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Testimonials
from APA Volunteers...
Charise Ho
As the former Asian Pacific Islander Family Hotline coordinator, I currently
volunteer to train the new staff person on administrative issues for the
hotline. My most rewarding experiences have been working with the hotline
counselors. I have learned about other cultures because all the counselors
come from different cultures and backgrounds and they all bring valuable
assets to the hotline. Meeting with the counselors to discuss cases gave
me insights into how other cultures treat issues such as domestic violence
and marital conflicts. Asian cultures tend to want to save face and many
of the callers do not feel comfortable confiding in relatives or friends
about problems at home. Therefore, the hotline is important service because
it offers confidentiality. An important part of being a counselor is using
a culturally sensitive approach with the callers. My other rewarding experience
was working with the clients. The clients are so appreciative that the
hotline service exists. Immigrants are often unfamiliar with the school
system, and do not know about the community services available to them.
Many also do not speak English, another obstacle in their transition to
living in America, and need help filling out forms. The hotline provides
culturally and linguistically appropriate information for these callers.
Amber
Lam
APA is really able to change people's lives. As clients get educated,
they become involved in solving their problems and become empowered. I
should know because I came to APA as a client, newly immigrated from Hong
Kong; My husband and I have no family here but I found support at APA.
I received so much help that I wanted to give back to APA and I became
a volunteer over three years ago. Now I work for APA and serve as a parent
liaison for the Parent Advisory Council. The kindness and generosity of
people here at APA has enabled me to get involved and give back to the
community. They are my extended family here in the United States.
Philip
Ribera
A volunteer for more than six years now, Philip helps with bake sales
and fund-raisers. He photographs special events and even helps out in
the office, but his favorite job is playing Santa Claus at the annual
Christmas party for the clients. He likes the challenges of volunteering
and enjoys working with children. "The people who come to APA or call
the hotline need a lot of support. I like to help but I can't on a regular
basis; I do jobs here and there for APA." He works full-time at San Francisco
General Hospital and generously donates his free time to APA and to other
agencies. He is greatly appreciated at APA.
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