News: Cambodian Mental Health Counselor Named Asian American Hero

October 31, 2007

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

Cambodian Mental Health Counselor named Asian American Hero

SAN JOSE, CA – Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz Kniss will be honoring Samreth Nuon for his tireless work in the community at the Asian American Hero Awards this Friday, November 2nd at 11:30am at the Quinlan Community Center located at 10185 N. Stelling Road in Cupertino.

Mr. Nuon has been involved in serving the community decades. Survivor of the genocide in Cambodia, Samreth has been working tirelessly for refugee and other underserved populations. While he was a refugee in a camp in Thailand, Samreth assisted the aid workers in the camp to provide services to other refugees. In Santa Clara, Samreth has been working as a mental health counselor at Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) for over 20 years. He is extremely well-respected by his clients and his co-workers for his decades of dedication to the community, his positive attitude, and his sense of humor.

Mr. Nuon has also volunteered with the Cambodian New Life Association, helping traumatized refugees from Cambodia transition successfully to the U.S. and is also part of the Citizenship Collaborative and is an active member of the Buddhist Society, helping organize many community-building cultural and religious events.

“Samreth is an inspiration to me and to many others in the community. His service to the community for more than 20 years has been extraordinary.” said Michele Lew, President and CEO of AACI.

Mr. Nuon receives this award for demonstrating a strong commitment to community based grassroots organizations, exhibiting outstanding examples of civic engagement, and inspiring leadership and community service.

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

About Asian Americans for Community Involvement

Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) is the largest community-based organization focused on the Asian American community in Santa Clara County. Focusing on the diverse Asian American community, AACI’s mission is to improve the health, mental health, and well-being of individuals and their families by providing an array of human services. AACI empowers the Asian American community by working collaboratively for equality and social justice.

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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