Vietnamese Social Services of Minnesota

Health program - the purpose of this program is to help refugees and immigrants overcome language, cultural and economic barriers to health and healthy lifestyles. Due to the pandemic, these Services became virtual, and expanded. The organization was able to work with the Minnesota department of health to expand covid-19 information sharing, prevention, and testing and this campaign was done in clients' languages. In addition, the organization was able to provide ppe products, covid19 prevention training to help stop the spread of covid-19 to clients and families.

Elders program - this program seeks to improve the well-being of refugee elders and quality of life by providing opportunities to come together to socialize, have fun, and learn. The program provides recreational and Social opportunities to decrease the isolation and depression that many refugee elders experience due to their diminished Social status as new american with english. The organization also provides bi-lingual staff members to provide interpretation, application assistance and other help to assist elders in connecting with resources that can improve their quality of life.

Adult basic education (abe) program - ell/abe is the key to a successful transition for immigrants and refugees. Through this program the organization offers english classes for students with varying levels of language skill, accommodating persons who may have never been to school as well as those who have some of the basics but need to become more proficient. Due to the pandemic, these Services became virtual. The organization, with funding support, were able to refurbish laptops for staff and able to provide quick basic computer trainings to students and purchased distance learning software for students to continue learning english. The focus of our ell is on daily interaction as well as job-skills based english learning.

Administration