Lao Advancement Organization of America’s gathering space in Minneapolis is as welcoming as any place can be. Whether a longtime participant or a first-time guest, everyone who enters the space is met with smiling faces and a hearty sabaidee, a typical Laotian greeting.
“We try to create a space that is welcoming to everyone,” says Executive Director Bounleuth Gowing.
Lao Advancement is an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for Laotian older people in the Twin Cities. Participants come to Lao Advancement for a variety of services including adult day care, exercise and wellness programs, community outings, cultural celebrations, meals and more. They are a longtime recipient of Older Americans Act Title III funds designated by Trellis in support of their assisted transportation, health promotion and other services. They serve approximately 200 individuals each year.
Lao Advancement is one of the only organizations in Minnesota dedicated to Laotian older people, a community that is largely first-generation immigrants and refugees. Older people in the Lao community may face language and cultural barriers to living their best lives in Minnesota. At Lao Advancement’s center, elders can connect with one another and with their heritage, whether through cultural celebrations or through the simple act of tending a community garden.
“We want our elders to exercise their minds and their bodies. Our programs help make sure they don’t feel lonely or isolated,” says Bounleuth. Program Manager Kinnarone Pimpadubsee adds, “Our participants have very active lives—they have so much to share with their peers and so much to look forward to.”
The tight-knit community of elders who attend programming at Lao Advancement can participate in a number of activities. On any given day they may join in a discussion group and help each other resolve issues they are facing, take an exercise class offered through the Juniper network and enjoy a meal together. During a recent visit, participants meditated, discussed cultural differences among generations, exercised, then ate lunch while listening to Laotian music. Participants can even get a ride to the center or to run errands thanks to Lao Advancement’s assisted transportation service.
“Lao Advancement does everything they can to help older people feel like part of a broader community,” says Trellis Grant Manager Jolene Anderson. “That is exactly what the Older Americans Act is meant to do.”
“We are proud to be an organization centered on the needs of our elders. Everyone needs a space that makes them feel like they are safe and at home,” says Bounleuth.
Visit Lao Advancement Organization of America’s website for more information.
