News: Asian Americans for Community Involvement to Receive 2007 Asian American Hero Awards

October 31, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tamon Norimoto, Development Director
(408) 975-2730 x102 or (408) 373-8119 (cell)

ASIAN AMERICANS FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
TO RECEIVE 2007 ASIAN AMERICAN HERO AWARDS

SAN JOSE, CA - Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) will be one of two organizations being honored at the Asian American Hero Awards presented by Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz Kniss this Friday, November 2nd at 11:30am at the Quinlan Community Center located at 10185 N. Stelling Road in Cupertino.

AACI will be receiving this award for demonstrating a strong commitment to community based grassroots organizations, exhibiting outstanding examples of civic engagement, and inspiring leadership and community service.

Founded in 1973, AACI is the largest community-based organization focused on the Asian American community in Santa Clara County. Current programs include mental health and primary care health services, health education, HIV/AIDS prevention and testing, substance abuse treatment, programs for drinking drivers, a center for survivors of torture, programs and shelter for women and children who are domestic violence victims, a senior center, after-school youth programs, community advocacy, and English and citizenship classes.

“The agency serves thousands of County residents each year, primarily low-income Asian immigrants and refugees. Many of AACI’s clients might not get help anywhere else.” said Andrew Vu, Co-Chair of AACI’s Honorary Council.

While AACI has always been pan-Asian in its mission, AACI also works to improve the lives of all. Not only does AACI’s staff of over 120 individuals speak over a dozen different Asian languages, the staff also speaks Spanish, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, and several African languages. Furthermore, AACI has collaborated with organizations such as the Mexican American Community Services Agency (MACSA), Catholic Charities, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to advocate on issues affecting the community at large.

For more information regarding the 2007 Asian American Hero Awards, please contact Pattie DeMellopine at (408) 299-5050.

About 2007 Asian American Hero Awards

Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz Kniss honors members of the Asian-American community in recognition of their commitment to civic leadership, the arts, education, and health and human services. Awards also go to outstanding community organizations and families or teams that together have made a difference. This award program was conceived by Supervisor Kniss and began in 2001.

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