Chinese Mutual Aid Association

SOCIAL SERVICES
Social Services helps immigrant and refugee families face the many issues that are encountered as new Americans. Those who speak little or no English need friendly advice, assistance and translation as they face problems. For almost any problem newly-arrived immigrants and refugees might face, CMAA staff provide assistance in several languages and dialects to match the client with the appropriate source of information or community resource. 

Senior Services
Staying intellectually and physically active is a vital component to the health and wellness to the over 350 aging adults served by the Chinese Mutual Aid Association. The Golden Age Club and other programming allow aging adults to participate in a variety of classes and workshops free of cost. Classes include:

• ESL classes Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:30 am
• Mandarin Chinese Literature class on Wednesdays from 1-3 pm
• Chinese Calligraphy on Thursday mornings from 9:30 am - 12 pm
• Tai Chi, dancing, and Choral Club on Friday mornings from 9-12:30 pm

The biannual Super Senior Program with Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White assists seniors in applying for and renewing their driver's licenses and with road tests. Medical and health workshops provide information and encourage discussion about wellness and disease prevention. Workshop topics cover cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, among others. Golden Age Club activities also include outings to popular area attractions like the Chicago Botanic Gardens and traditional celebrations such as the Mid Autumn Festival and the Chinese New Year.

The Golden Age Club is sponsored by senior members, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, and Home Health 1 Ltd.

Community Care  This program provides culturally and linguistically appropriate care to aging adults by identifying their needs and matching them with workers of similar backgrounds. It now has over 55 workers making 3-5 weekly visits to the homes of more than 120 aging adults.

Health Education

Housing Resource Center

Through the Housing Resource Center, CMAA staff place clients in affordable and subsidized housing, provide assistance in understanding leases and foreclosures, and provide tenant-landlord conflict resolution services.

The housing resource center also provides energy assistance regarding winter heating and summer cooling of residences to clients though CEDA, the Community Economic Development Association. The CMAA summer cooling program begins in early June.

Outreach and Interpretation
CMAA staff work with the Illinois Department of Human Services to break down language and cultural barriers help clients identify and access benefits that are availble to them through local, state and federal programs. CMAA staff travel to IDHS offices to provide on-site interpretation to clients applying for assistance such as AABD, All Kids, foodstamps, Medicaid, TANF and SSI.

Safety
CMAA provides linguistically and culturally appropriate assistance to victims of crime. Additionally, CMAA staff provide interpretation and translation services for law enforcement officers and hold crime prevention workshops.

Bilingual brochure 2008 PDF documents are attached.