APA Testimonials

Testimonials from APA Volunteers...

Margie Chung

A volunteer graphic designer of the APA newsletter, Margie regularly donates her time to do the layout of the "Helping Hands" newsletter which comes out twice a year. As one of five daughters raised by a single mother growing up in San Francisco Chinatown 40 years ago, she knew first-hand the void and urgent need for culturally sensitive services to help immigrant parents. She is pleased that today there is APA to help immigrant parents caught between cultures to learn new ways of parenting.

Julie Gee

A parent and volunteer of APA, Julie is also an active fundraiser for APA's events such as our 2003 Walk-a-thon (for which she won first prize for raising the most money) and our annual benefit dinners. Mrs. Gee learnt about APA in September 2002 and soon was actively participating in APA activities. This then led to volunteer work at the agency. "I really enjoy it. By working with different kinds of clients, I can help them as well as learn a lot from them."

Chi Chiu Ip

This great grandfather of 3 been a volunteer at APA since June 2005. He turns up at APA's Chinatown office twice a week to spend half a day each to translate English/Chinese articles, help with clerical work and assist at workshops for parents. He emigrated to San Francisco from Hong Kong in 1987. Chi Chiu is happy to see the pleasant and friendly faces of APA staff and visitors who always show appreciation for the services rendered. He also enjoys the opportunities to help in some of the seminars or parenting classes or even as part of the audience in our Kinship support group. This increases his knowledge and enriches his daily life. He looks forward to volunteering as long as he resides in San Francisco as he believes that by helping society, he is helping himself.

Angeline Khong

A volunteer since 1996, Angie has been donating her time to design APA's invitation cards and program book. In recent years, she has also helped as a fundraising committee member of APA's fundraising dinners. She got to know APA in the 1980s when APA founder Dr. Don Wong's team commissioned the graphic communications firm she worked with to develop a logo for the organization. The APA logo she created shows hands enclosed in a circle embodying the spirit of family, generations, continuity, community, sharing, collaboration and support. The bamboo in the back suggests strength, flexibility and growth.

Angie believes in the agency's mission and work. She is grateful and honored to be able to participate in this organization that has received the Community Leadership Award from the San Francisco Foundation under the direction of her alumna -- Executive Director Mai-Mai Ho.

Sally Lai

A volunteer since 2000, Sally can be seen at most APA functions. An immigrant from Hongkong, Sally used her artistic talents and sewing skills to decorate and prepare an exhibit room for APA's fundraising dinner in 2002, assisted with 2003's garage sale, designed posters and banners to advocate for funding for APA at rallies; cooked for various parent graduation ceremonies and provided child care for APA's workshops and events. Sally also participates in the monthly parent volunteer group and ropes in her family members and friends to help APA. "I want to help people, and I want to influence others so that they will continue this process. I would like more people to join this parent volunteer support group that I help to facilitate and coordinate," said Sally.

Monique Tjenalooi

An immigrant from Hongkong, Monique has been volunteering for APA since 2000. She donates her time providing clerical support, helping with APA's fundraising dinners and Family Club. She has also volunteered in various programs such as parent support group activities, outreach activities at community health fairs and holiday preparations. Monique finds volunteering for APA fulfilling and this has also helped her increase her confidence. She volunteers at APA because she believes in helping people and contributing to the community.

Philip Ribera
A long-time volunteer, 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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