Since 1981, Chinese Mutual Aid Association, also known as CMAA, has helped immigrants and refugees in the Chicago area.
Founded by Chinese immigrants from Vietnam, its original purpose was to help others like them assimilate to life in America, but over the years that help has extended to 1.3 million people from more than 40 countries.
"It's just this feeling that we are all one community," said Dennis Mondero, CMAA's Executive Director.
The nonprofit social service agency helps clients through free programs and assistance, ranging from English as a second language to finding a job or housing.
"The state of Illinois recognizes us as an official Illinois welcoming center sites so if you are new immigrant or refugee to the state of Illinois, you can avail yourself of services from our agency," Mondero said.
There are also programs designed specifically for children and teens, including mentorships. Aida Zeleke from Ethiopia first came to CMAA when she was 15.
"It was really helpful to have people I can reach out to like the mentors in the program to ask about questions about," Zeleke said.
Seven years later, the soon-to-be Northwestern University graduate is training to be a CMAA mentor.
"I want to give back because that was me a few years ago," Zeleke said.
Mondero said that's how many clients feel.
"We joke around and say, 'Once you join the CMAA family, you never leave CMAA family,'" Mondero said.
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