The chill of the winter has been dispelled. Warmth and vitality are coursing through Ashiyanaa’s veins. We have received really wonderful feedback from South Asians of varying backgrounds, giving affirmation that our programs are right on target! We are proud to have positively impacted the lives of clients for the last 35 years.
Listening to stories and absorbing client experiences is fundamental to how we shape our programs and initiatives. No two stories or experiences are alike. Yet our cover and support must be relevant to the entire diverse and vibrant South Asian community in DC, MD and VA, helping individuals within it repair their self-esteem, gain self-reliance and get on with their lives.
While it is a wonderful feeling to know we are appreciated, we want to ensure the work we do matters. How do we verify that?
Part of Ashiyanaa’s success is attributed to our ability to solicit feedback and implement incremental improvements to the services we provide. Over the last few weeks, we spoke to many of our program participants to get their feedback. We look forward to these interactive sessions as it is a time for reflection and helps us learn where incremental improvements are needed.
Women’s Support Group: “I don’t feel lonely…it feels like a family”
The Women’s Support Group was launched 2 years ago. Since then it has become a safe harbour where active Ashiyanaa clients shed fears and share stories, in an environment of confidentiality and security. These sessions are facilitated by a retired psychiatrist who dedicates most of her time to Ashiyanaa alongside our staff and trained volunteers. When soliciting feedback, a participant had this to say:
“We discuss diverse topics such as how to deal with stress, setting your boundaries, how to deal with family law matters, visa concerns, employment, local rules, and regulations etc. to name a few. As part of this program, one of the major benefits I received was how to deal with family law matters and visa issues I was facing due to being dependent”.
All participants are clients subjected to Interpersonal (Domestic) Violence. Connecting with other survivors is strengthening and they are able to handle their situation with greater resilience and confidence.
Social events for Seniors: Laughter, stories, and new friendships
Coming from family oriented cultures, social interaction is akin to a life sustaining prescription for most South Asians, more so with advancing years. You yearn for camaraderie, especially if your home country is far away.
Sensing this need, another initiative was added to the Seniors Program. The first ‘Seniors Meet n Greet’ get together, was attended by 70 senior women and men, and in the next one the turnout was well over 100! At each event, cultural walls dropped easily and the gathering was lit with the warmth of companionship, over fun games and delicious South Asian food. Feedback from the
seniors has been heart-warming and we’re excited to see what 2024 has in store. While our Seniors Meet n Greet program is in-person, we also facilitate an exciting ‘Chai & Chat’ series that’s completely remote – Any senior can log on from anywhere in the US! Every other
Tuesday seniors connect under our 2 year Chai & Chat online program to engage in stimulating talks and workshops!
One of our regulars had this to say:
“Chai and Chat provides knowledge in the fields of health, yoga exercises, cyber security and mental health, how to handle physical injuries and other activities including trivia and jeopardy games as well. In this last quarter of my life I have found and made new friends who have like-minded interests in life and I would like to maintain these relationships.”
Are you a senior looking for a fun way to spend a Tuesday morning learning with us? Email us at seniors@ashiyanaa.org and let us know you’d like to join our next Chai & Chat session. All seniors are welcome!
No language barrier for you!
South Asians may speak many languages with ease, and English is the universal language that brings us all together! We’re so excited to share that in 2023, Ashiyanaa in partnership with SAATHI Baltimore, helped 19 adults from Nepal gain proficiency in conversational and written English over a 6 month program with weekly classes.
Language skills and cultural integration are critical to stand firmly on your own feet. We hope to continue these English language classes in the new year.
OUR LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON
Ashiyanaa’s mission is “Empowering South Asians to lead peaceful lives with dignity, hope and self-sufficiency by providing comprehensive and culturally-sensitive services.”
We’re here for you. Please do not hesitate to reach us on our helpline at 1-888-417-2742 or by emailing us at info@ashiyanaa.org.
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🌠Happy New Year and may the new year bring you plenty of abundance and joy🌠
