Purpose:
The Senior Wellness Program strives to not only address physical and mental health, but also the social well-being of Asian Pacific Islander seniors in Santa Clara County by providing culturally and linguistically competent services

History:
In 1976, AACI began serving Asian Pacific Islander seniors by providing mental health programs. In 1985, its services expanded to include English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, citizenship classes, and outreach and translation services. After over twenty years of serving the senior community, the program has evolved to promote API seniors' independence in Santa Clara County.

Description:
Within AACI's Senior Services Program lies a broad range of culturally sensitive and linguistically competent services that empower participants with the skills and resources to overcome language barriers, adjust to a new culture, cope with intergenerational changes, establish a social support network, and increase their awareness and knowledge of community resources.

Services Offered:

• ESL & Citizenship classes - developing English skills and prepare seniors to become US citizens;
• Nutritional Hot Lunches - provides fresh, hot nutritional meals four days a week, Tuesday-Friday at the Senior Center;
• Information/Referral - providing references to housing, jobs, financial/public assistance, medical care and immigration needs, among others;
• Case Management - helps seniors navigate the social services and health systems, avoid financial emergencies, and access appropriate housing;
• Computer Classes - utilizing AACI's computer lab, develops computer senior's computer skills so that they can become more literate in computer functions and capabilities and the internet;
• Counseling - supporting seniors' ability to cope with adjusting to a new culture, customs and intergenerational changes.
• Health Education Workshops - incorporates prevention and healthy living messages, including nutrition and chronic disease management providing nutritional information to further promote healthy lifestyles;
• Transportation - providing transportation and accompaniment to appointments;
• Translation/Interpretation Services - assisting with the translation of documents and providing interpretation during medical and social service-related appointments;
• Recreational Activities - providing facilities for recreational events that enhance seniors' social support network; 
• Senior Companion Program -  matching senior volunteers with homebound seniors to provide companionship and assist them in living independently;
• Special Events - Holiday celebrations and parties, fundraisers, local community events.

Community Served:
Santa Clara County