In 1989 Peter Porr and San O were co-founders, along with several other leaders of ethnic organizations, who created The Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly (CLESE). The founders realized that ethnic elderly were eligible for certain support services, but often were not receiving the help they needed due to language and culture barriers.
As a coalition, CLESE continues their work to increase awareness of the needs, rights, and unique contributions of limited-English-speaking elderly and the community-based organizations that serve them.
CLESE Board of Directors at 35th Anniversary Celebration September 2024 (Photo J. Mok)
In September, San O and SEAC Executive Director Jefferson Mok attended an anniversary luncheon for CLESE. San O serves as a board member for the organization and delivered remarks from the podium that recognized past members and included vital history lessons about the organization while also introducing important supporters like Theresa Mah, the first Asian American elected to be an Illinois State Representative.
South-East Asia Center provides several programs that support limited english speaking elderly at our building at 5120 N. Broadway, Chicago, such as our Golden Diners, ESL English language classes and tutoring, Citizenship lessons, Senior Daycare as well as in-home services and language interpreters.
SEAC also provides Energy Assistance for low income individuals and families that often includes elderly.