and help with activities of daily living. |
Montana
| Community | Location | Phone Number | Description |
| The Grandview at Benefis | 3015 18th Avenue South, Great Falls, MT 59405 | (406) 771-6200 | Located in Great Falls, MT, The Grandview at Benefis is a vibrant community offering resident-centered care services and homelike amenities. Its continuum of care supports seniors' health and wellness needs at every stage of life. Welcoming common areas include fireside living rooms, country kitchens, and outdoor gardens. Residents enjoy engaging activities, events, and outings. |
New York
| Community | Location | Phone Number | Description |
| Kings Harbor Multicare Center | 2000 East Gun Hill Road, The Bronx, NY 10469 | (718) 320-0400 | Kings Harbor Multicare Center provides residents with specialized care plans catered to their specific needs. The staff's main goal is to ensure a full and active lifestyle through personalized inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. The center partners with local hospitals to provide a full range of care for residents, including those with dementia and those requiring dialysis treatment. |
| Bensonhurst Center for Rehabilitation & Healthcare | 1740 84th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11214 | (718) 885-8484 | Bensonhurst Center for Rehabilitation & Healthcare offers a range of services to enhance residents' quality of life. Located in Brooklyn, NY, this faith-based community provides skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Residents have access to nutritional counseling, social services, and senior-friendly recreational opportunities. |
| Cliffside Rehabilitation & Residential Health Care Center | 119-19 Graham Court, Queens, NY 11354 | (718) 886-0700 | The Cliffside Rehabilitation & Residential Health Care Center is a multi-lingual community that offers an Asian Unit with multi-lingual doctors, nurses, and support staff. With staff who can speak various languages, residents can be assured their unique needs are understood and met. |
Ohio
| Community | Location | Phone Number | Description |
| Generations Senior Living of Berea | 4 Berea Commons, Berea, OH 44017 | (440) 243-9050 | Generations Senior Living of Berea in Berea, OH, offers residents a variety of care services, including assisted and independent living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and hospice care. To make residents feel at home, they are encouraged to bring their favorite furniture and keepsakes. |
| Brethren Retirement Community | 750 Chestnut Street, Greenville, OH 45331 | (937) 547-8000 | Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, OH, provides residents with a variety of care services, including skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, rehab services, and respite care. Residents can stay seasonally or move in permanently, bringing their own pets and furnishings to their private apartments. The community also offers Christian-based services and a team of dedicated professionals. |
Oregon
| Community | Location | Phone Number | Description |
| Hope N Care | 12045 SE Pardee Street, Portland, OR 97266 | (503) 761-6939 | At Hope N Care, residents are provided with a unique Chinese elderly care unit with other friendly Chinese-speaking residents. In addition to freshly prepared Asian food and Chinese/Comcast digital channels, the community offers additional services, including specialized diets, incontinence care, and skin care. Behavioral intervention, catheter/colostomy care, diabetic care, and lifting services are also available to meet residents' special needs. |
Pennsylvania
| Community | Location | Phone Number | Description |
| Moravian Village of Bethlehem | 526 Wood Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 | (610) 625-4885 | Located in Bethlehem, PA, Moravian Village provides specialized care to its residents. They can choose from cottage, apartment, or skilled nursing floor plans. The staff works hard to alleviate everyday stresses, providing a comfortable environment for residents and families. |
Texas
| Community | Location | Phone Number | Description |
| The Forum at Park Lane | 7831 Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75225 | (214) 369-9902 | The Forum at Park Lane in Dallas, TX, provides residents with restaurant-style dining and a variety of activities and special events. Staff members are trained to provide specialized care plans, including short-term, seasonal, or long-term care. |
The Cost of Mandarin-Speaking Senior Living and How to Pay
Per Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, residing in an assisted living community costs an average of $4,500 in the United States. Exact costs vary depending on factors such as the size of the facility, amenities and required services, but seniors shouldn’t expect to pay more for Chinese-speaking staff. Rates can also vary significantly between cities and states. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the states with the most Asian residents include California, New York, Texas, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Average assisted living costs for facilities in these states are:
- California: $5,250
- New York: $4,580
- Texas: $3,998
- New Jersey: $6,495
- Illinois: $4,488
How to Pay for Assisted Living
Various methods of paying for assisted living may be available, including public benefits and using private savings.
- Medicaid waivers: Although Medicaid doesn’t directly cover the costs of assisted living in most states, many have home- and community-based waivers that will pay toward assisted living expenses. In most cases, seniors must satisfy criteria related to citizenship, age, finances and medical need. Rules vary between states. In most cases, Medicaid financial assistance won’t pay for bed and board, but it may cover the costs of personal care and help with activities of daily living.
- PACE: The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a joint Medicaid and Medicare program that may help pay for some costs of assisted living for eligible seniors. The program only operates in selected counties across the country.
- Reverse mortgages: Older adults who have equity in a property may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for assisted living.
- Long-term care insurance: Some long-term care insurance policies will help cover assisted living rates for those who already hold policies.
- Aid and Attendance allowance: The VA Aid and Attendance benefit may help qualifying veterans pay toward assisted living.
- Self-pay: Seniors who don’t qualify for financial assistance will need to cover assisted living costs from private funds. They may use savings or pension income, sell a property or get financial assistance from family members.
National Resources for Chinese American Seniors
Several national organizations support Chinese American seniors both directly and indirectly, through aspects such as advocacy, assistance programs, legal representation and cultural awareness training for professionals.
Resource | Contact | Description |
(206) 624-1221 | NAPCA works to enhance the quality of life for older Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans. As well as advocating at all levels of governance, the organization supports a range of programs, including those related to senior employment. It provides educational webinars, delivers outreach services and works with partner groups to prevent elder abuse, support caregivers and provide access to multilingual pharmacists. The senior resource helpline is available in eight languages, including English, Cantonese and Mandarin. | |
National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association | Via contact form | The National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association works to enhance mental well-being and raise awareness of mental health issues within a culturally relevant framework. It offers training for mental health professionals who work with people from Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, maintains a collection of useful resources and advocates at local and national levels. |
(202) 775-9555 | As well as being the voice of Asian and Pacific Island Americans in the legal community, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association may be able to provide pro bono legal assistance to community members who have been victims of hate crimes. The organization offers anti-hate resources in diverse languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Hmong. | |
Via contact form | The Asian American Foundation connects leaders, policymakers and activists to make a positive difference in equity for Asian Americans. The group advocates for African Americans and funds community programs. Projects such as AAPI Heritage Heroes, See Us Unite and Stop the Hatred seek to include Asian American influences in the wider U.S. history and society. Anti-hate initiates work to end discrimination, education programs seek to promote understanding and the AAPI Emergency Relief Fund helps those who are affected by hate crimes. | |
(888) 687-2277 | AARP is a nationwide membership organization for all seniors. The organization has a local presence in many cities across the country. Along with general aging-related resources, such as information about benefits, housing, fraud and health insurance, AARP provides information tailored for diverse minority groups. Members can take advantage of varied benefits, join virtual meetups and attend local events. The website is available in Chinese. |
State Resources for Chinese American Seniors
Most states have specific resources to support members of their Chinese or Asian American populations. Although resources generally aren’t geared specifically toward seniors, older adults can join a wide range of events and activities and make use of diverse services.
State and Program | Contact | Services |
(205) 259-8091 | Birmingham Chinese Association aims to promote comradeship among Birmingham’s Chinese community. The nonprofit organization arranges an array of cultural, educational and recreational activities for people of all ages. | |
Via email | Alaska Chinese Association supports the Chinese community living in and around the major city of Anchorage. The group promotes cultural preservation, education and awareness through a range of community events and activities. Members include Chinese Americans and recent migrants from Asia. | |
Arizona | (602) 262-6411 | Located in Arizona’s state capital of Phoenix, the Chinese Senior Center offers a wide range of enrichment activities and social events. Although seniors from any background are welcome to join center activities, the program is specifically designed to meet the cultural needs of the Chinese American population. Activities include tai chi, language classes, mahjong, dancing and Chinese chess, and seniors can enjoy low-cost congregate meals. |
Via online form | Arkansas Chinese American Association is a nonprofit membership organization that seeks to connect and represent Chinese Americans across Arkansas. The group encourages cultural appreciation and understanding and networks with other groups to promote cross-cultural exchanges. | |
California | (213) 808-1700 | Located in Los Angeles, Chinatown Service Center is a nonprofit organization that supports Asian immigrants and local Chinese Americans. Senior-related services include confidential one-on-one and family counseling, help with naturalization and citizenship processes, free financial coaching and assistance enrolling for benefits and health insurance. The center runs diverse community outreach programs and offers medical, dental and vision care on a sliding fee scale. The team speaks English, Spanish and multiple Asian languages, including Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Cantonese. |
(720) 913-1311 | Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission acts as a bridge between local Asians and Pacific Islanders, local government, human rights groups and community organizations. The commission meets once every month and interested parties can apply to join the commission. The commission represents people of all ages from the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. | |
Connecticut | (860) 761-7908 | The Asian Family Services program operates under the umbrella of The Community Renewal Team, a designated community action team in Central Connecticut. The team provides support and counseling to people from local Asian communities. Services include therapy from bilingual practitioners who have cultural understanding, counseling and medication management. |
(302) 689-3235 | Delaware Chinese American Association is a valuable source of information for the state’s Chinese American population. The group offers free English classes to seniors and arranges a wide range of social clubs and recreational activities, including dance and ping-pong. | |
Via online form | The Chinese American Association of Central Florida is headquartered in Orlando. It aims to preserve cultural traditions and promote learning of Chinese languages. The organization includes a large Chinese school as well as a dance troupe and dragon boat team. | |
(770) 936-0969 | The nonprofit Center for Pan Asian Community Services is the largest health and human agency for Asian Americans in the Southeast United States. The Senior Services program seeks to enhance quality of life for older Asian Americans across Georgia. It runs culturally sensitive adult day programs, offers benefits enrollment assistance and operates a housing complex for Asian American seniors. The organization also offers a range of in-home services, such as transportation and interpretation. | |
(808) 536-4621 | The United Chinese Society of Hawaii is headquartered in Honolulu’s Chinatown. It works to promote the welfare of Chinese people throughout the state, increase cultural awareness and promote cross-cultural friendship. Annual celebrations include Chinese New Year festivities, Hall of Honor awards and a family day picnic. | |
Via social media | Located in Boise, Idaho, Chinese Organization works to bring together members of the state’s Chinese and Chinese American communities, promote Chinese culture and provide culturally sensitive services. The group regularly partners with local organizations and community events to showcase Chinese art, food, dancing, traditional dress, calligraphy, opera and other traditional aspects. | |
Illinois | (312) 791-0418 | Headquartered in Chicago, the Chinese American Service League is a nonprofit agency that connects local Chinese Americans with an array of support services. Senior services include in-home assistance, adult day services, caregiver support groups and the Songnian Zhongxin social and community group. Trained advisors offer financial guidance and seniors can connect with legal services. The organization also runs a culturally appropriate dementia group for Chinese Americans. |
Indiana | The nonprofit Asian American Alliance operates in Central Indiana to empower and advocate for Asian Americans and build awareness of Asian American culture and issues. Initiatives include youth leadership and professional development, and the group is especially active in trying to reduce hate crimes against members of the Asian American community. | |
(515) 988-0901 | The Chinese Association of Iowa is a community-based nonprofit that seeks to raise awareness of issues faced by the local Chinese American community, advocate for Chinese Americans and promote cultural understanding and appreciation. It also aims to empower local Chinese Americans and ensure people are able to participate in society. | |
Via email | Kansas City Chinese American Association seeks to celebrate Chinese culture and heritage and connect members of the community. It facilitates regular cultural performances, including traditional music and dancing, and arranges diverse social meetups. It actively supports the Youth Hope Fund to improve the lives of underprivileged youngsters. | |
Via online form | Kentucky Chinese American Association runs a range of educational programs designed to promote cross-cultural harmony and preserve Chinese cultural heritage. It hosts the KYChinese Forum, which gives local Chinese and Chinese Americans the opportunity to share useful resources and information. | |
Via email | The Asian Pacific American Society of New Orleans brings together diverse minority communities to promote awareness, understanding and tolerance among the wider community. In addition to arranging cultural events, the group offers student scholarships, provides disaster relief and leads varied volunteer projects. | |
Via contact form | The Chinese & American Friendship Association of Maine provides outreach and forum education to raise cultural awareness and preserve traditions. The group offers language studies for people of all ages, contributes to local Chinese art exhibitions, promotes Asian-owned establishments and arranges cultural demonstrations. | |
Maryland | Via contact form | Montgomery County Progressive Asian American Network advocates on behalf of local Asian Americans and bridges the local community and local government. The group works to address issues such as immigrant rights, hate crimes and education equality. |
Massachusetts | (617) 426-9492 | Based in Boston, the Asian American Civic Association provides various services to improve the lives of local Asian Americans. Programs include free English classes, financial advice, weatherization assistance, food banks, immigration advice and youth education and training. |
Michigan | (313) 831-1790 | The Association of Chinese Americans is the Detroit chapter of the National Organization of Chinese Americans. It administers youth scholarships and maintains a library. It also runs a Chinese Community Center where seniors and underserved Asians can access advice and support services, such as benefits guidance, advocacy, health screenings, citizenship assistance, English lessons and family counseling. The center offers social and recreational activities, including a senior club, Tai Chi, ping pong and cooking classes, and older adults can enjoy low-cost congregate dining. |
Via email | Based in the state capital of Minneapolis, the Chinese American Association of Minnesota is the biggest such group in the state. It is home to a language center and a dance troupe and hosts regular cultural events to bring together members of the community. | |
Mississippi | (662) 846-4780 | The Mississippi Delta Chinese Heritage Museum was established in partnership with Delta State University in Cleveland. It is a charitable organization that aims to educate people about Chinese immigration to the Mississippi Delta. It houses historic items and recounts stories to keep cultural practices alive and promote understanding. |
Via contact form | Located in St. Louis, Chinese Culture and Education Services is a nonprofit organization that aims to connect locals with Chinese roots and promote Chinese culture. It operates the Chinese Culture Days program in association with Missouri Botanical Garden as well as a youth engagement program. | |
Montana | (406) 723-3231 | Located in Butte, Montana, the not-for-profit Mai Wah Society operates the Mai Wah Museum and aims to educate people about the historic contributions and culture of the local Chinese community. The group’s dragon is often a focal point at community celebrations. |
Nebraska | Via contact form | Nebraska Chinese Association connects the local Chinese diaspora and offers services such as Chinese language classes, translation and interpretation. The group can also assist those looking to renew a Chinese passport or conduct business in Asia. It also arranges diverse cultural events. |
Nevada | Via contact form | Nevada’s Asian American Group works to raise awareness of pertinent issues among the state’s Asian communities, promote opportunities, encourage cultural tolerance and preserve Asian traditions and values. The group also aims to help Asian people assimilate into American life. |
New Hampshire | Via email | New Hampshire Asian American Coalition is a social and community group that supports and empowers Asian Americans in New Hampshire. It advocates on behalf of the community, shares information and promotes cultural diversity. |
New Jersey | Via contact form | Located in Montclair, the nonprofit AAPI Montclair represents Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the state. The group advocates for inclusion and equal rights, raises public awareness, leads youth initiatives and arranges year-round cultural celebrations, such as festivities for Chinese New Year, Holi and Diwali. Group members can attend social events and special interest activities, including movie screenings, mahjong nights and a dining club. |
New Mexico | Via email | The Asian American Association of New Mexico works in partnership with other community groups to promote appreciation and respect for cultural diversity. The organization provides financial aid for needy members of the community, takes part in traditional demonstrations and events and hosts regular movie nights with a cultural focus. |
(212) 226-6280 | Located in Chinatown in New York City, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association represents and supports Chinese Americans in the Greater New York metropolitan area. Volunteers provide a range of services and assist with translated information about aspects of living, such as transportation, benefits, legal advice, ID and passport renewals. The group also offers free English classes and naturalization services. | |
North Carolina | Via email | North Carolina Asian Americans Together aims to bring together Asian Americans and the wider community through outreach workshops, leadership development opportunities, political participation and community engagement. It offers free citizenship clinics to assist green card holders to complete citizenship application forms. |
North Dakota | (701) 526-4886 | United Chinese Americans Fargo Moorhead runs a range of programs geared toward supporting the local Chinese American population, fostering friendship and preserving cultural values and traditions. The senior program seeks to engage older adults and provide social activities, such as mahjong, dancing, choir and excursions. The group also runs Chinese language classes. |
Via email | Ohio Chinese American Association seeks to connect Chinese Americans, encourage volunteering in the community and enhance civic rights. Residents can sign up for a regular newsletter and obtain news and information from the group’s active social media channels. | |
Via email | Located in Oklahoma City, the Asian District Cultural Association preserves the area’s cultural heritage and connects Chinese Americans of all ages. It honors the legacy of early migrants to the area and organizes diverse events, such as the annual Asian Night Market Festival. | |
(503) 235-9396 | Located in Portland and operated by the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, the Pacific Islander and Asian Family Center is a first-point community center where Asian people can obtain information and assistance in a range of Asian languages. Services are designed to meet the cultural needs of the population. | |
Pennsylvania | Via contact form | OCA Advocate Pittsburgh provides a voice for local Chinese Americans, advocating on behalf of the community and offering varied resources. Programs include cultural events, youth education and outreach services, a yearly free medical and dental clinic, heritage preservation and granting of awards and scholarships. |
Rhode Island | (401) 424-1640 | Rhode Island’s Cultural Society aims to help migrants settle into life in America and help younger generations stay in touch with their Chinese roots. It also educates about the Chinese American identity and offers cultural classes, language lessons and health and wellness programs. |
South Carolina | (803) 333-9621 | Part of the state government’s Commission for Minority Affairs, the Asian American and Pacific Islanders Affairs Division was created to act as a resource for community members in South Carolina. |
South Dakota | (605) 367-7401 | The Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls is a safe, inclusive space where people from any cultural background can come together to learn more about diverse cultures. The center runs community engagement programs, cultural events and practical adult programs, such as driver’s education, language classes and job application assistance. It also offers translation and interpreting services. |
Via email | Greater Nashville Chinese Association arranges a wide array of events to promote Chinese culture and encourages community engagement Activities include workshops, cooking competitions, book drives, festivals and health outreach work. | |
(512) 974-1700 | Located in Austin, the Asian American Resource Center offers plentiful in-person and online engagement activities for local Asian Americans. The Senior Program is geared toward people aged 50 and older and activities include tai chi and dance sessions, meditation, English lessons and technology classes. Older adults can also enjoy on-site congregate dining. | |
Via email | The Chinese Society of Utah works to promote cultural understanding and bridge cultural differences between Chinese, Chinese American and Taiwanese groups in Utah. It hosts an array of traditional events, including lunar new year celebrations, puppet shows, banquets and calligraphy demonstrations. | |
(802) 257-7898 | Located in Battleboro, the Asian Cultural Center showcases Asian art and cultural traditions with the aim of strengthening appreciation and respect. Events include cooking demonstrations and traditional festivities. | |
Via email | The Asian American Society of Central Virginia strengthens links between local Asian Americans and the wider community and advocates on behalf of all Asian Americans. It sponsors diverse educational, financial, cultural and civic programs. | |
Washington | Via contact form | United Chinese Americans of Washington provides wide-ranging local resources to support the Chinese American community. The group works to end racial violence and discrimination, runs leadership training, offers internships, facilitates educational lectures and arranges fundraisers. |
West Virginia | Via email | Although located within Virginia Tech’s campus grounds, members of the public are free to attend activities and events at the inclusive Asian Cultural Engagement Center. The center houses a resource library, study space and community kitchenette. |
Wisconsin | Via email | Based in Milwaukee, OCA Wisconsin Chapter aims to develop leadership, engagement and opportunities within the state’s Asian American community. |
Wyoming | Via email | Operated by the Alliance for Historic Wyoming, the inclusive Diversity Initiative celebrates the history, stories and contributions of diverse ethnic and cultural groups in Wyoming. |
Download this Page in Mandarin
Download PDF
Expert Reviewer
Dr. Brindusa Vanta, MD
LinkedIn Profile
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a healthcare professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM - Toronto, Canada.
Your Information is Processing