(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Since 1981, the Chinese Mutual Aid Association has helped immigrants and refugees in the Chicago area.
Founded by Chinese immigrants from Vietnam, the original purpose of CMAA was to help others like them assimilate in America. Over the years, that help has extended to 1.3 million people from more that 40 countries.
“It’s just this feeling that we are all one community,” Dennis Mondero, executive director of the organization, tells WBBM Newsradio.
The non-profit social service agency helps clients through free programs and assistance that range from English as a Second Language to finding a job or housing.
There are also programs designed specifically for children and teens, including mentorships.
Aida Zeleke, who is from Ethiopia, first came to CMAA when she was 15. She found the mentorship program extremely helpful, she said, and now she is training to become a mentor herself.
“I want to give back because that was me a few years ago,” the soon-to-be Northwestern graduate says.
Mondero says that's how many clients feel.
“We joke around and say once you join the CMAA family, you never leave CMAA family,” he said.
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