On September 12, the Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA), the Indo-American Center (IAC), and Apna Ghar hosted a town hall meeting at the Skokie Public Library to explore the creation of a Pan-Asian American Center for the greater Chicagoland area. This center is designed to serve as a vital resource for the rapidly growing Pan-Asian community, which includes approximately 20 distinct AANHPI ethnic groups in Illinois. It aims to provide essential services such as employment support, health and wellness programs, language and cultural resources, entrepreneurship guidance, and immigration assistance across generations.

The inaugural meeting attracted 55 community advocates, stakeholders, and supporters, serving as an important forum for sharing insights and visions for the center. Attendees emphasized the need for inclusivity and the preservation of diverse Asian identities in the center’s design and offerings. Discussions also addressed financial sustainability and the establishment of a strong governance plan to ensure effective operations.

Among the notable attendees were Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam, Illinois State Representative Theresa Mah, Skokie Village Trustee Khemarey Khoeun, Skokie Village Clerk Minal Desai, and Skokie Park District Commissioner Susan Aberman. Representatives from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office and Illinois State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz also participated, underscoring the broad political support for this initiative.

The organizers expressed gratitude for the support from the Illinois Asian American Legislative Caucus and the Asian Giving Circle, which have played key roles in facilitating community engagement.

About the Organizers

Apna Ghar is dedicated to ending gender violence and has reached over 100,000 survivors and community members in its 30 years of operation.

Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA), founded in 1981 by refugees, enhances the well-being of immigrant and refugee communities through various social services, serving clients from over 40 countries.

Indo-American Center (IAC), established in 1990, connects the South Asian immigrant population to vital resources and opportunities to improve their quality of life.

This town hall marked a significant step toward realizing a center that promises to be a cornerstone of support and unity for the Pan-Asian community in Chicagoland.