Welcome to Caregiver Conversations! In this enlightening Episode #23, we dive deep into how bilingual caregiver training is revolutionizing support for caregivers and celebrating the remarkable contributions of seniors in our community.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00:00]: Kristie King introduces the episode and sets the stage for an engaging conversation on caregiver empowerment.
• [00:01:00]: Kristie welcomes Peggy Du, Executive Director of the Association of Chinese Americans (ACA), and discusses her role and recent appointment by Governor Whitmer.
• [00:02:00]: Peggy shares insights about ACA’s history and its mission to advocate for the well-being of the Asian Pacific American community.
• [00:03:00]: Peggy explains her inspiration for joining ACA and the organization's role as a "home away from home" for many.
• [00:04:00]: A detailed look at ACA’s bilingual caregiver training program, designed to address language and cultural barriers in caregiving.
• [00:05:00]: Discussion on the unique challenges faced by bilingual and multicultural caregivers, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding.
• [00:06:00]: Peggy describes the innovative curriculum ACA is developing for caregiver training, including ESL terms and regulatory considerations.
• [00:07:00]: Insights into ACA's partnerships with experts like Michigan State University School of Social Work to enhance the training manual.
• [00:08:00]: Information on the training program's cost (free for now) and its plans for long-term sustainability and broader reach.
• [00:09:00]: Peggy shares goals for the initial training sessions, including language-specific classes and recruitment targets.
• [00:10:00]: Peggy discusses the training duration and how it will be structured to avoid overwhelming participants.
• [00:11:00]: Kristie highlights the significance of the I Am Senior Strong Award and its alignment with ACA’s mission.
• [00:12:00]: Peggy talks about the awardee, Chew Ham, and his impactful work in ACA’s Community Garden.
• [00:13:00]: The conversation continues with how Mr. Ham’s gardening efforts contribute to community welfare and education.
• [00:14:00]: Peggy outlines plans for expanding ACA’s gardening program and involving the community in health and cooking events.
• [00:15:00]: Kristie and Peggy wrap up by discussing ACA’s ongoing community engagement and ways listeners can support or get involved.
• [00:17:00]: Peggy provides details on how to follow ACA on social media and sign up for their newsletter for the latest updates.

Additional Links and Resources:

• Association of Chinese Americans
  • Phone: 248-585-9343
  • Follow ACA on social media:
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
• Senior Regional Collaborative
  • [email protected]
  • ​888-341-8593
  • Follow SRC on social media:
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • PeopleMovers
    • YouTube

Thank you for tuning in to another episode where we celebrate the strength of our seniors and empower caregivers everywhere. Stay tuned, stay empowered, and keep caring!