1. He never did and she had to accept that he had
most likely been captured and killed. She eventu-
ally came to the U.S. by herself, but battered by
fear, loneliness and despair, she held little hope
for a brighter future.
ROLA REMEMBERS that this woman, her face
cloaked in sadness, seemed to still be waiting
for a life that was in her past. Rola’s goal with
this client, at each meeting, was to coax a smile
or a giggle. And one time, when it happened, the
client said, “My day will be a little bit better.”
“That’s so meaningful to me,” said Rola. “To share
just a moment of friendship and have hope that
we can string together more moments like that,
that’s the dream.”
HEARTS ACTIONIN
September 2016
A
fter years of war and suffering, refugees
and asylum seekers are forced to flee
their homes and countries, often at a
moment’s notice, in order to save their lives. For
those refugees that make their way to the Bay
Area, many seek help at AACI’s Center for Survi-
vors of Torture (CST).
ROLA CHEIKH, who was featured in our previ-
ous edition, is a a case worker for CST. In addi-
tion to her work at AACI CST, Rola is an active
member of and dedicated volunteer at the Arab
American Cultural Center of Silicon Valley. “I
realized that our Arab clients at AACI also need-
ed a place to socialize, not just receive services,
but be human and have a community,” she said.
Although Rola helps refugees to deal with
hardships every day, she also knows firsthand
the positive ripple effect a smile, a kind word
and hope can bring to the people CST serves.
“Sometimes it just takes a gesture of friendship
to help lift a spirit,” she said.
Recalling some of her most memorable clients,
Rola thinks of one in particular. A refugee from
Iraq, fleeing war and atrocity, waited 10 years
in Turkey for her husband to reunite with her.
S
upporting AACI has been a defining part of Michele
Lew’s professional life. Her relationship with AACI
first started when she joined as a volunteer at the
Asian Women’s Home, working with children who, with
their mothers, escaped abusive homes. In her words, she
“fell in love with the mission” of AACI, supporting the most
vulnerable members of the community. After joining the
board, she found herself faced with an opportunity to go
even further in this relationship. In 2005, she became
AACI’s President and CEO, leading the agency for over a
decade towards sustained growth.
Michele recently left her post, but not before making
another profound contribution: a planned gift, providing
help, hope and healing to AACI clients for generations to
come and to support an agency she cares deeply about.
When asked what makes this gift so important to her, Mi-
chele says “I’m reminded of my own grandparents who
immigrated from China and I wish that there was an AACI
for them. My grandparents did seamstress and restaurant
work. Not speaking any English and learning a whole new
culture, they worked hard to achieve what they did for their
children and grandchildren.”
“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless stories of
AACI’s impact in the lives of our community and being in a
position to make a planned gift makes me proud to support
AACI’s work and ensure it continues,” said Michele.
Laying the Foundation for TomorrowHope Society
members make
a commitment
to philanthropic
giving to provide
critical services
to immigrant, low
income, and first
generation indi-
viduals and families. Members commit
to making gifts of $1,000 for each of
three consecutive years. To learn more
about the Hope Society, please call
Mick Jower (408) 975-2730 x 107.
Platinum Sponsor Gold Sponsors
Better Together 2016 Sponsors
YOU Make It Possible for
Those in Need to Find Refuge
HOW YOU CAN HELP
YOUR GIFT PLANTS SEEDS
Presenting Sponsor
Chair
Hanley Chew
Treasurer
Jeffery Lee, D.D.S.
Chairperson Emeritus
Hon. Patrick Kwok
Albert Ng Ching
Truc Dam
Jacqueline Guzman
Jeffrey K. Lee
Ernesto Orduna
Christine Pham
Gerrye Wong
Vice-Chair
Carol Eckardt
Secretary
Anthony Lin
Christy Chung
Marsha Fong
Judy Lai
Lily Lim
Glenn Osaka
Kay Winer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CREATING
HOPE
There are dozens of refugees in our Center for
Survivors of Torture right now. Hundreds more
need help too. Your donation will not only provide
relief, it will create hope for the future.
For over 10 years, Michele Lew led
AACI towards sustained growth to
strengthen our ability to serve vulner-
able members of the community. To
ensure her vision of a safe, healthy and
well community, please support the
Michele Lew Fund.
To support the work that Michele has
established, please visit:
aaci.org/michele-lew-fund
You can leave a lasting legacy by
including AACI in your will or trust.
To learn more, please contact Cam
Vu, director of development, at
cam.vu@aaci.org or (408) 975-
2319.
To share your comments,
suggestions, and stories, contact:
Cam Vu
Director of Development
cam.vu@aaci.org
(408) 975-2319.
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2. HEARTS ACTIONINSEPTEMBER 2016 | 3
L
ast year, Linh* and her young son
were forced out of their home in
the middle of the night, after
the physical and emotional abuse
they experienced from her hus-
band escalated. Linh was a re-
cent Vietnamese immigrant who
spoke little English and did not
know where to turn for help. Af-
ter calling 2-1-1, she was referred
to AACI Asian Women’s Home. “AACI
provided me with immediate shelter in a
motel. The next morning, I met my Family Advo-
cate at the Family Justice Center (FJC).”
Linh was scared and unsure how to find
long-term safety from her abusive partner. She
wanted to file for a protective restraining or-
der and was seeking counseling and healthcare
for herself and her son. The FJC is a lifeline for
domestic violence survivors like Linh. The FJC
provides free resources such as legal assistance,
social services, medical care and access to local
law enforcement in 14 languages and in one
Dear AACI Friends and Community,
We hope you enjoyed the previous (and first ever) edition of “Hearts in
Action.” Your feedback on stories that have moved you has been amazing
to hear, please keep it coming! We’re proud to be back with a new edition we
dedicate to you, our community of supporters.
As we gather story after story of lives that have benefited from services, friendship, and advocacy,
we become more deeply inspired by what you make possible. From refugees and asylum seekers to
domestic violence survivors, your gifts touch lives and ensure well-being for all. We thank you for all
that you do, and as always, we thank you for showing us your heart in action.
Sincerely,
Sarita Kohli
Interim President and CEO
Mission Statement
Our mission is to improve the health, mental health and well-being
of individuals, families and the Asian community.
YOU DID IT!
SERVING TOGETHER
“I used to be in a very
abusive relationship
but today my son feels
better and our future
looks bright!”
Your Support Means Lives Are Transformed
“How wonderful it is that no one need wait a single
moment before starting to improve the world.”
- Anne Frank
ANew
Beginning
Thanks to you, LINH found safety and support
Marsha Fong, is an AACI Board Member who grew up in San Jose and her family has been
deeply involved with AACI since its early years. Her career has been dedicated to public
service and has taken her from art therapy and human resources to healthcare and orga-
nization development. In her retirement, Marsha is looking forward to traveling the world
and has her sights set on Switzerland, Australia, and Greece!
Q: How did you first become involved with AACI?
A: I first heard about AACI through my father, Ted Fong, who served as a Board member
and Board chair during AACI’s formative years. When my Dad was involved with AACI, I
was in college exploring and learning about my own Asian American identity.
Q: What motivated you to serve on AACI’s Board of Directors?
A: I recently retired and it was always my intent to volunteer and give back to my commu-
nity. Serving with AACI was meant to happen at this point in my life and I am really grateful
for it. When the opportunity presented itself, I decided to honor my father by devoting my
time to AACI in the same way that he had. When I first joined the Board, I did not know if I
had anything to offer, but I soon realized that my experiences offered a different voice.
Q: Your mother, Vera Fong, was also a tremendous supporter of AACI. When she
passed away recently, what made your family decide to have donations made to
AACI in her honor and memory?
A: AACI’s former CEO Michele Lew told me something that I believe to be true, she said
“AACI runs through your blood.” My family has seen AACI develop from a true grassroots
organization, to where it is now. Although my father was the most deeply involved, my
mother felt close to AACI as well. Toward the end of her life, we went together to AACI’s
new site at Story Road. The staff were so nice and gave my mother a tour. She could not
believe how much AACI had grown! The decision to have donations made to AACI in her
honor felt natural and there was never a question about choosing AACI!
A LEGACY OF COMPASSION
Your Kindness Makes BIG Impact
“AACI runs through
your blood.”
centralized location, which is ideal for sur-
vivors who lack easy access to trans-
portation. “My Family Advocate
was very helpful and explained the
whole legal process to me in my
native language. I was also able
to meet with a family attorney
for free. I received legal advocacy,
and social services help along with
mental health support.” Linh said.
Today, Linh’s life has improved
tremendously. She is working with a family
attorney and taking strong steps to maintain
her son’s and her own well-being. Now, Linh’s
home is a place of safety and comfort. She works
full time and is able to rent her own apartment
where she lives with her son and mother. She is
also attending an ESL school. “I used to be in a
very abusive relationship but today my son feels
better and our future looks bright!”
* At AACI we respect everyone who comes to us for
help – and many are working toward a fresh start in life.
So while their stories are true, client names and images
may have been changed to protect their privacy. Thank
you for understanding.Your support ensures lives like Linh’s are
forever changed. Your gifts make second
chances possible.
Thank you for giving!
SEPTEMBER 2016 |2 HEARTS ACTIONIN
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