Asian American HOPE (Health, Outreach, Prevention, Engagement)

Project Focus: Mental Health

Target Audience and Location: Asian American youth participants of the nonprofit organization, Project: VISION, in the Chinatown neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.

Vision: Asian Americans have equal access to quality mental health support, free from cultural barriers, so they lead long and healthy lives.

Mission: To connect trusted, low-cost mental support services to Asian Americans facing barriers to accessing them by building partnerships and providing culturally relevant information and resources.

Project Description: Scholar Jen Au and educator Anna Park developed their project to address mental health disparities in the Asian American community. Recognizing cultural and financial barriers to mental health care, they aim to connect youth with affordable, culturally relevant services, empowering them to share resources with their families and peers.

The project builds partnerships with local mental health providers, cultural organizations, and community leaders to offer support tailored to Asian American youth. Through workshops, outreach, and resource distribution, the team seeks to reduce stigma and raise awareness about mental health. Monthly workshops for Project: VISION participants will focus on emotional well-being, cultural identity and resource sharing. Ultimately, Asian American HOPE strives to create a network of accessible mental health services and help youth lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

As a student leader, Jen is most proud of “working together to finalize an organization to partner with in our target community and organizing a project idea in alignment with our mission and vision.”