Anni Chung Champions Asian Seniors in San Francisco’s Community

Anni Chung, the long-serving CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly, has been a formidable advocate for Asian seniors in San Francisco since 1981. Under her leadership, the organization has grown its annual budget from $1 million to $34 million, serving over 40,000 seniors and earning her the nickname “Mother Teresa of Chinatown.”

Chung has dedicated her career to raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by immigrant and monolingual Asian seniors. These individuals often experience isolation and language barriers, making it difficult for them to access essential services. Chung’s efforts have brought these issues to the forefront, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive support within the community.

Growth Through Community Engagement

Reflecting on her achievement of increasing the organization’s budget significantly, Chung emphasizes that the journey was not without obstacles. In the early years, the community viewed the needs of low-income immigrant seniors as a responsibility of the government. She recalls that Self-Help for the Elderly was the only organization in San Francisco providing ethnic meals, catering specifically to the cultural preferences of the seniors they served.

Chung notes that building a reputation took time, as it relied heavily on word-of-mouth for outreach. “Getting the word out without marketing took 10 to 15 years,” she explained. Today, the organization enjoys a general administrative cost of around 12%, allowing the majority of funds to go directly to services.

To enhance support for these seniors, Chung worked closely with city representatives and community leaders. She acknowledges that her approach remains largely apolitical, but the fight for funding is competitive. “You have to explain that our seniors are not even getting one full meal a day,” she stated.

Cultural Sensitivity and Community Integration

Culturally sensitive care is essential for the elderly population in San Francisco, primarily due to the differences in values between Western and Eastern cultures. Chung highlights the Eastern emphasis on family and respect for elders. “If you have a plate of good food, the best piece goes to the most senior,” she said. This cultural understanding is crucial for fostering trust and ensuring that seniors feel at home within their community.

According to Chung, there are approximately 200,000 Chinese residents in San Francisco, many of whom are low-income seniors. Recognizing a gap in services, her organization collaborated with Supervisor Ahsha Safai and the Department of Aging to establish a senior center in District 11, which is predominantly Chinese and Asian. This center has quickly become a vital resource, with a grocery distribution point that serves 300 families in need.

Chung believes that when organizations align their services with the cultural values of the community, they see greater engagement. “You speak their language; we play music they grew up with. It’s like coming home,” she explained. This approach has led to the recruitment of over 1,000 volunteers, illustrating the community’s commitment to supporting its elderly population.

Facing New Challenges

Despite her successes, Chung faces ongoing challenges, particularly in light of recent cuts to food programs. She remains inspired by her mentor, Beatrice Schiffman, who founded Self-Help in 1966. “She taught us if you have a mission, you never stop fighting for what you believe in,” Chung stated.

Currently, the organization is navigating tighter budgets while responding to the needs of the community. Chung mentioned that Mayor Daniel Lurie and the Crankstart Foundation recently pledged $18 million for emergency food cards, illustrating the importance of collaboration in addressing immediate needs.

Younger generations are increasingly stepping up to support the cause, with nearly 50% of Self-Help’s staff being from the millennial and Gen Z demographics. Chung acknowledges that their work styles differ from those of older generations, but she values the importance of intergenerational communication and collaboration.

Engaging the Community

Chung believes that raising awareness about the issues faced by seniors is essential for garnering support. “We need to bring senior stories more into the mainstream so we’re not put aside,” she emphasized. Many seniors feel marginalized when they are treated as outsiders, and Chung is determined to ensure their voices are heard.

To this end, she encourages San Franciscans to engage with the issues affecting their elderly population. “We have to empower our seniors to attend public meetings on budget and public safety, and not just express their needs but demand action,” she stated.

As Chung continues her advocacy, she remains committed to fostering a sense of belonging for all community members. Her work is a reminder that addressing the needs of seniors not only benefits them but strengthens the entire community.

For those interested in supporting Self-Help for the Elderly, Chung emphasizes the importance of community involvement. “I have to learn how to get my message out better,” she admitted, recognizing the necessity of broader outreach efforts.

In her personal time, she enjoys dining at local establishments that support her mission, such as Harborview and Lai Hong Lounge, where the community spirit flourishes.

Anni Chung’s dedication exemplifies how one individual can create a profound impact on the lives of many, ensuring that Asian seniors in San Francisco do not suffer in silence.