What services does IACS offer that you want to make sure people know about? IACS is centered on providing services across all age groups for the different religious and linguistic groups of the Asian Indian community on mental health and wellness, leadership, developmental support, legal, small business, civic, and other community services and is equipped with all the services to create a thriving individual and family. IACS provides services including, but not limited, to legal, housing, immigration, citizenship, and voter registration. They also provide services for small business, including technical assistance, mentoring, and support. What are you looking forward to about the new campus? It is not just office spaces, but additional shared space to invite the community in for pop-up meetings, meals, and celebrations, which opens the doors to what Together Center can provide to the community. With the larger shared space IACS looks forward to bringing in the community once a week which will create connections and bring exposure to activities and services provided not just by IACS, but by all TC partner agencies. Lalita looks forward to a community space for all of the partner agencies to have pride in and use, to feel rooted to and belong. They want to open up to the community, not just in time of dire need, but as an access point for the community through events or stopping by for tea or a visit. That way, if an individual loses a job or a spouse, or just needs help, they know there is a place they can get services. You had mentioned previously that IACS would like to have a human services hub similar to Together Center in the South End. What makes the model appealing? IACS efforts south of King County has identified to us the need to address basic and urgent services for our ageing adults, youth, women, families and small businesses as well as service workers. A community and gathering space similar to TC is much needed and would benefit the community. Learn more out Indian American Community Services and the incredible work they do at iacswa.org. |