Same vision, expanded mission

Photo by harald hohendorf

SERVICE TO SENIORS.Clients of Korean Women’s Association stay physically active through its activities.

In 1972, Kim Nam Hui organized a group of Korean women to sell kimchi and rice cakes to help servicemen and their wives at Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base. The group provided transportation and translation services, and assisted in domestic violence situations.

Korean Women’s Association (KWA) registered as a non-profit organization in 1979. What started as a grass-roots effort to assist Korean women acclimating to American culture has grown into an agency coordinating 23 programs, which served 147,068 clients in 2009 across 11 counties in Washington. KWA has offices in Tacoma, Centralia, Federal Way, Lacey, Lynnwood, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Seattle and Shelton, as well as their main site located at 123 E. 93rd St. Target populations served include Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders and African Americans.

Peter Ansara recently took the helm as executive director. His background at Tacoma Housing Authority, 25 years in the United States Air Force and a stint in commercial real estate development have been instrumental in helping him carry the agency’s vision forward.

“It takes a unique set of skills, knowledge, and abilities to administer programs to poor and vulnerable people,” Ansara said. “It is critical to engage the community, stakeholders, and secure support for the agency’s projects and programs. I draw on my experiences in engaging people from all cultures and walks of life.”

The Ethnic Senior Meal Site Program operates at the KWA’s main office. The program serves Korean food on Wednesdays, Filipino food on Thursdays and Samoan food on Fridays, and is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The program offers much more than a meal.  It is an opportunity for seniors to connect and engage in physical activity and a forum for nutrition and health information. Suggested donations are $2 for seniors 60 and older, and $4.50 for non-seniors. Ansara relates the comments of one participant.

“He said if he has to pay more money to participate in the program, he will do it. The program makes him feel like he belongs, and he is no longer depressed. When he leaves each week, he looks forward to returning the next.”

Health screenings are provided in partnership with Tacoma/Pierce County Health Department. These include blood pressure checks, diabetes and cholesterol blood test screens and dementia screening. Education is provided on stroke, heart disease and diabetes prevention.

KWA has a Breast Cancer Navigation program in partnership with nine organizations. It helps minority women who have abnormal mammograms access free and low-cost health care. It provides case management services that decrease fragmentation of care and guide clients through their treatment options. It will hold its first Mammogram Mardi Gras on Feb. 16. For more information call (253) 759-2622.

The Asian Pacific Senior Day Care Program provides services to seniors with dementia and the frail elderly who require supervision. They might otherwise be home alone – depressed, isolated, not eating right or not eating at all, without social interaction or stimulation. This allows caregivers the opportunity to work or go to school without having to worry about their elders who might otherwise be in danger if left alone. The program provides snacks and lunch, education and skills development – such as reading, arts and crafts, dancing, singing, therapeutic exercise, interactive games, peer mentoring, health screenings and community referrals.

The We Are Family Home Program assists domestic violence victims. A confidential shelter has 19 beds for women and children.

“We operate the only shelter specifically geared towards minority populations in the state,” Ansara said.

This is an integrated program with a full array of community partnerships. Counseling, support groups, educational programs, legal advocacy and community-based advocacy services are also available.

KWA has several senior housing programs. A project near the Federal Way Transit Center is currently underway. The mixed-use project, known as Senior City, combines 62 units for low-income seniors with 3,000 square feet of office space for KWA, which is collaborating with Sound Transit, King County, the city of Federal Way and the state and federal governments on the facility. KWA operates Pacific Villa and International Place in Tacoma and The Orchard in Roy Project.

Each year KWA’s In-Home Care Program provides 1.2 million hours of care for the elderly, enabling them to live independently with dignity. KWA coordinates staff and volunteers to provide services that are state and federally funded. For more information call (253) 538-8340.

The Basic Food Education and Outreach Program employs nine full- and part-time Korean and Hispanic outreach workers. In 2008, 1,230 clients were assisted in applying for food stamps. Assistance with Medicaid and Medicare coverage and benefits and Social Security Administration information is also provided.

The Naturalization/Immigration Service Program helps immigrants seeking United States citizenship. The state-funded program operates under the state Department of Social and Health Services’ Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance. Services include education on the naturalization application process, beginning to advanced citizenship English classes, voter registration and obtaining a passport.

KWA provides Korean language driver’s test resources and help with federal income tax filing.  

“Some of the people we serve are illiterate in their own language,” Ansara said. “KWA helps them decipher and navigate the myriad and complex bureaucracy of government forms so they can receive the services for which they are entitled.”

Ansara noted that recent cuts of approximately $800,000 in Medicaid funding have resulted in significant lost revenue and reduction of services. “We are in tough times. We are hopeful we can maintain the services and programs we currently provide.”

KWA owns two vans used to transport clients. Ansara said both have more than 200,000 miles, so if someone donated a van it would be of tremendous benefit.

“We want to maintain and grow and serve our populations with a myriad of services that out founding members envisioned,” Ansara remarked. “These services really go to the heart of care and compassion to the community.”

For more information call (253) 535-4202 or visit http://www.kwaoutreach.org.

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