ACMHS Celebrates 32 Years of Opening Doors for Underserved APIs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OAKLAND, CA – On Thursday, September 14, 2006, over 200 supporters joined Asian Community Mental Health Services’ (ACMHS) board and staff to celebrate their 32nd anniversary at the Albert H. DeWitt Officers’ Club in Alameda. The Anniversary Gala, Opening Doors: Access to Success, not only highlighted ACMHS’ history and services, it honored four community partners that have helped the agency to become successful.
Kaiser Permanente has been an instrumental supporter of ACMHS over the years and has more recently funded the Asian and Pacific Islander Bay Area Health Council on its report on the health status of Asians and Pacific Islanders (APIs). The report debunks the myth of a homogeneous API “model minority” and uses disaggregated data to provide quantitative evidence of the health and service disparities among the various racial and ethnic API groups. This report is an invaluable tool in advocating for accountable health care policies in the public and private sectors. Wendy Quan, RN, MS, Assistant Medical Group Administrator for Kaiser Permanente, accepted the award and commended ACMHS on their excellent work and contributions to building healthy communities.
Lisa Lunsford is a public benefits attorney with the Homeless Action Center. She has won Medi-Cal and disability benefits for over fifty of ACMHS’ Southeast Asian clients. Ms. Lunsford’s compassion and commitment are evidenced by her willingness to “go the extra mile,” making home visits and getting personally involved to ensure that ACMHS consumers receive the benefits to which they are entitled.
Edward Barnes, Director of the Income Support Unit of the East Bay Community Law Center, is a tireless advocate for welfare policy change through impact litigation and legislative reform. His current work to repeal legislation that excludes children from welfare because they were born after the family went on assistance affects many ACMHS families. In addition, Mr. Barnes offers ACMHS consumers free legal services for their welfare hearings and appeals; he informs clients about their rights; and he educates government workers about clients’ cultural histories.
Michael McCarthy had a son who was a client of ACMHS’ Developmental Disabilities Program. After his son passed away, Mr. McCarthy used his musical gifts to give back to ACMHS and the community by forming the musical group, All Together Now, made up of children with special needs and their family members.
Interim Executive Director, John K. Fong, acknowledged that “the people most responsible for our success are our consumers and their families. Regardless of how well we perform our jobs, if it were not for their courage and perseverance to overcome substantial challenges in their lives, we would not be standing here talking about ACMHS’ successes.”
The evening began with a silent auction and reception. Rob Mayeda, NBC11 WeatherPlus Meteorologist, was the Master of Ceremonies for the dinner program. And the night concluded with a spirited performance by All Together Now. The ensemble’s renditions of “This Little Light of Mine” and “Oye Como Va” brought people to their feet, singing and dancing and forming a conga line.
ACMHS’ 32nd Anniversary Gala was generously sponsored by: Title Sponsor California Bank & Trust, Union Bank of California, Kazan, McClain, Abrams, Fernandez, Lyons & Farrise Foundation, Inc., Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Kaiser Permanente, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, United Commercial Bank, Wells Fargo, David Henderson, New Oakland Pharmacy, Asian Health Services, Family Bridges, Inc., Perkins + Will, UNIFI Group, and AFIS Insurance & Benefits.