Roots of Happiness
Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Associations Coalition, Inc. (SEAMAAC) provides social services to Southeast Asian and West African immigrants and refugees. SEAMAAC has developed a program especially for elderly refugees.
The “Roots of Happiness” program aims to reduce the incidence of depression and decrease social isolation by creating a positive experience of aging for Southeast Asian elderly in South Philadelphia. In addition to accompaniment, interpretation, and case management, SEAMAAC and coalition partners offer health workshops and intergenerational social/cultural activities that enable seniors to be active members of their communities. A weekly Jook Breakfast - traditional Southeast Asian communal meal - offers a safe and welcoming space for seniors to build community and expand their social network.
An Elders Council of community members meets weekly to advise SEAMAAC on elders’ needs. SEAMAAC, its coalition partners (Thomas Jefferson, Temple, University of Pennsylvania, WHYY), and the Elders Council partner on projects, such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s “New Routes to Community Health” initiative to increase immigrant/refugee health care access through storytelling videos produced by immigrant/refugee communities.
Contact Information
SEAMAAC
1711 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: 215-467-0690
Fax: 215-467-5301