In an effort to make the transition from youth to adulthood as seamless as possible, CHAA has established itself as the Health and Wellness anchor at the RYSE Center in Richmond. In addition to housing CHAA’s counseling services, RYSE offers educational and creative programming for youth aged 14-24.

While many may associate counseling with crisis, CHAA encourages RYSE members to utilize their services anytime they feel the need to talk.

In order to ensure the highest possible rate of U.S. Census participation, CHAA is engaging and informing youth and Asian Pacific Islander communities about the importance of the nationwide project.

CHAA encourages widespread community participation in the census project as the data help communities receive more than $400 billion in annual federal funding for schools, hospitals, job training centers, senior centers, bridges, tunnels, roads and emergency services. In addition, more than $26 billion is allocated for educational services and programs focused on children.

Members of the Southeast Young Leaders (SEAYL) program started a personalized photo documentary project this month. Entitled “Photovoice,” the project consists capturing healthy and unhealthy areas of the community on camera, followed by group discussion, analysis, and presentation to family, friends, lawmakers, and residents.

While Photovoice still in its early stages, SEAYL staff member Adel Hazan has so far been encouraged by the results.