From the Readers

Emergency Relief During COVID-19: Help CMAA Provide Clients with Technology

To meet the expanding needs of the low income immigrant and refugee community during the COVID-19 crisis, the Associate Board of Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is hosting a technology drive. Per the recommendations of government officials and medical experts, CMAA has closed its physical office locations. We are diligently working to move as many services as possible onto virtual platforms; however, with many clients lacking access to technology, without additional resources and financial support, CMAA is limited in what we can provide. To help with this strain, the CMAA Associate Board is collecting old/ unused laptops, tablets and phones to send to clients so that they are able to continue receiving services from CMAA. To assist in determining which devices are appropriate to donate, we have attached general technology guidelines to this press release.

During this critical time, we ask our supporters to rally around our most vulnerable communities to help ensure their access to vital and emergency resources, including social services such as housing and food assistance. If you or your organization is interested in donating, please contact Omeed Adham Sindy, omeedadhamsindy@gmail. com, who will direct you on where to send your donation(s). Thank you for your support and generosity.

Morlie Patel

Associate Director, CMAA

Emily Olson

Development and Events Coordinator

 

How one company is assisting frontline women in STEM during COVID-19

Now more than ever, small acts of kindness are fueling frontline workers across the country. Professionals in the STEM industries have been doing essential work that powers our nation. Many of these unsung heroes are women who have shown their leadership and determination during this time of need. They are responsible for securing our national and regional infrastructure, manufacturing PPE equipment, and continuing work in reducing negative environmental impacts.

A few female-led small businesses from Milwaukee joined a campaign led by Xena Workwear, maker of the first stylish steel-toes for women, to recognize the badass frontline sheroes in manufacturing, supply chain, and engineering.

I’d love to help expand on this story for VIA Times about how small businesses can come together during COVID-19 to honor our essential women workers. We can also talk more about what Xena Workwear is doing to change the lives of women in STEM and the trades.

Best,

Lauren Chouinard

Xena Workwear Team

 

Caring for Our Community & Our Organization During COVID-19

Dear editor,

We are reaching out in what seems like a whirlwind of activity and uncertainty; spring is at our doorstep, the primary election has passed, Census 2020 forms have been sent to households, and our nation is working to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Across this country and the world, entities are working to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus, and we at Vietnamese Association of Illinois are doing all we can to support the health and safety of our community. Acting in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines, we have decided to close our offices to the public until further notice. In this newsletter, you will find the specifics of how we are operating in the meantime along with best practice guidelines.

Our approach to this health crisis is aligned with the Center for Disease Control’s best practices, and we’re encouraging our staff and all members of our community to practice social distancing whenever possible. Currently, this means limiting the amount of in-person contact we have with one another and with most clients outside of our in-home services program. We know this bears a burden, but limited contact is the only proven method of prevention.

As always, we’re moving forward, firmly committed to our community and its needs. Our office and our staff are still available and working remotely each day. We want to encourage you to reach out via phone at (773) 728-3700 or email by visiting our staff directory.

We are still here to serve you, and we wish you and your loved ones health and safety.

In Service,

Tuyet Ngo, CEO, and the VAI Team