Annual Report

Our last fiscal year has certainly been busy, exciting, challenging and gratifying for everyone involved in NANAY’s activities.

On July 4, 2002, NANAY hosted the Asian Caribbean Independence Day Festival on the Bay, featuring Splendid China’s Acrobats and Tama Leao’s Polynesian Dancers, at FIU North Campus, in partnership with the City of North Miami.

On August 9, 2003, President-appointed commissioners for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders visited the NANAY Center in North Miami, to listen to the concerns of our APA constituents, and to explore common issues that are important to and affecting our APA community. OnAugust 21, NANAY held a Medicaid Services (Legal and Social Aspects) Seminar for Elders and Retirees, courtesy of Atty Raul Delgado de Armas from Naples, Florida. On August 23, volunteer nurses from Jackson Health System conducted a Blood Pressure Workshop (Florida: A Healthy State Initiative).

On November 28, NANAY hosted a Thanksgiving Luncheon, issued

Volunteer Certificates, and dedicated its Asian Pacific American Community Center to John Gaudiosi and Rick Garcia, the two individuals who paved the way for acquisition of the building that now houses most of NANAY’s supportive services and programs for elders and youth. Memorial masses were also held in November for the mother of Sony Trinidad (NANAY Social Services Director) and the brother of Bennie Trinidad (NANAY Regional Executive Director).

On January 18, 2003, Ernesto G. Ramos, senior deputy to Congressman Kendrick Meek, conducted an Immigration Workshop and Community Forum, and clarified the new laws concerning deportation, immigration and naturalization.

On Feb 1, 2003, the Cast and Musicians of “Miss Saigon”

and other international performers presented a ONE NITE ONLY!! Concert at the North Miami Beach Performing Arts Theatre for NANAY, courtesy of Bembol Vilchez and Inday Abuan. On Feb 8, Joy Bruce and Bennie Trinidad attended the Unity Festival in Tallahassee and explained the concept of NANAY’s program to the Filipino-American community leaders in Big Bend. A health booth was set up at the Chinese New Year Festival (Miami-Dade College) on Feb 9. The Community Grant and Anti-tobacco Workshop that was conducted on Feb 22 by Rheena Yangson, Program Coordinator for APPEAL (Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment and Leadership) from Oakland, California and Josephine Kershaw from FAU, Tallahassee enabled NANAY, Santo Nino of Palm Beach and Philippine American Society to get funding for their tobacco control programs. The North Miami Police Workshops and Updates on Feb 27 and April 3 enabled elders to review the various ways and means to protect themselves from prowlers and predators.

On Mar 1-2, 2003, a health booth was set up at the Asian Cultural Festival in Fruit and Spice, in preparation for the launching of NANAY’s new Asian Immunization Project in partnership with Organization of Chinese Americans - South Florida Chapter and Philippine Nurses Association of South Florida. This was made possible through funding from National Asian Women’s Health Organization (NAWHO) to increase public awareness and knowledge of immunization, and promote health-seeking behaviors in the South Florida Asian American communities, with Winnie Tang as Program Coordinator. In April, NANAY gave a one-hour presentation on Asian Immunization Awareness to more than 50 nurses and health providers, in conjunction with the continuing education program hosted by the Philippine Nurses Association of South Florida.

On May 11, 2003, NANAY held its annual Mother’s Day Celebration at Sheraton Biscayne Bay, and awarded its honorees in front of more than 330 guests. The 5th Annual APAHM Cultural Series II was held at the NANAY Center on May 17 as part of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration, hosted by theOrganization of Chinese Americans - South Florida Chapter. On May 18, Francisco Mareiro (District Director- US Small Business Administration, South Florida District Office), Jane Pak (Special Assistant to the Administrator, Office of Strategic Alliances- Washington DC . US SBA) and Ilene P. Rubio (Marketing Manager, Area I SBA, South Florida District Office) conducted a U.S. Small Business Administration Seminar under the sponsorship of the Korean-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Miami.

On June 7, 2003, NANAY participated in the “Evening of Elegance” Philippine Independence Day Celebration at Design Center of The Americas (DCOTA) on June 7, 2003 (sponsored by the Philippine American Federation of South Florida, the “Ating Pamana Musical Concert” at Friedman Lifelong Learning Center, Florida Atlantic University on June 13 (sponsored by Silliman Alumni of South Florida and Filipino Student Association of FAU) and the Philippine Independence Day Festival at CB Smith Park on June 14 (sponsored by Philippine American Association of South Florida and Philippine American Federation of South Florida). Beatriz Valdes, Project Associate Director, ElderCare Companies, Inc., also conducted the S.A.F.E. Fall Prevention Program at the Center on June 20.

In partnership with the National Coalition on Community Economic Development (NCCED), NANAY was also able to distribute more than 300 free Prescription Benefits Card to the elders—that gives them up to 60% discount on prescribed medicines

The NANAY Youth Council, now made up of more than 100 members, has likewise been very active in hosting the Second Intergenerational Leadership Forum in September 2002 (with more than 150 attendees), coordinating the Intergenerational Sportsfest in October (in partnership with the Filipino-American Ministries), marching with the seniors during City of North Miami’s Annual Winternational Parade on Thanksgiving Day (with “Unity through Diversity” as their theme), hosting the Second Intergenerational Talent Show with performances by both elders and youth in January 2003, coordinating the Intergenerational Valentines Party and Haitian Cultural Program in February 2003, visiting the South Center and holding their First Intergenerational Luau and Polynesian dances in April 2003, and having the First Induction Ceremony for their incoming Youth Council executive officers in June 2003.

The number of elders registered with CIRTS, who had actively participated in at least one scheduled activity, increased by 43% (from 270 in FY 2001-2002 to 386 in FY 2002-2003). This was partly attributed to the opening of the NANAY South Center on August 24,

2002. At least 45 registered elders from the South are currently benefiting regularly from our supportive services, under the supervision of Tessie Kenyon (Program Director), and with the assistance of Tino Arteza, Conrad Vinuya, Pol & Ely Segui, Francis Bower, Fatima Baker and Dr. Dory Estanislao. Both the North and the South Centers are now open from 1:00-6:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and offer daily supportive services including blood pressure check-ups, health counseling, personal counseling, Tai Chi classes, computer classes, transport, arts and crafts, field trips and recreational activities.

In February 2003, NANAY-Palm Beach Chapter was formed, under the leadership of Dr. Cecilia Liangco. Since then, the NANAY Palm Beach Chapter has reached more than 100 elders by providing health screening, Immigration Forum and Wellness and Health Prevention workshop; by participating in Santo Nino’s “Salubong” (Good Friday Sunrise Mass); by setting up a First Aid Station at the John Prince Park Picnic for families of U.S. troups overseas; and by setting up a First-Aid/Health Booth at Philippine American Society’s Independence Day Celebration-Fil Fest-Santacruzan, with the support of NANAY Palm Beach Board members and volunteers. Beginning in August, the activities and operations of NANAY Palm Beach will be moved to Boca Raton and Boynton Beach areas.

NANAY San Francisco Bay Area Chapter continues to actively pursue

its commitment to service. Its officers and youth (Ernie Espiritu, Eva Bruce, Virginia Buban, Grace Abuzman, Divine Marcelo, Anne and Grace Cruz) headed by Regional Executive Director Margie Ortigas and Regional Board Chair Evelyn Bruce, joined NANAY Miami in the street parade and participated in the NANAY Workshop during the NaFFAA Global Convention that was held in San Francisco from August 27-29, 2002. They hosted a successful picnic with more than 50 elders at Chevron Rod and Gun Club on Oct 12 and had a fishing trip with 30 veterans on Nov 6. On Nov 17, they had their first activity at the Woolf House Retirement Center, followed by a Thanksgiving celebration with more than 35 seniors and, with the help of Mrs. Dolores Bondad, began their biweekly supportive services. In early March, Bennie Trinidad met with NANAY SF-Bay Area officers and joined their activities at Woolf House with more than 50 Chinese and Filipino elders. Health seminars were given on Arthritis (by Grace Abuzman), high blood pressure and osteoporosis (by Divine Marcelo), in addition to Tai-Chi exercise (by Kwok W. Cao, Woolf House resident). On March 30, Alicia Fortaleza, Nursing Supervisor at Laguna Honda, gave an educational talk on “Coping with Depression and Loneliness”, while Mrs. Erena Cabral gave Hawaiian dancing lessons in April. Ann Cruz, received scholarship from Women in Health Administration of Southern California partly due to her volunteer activities as a NANAY-SF Bay Area Youth Council officer. She also made a positive impression to the Filipino Committee in All Saints Church in Hayward CA when she gave a NANAY presentation on Mar 3, 2003. On Jun 7, NANAY-SF Bay Area celebrated Parents Day (with the help and support of former Reg. Exec Director Marisa Robles) and gave awards to three outstanding parents. They also scheduled a “Safety and Earthquake Preparedness”, in partnership with the Red Cross. Their successful outreach to elders was also covered by ABS-CBN and shown to the rest of the Filipino community.

NANAY-Michigan Chapter likewise has been active in its pursuit of service, after being organized on May 1, 2002 by enthusiastic community leaders headed by its Regional Executive Director, Becky Tungol. NANAY services are supported by FILAMCCO headed by Ed Navarra, Chairperson and the PACCM president, Dr. Efren Platon. Current NANAY-Michigan activities include joint birthday celebration on quarterly basis for all seniors and youth. The first one was celebrated last September with an invited speaker from the Area Agency on Aging who provided materials and explained the various supportive services available to seniors in different areas of the State. On December 14, 2002 NANAY joined FILAMCCO in celebrating Christmas by hosting a party for seniors and youth. Kroger food certificates were distributed to all seniors. During the party, certificates of appreciation for the volunteers were also awarded. In the spirit of giving, some seniors donated their food certificates to a special family who was a victim of an almost tragic car accident that had caused them financial hardship. Some contributed cash to the family. Bennie Trinidad met with NANAY-Michigan officers and community leaders on March 8, 2003 and Maria Malit Tungol celebrated her 91st birthday on April 5, 2003 with a Dinner-Dance at the PACCM Building. Monthly activities that are being planned include Sunday afternoon watching Pilipino movies, weekend outings, folk dancing and exercise, arts & crafts, computer classes and counseling for those interested.

NANAY has received local community support through the fund-raising activities of the Miami Board. Headed by Franlie Bautista, and assisted by Tessie Santos, Lila Lee, Nena Forte, Joy Prachayasatierkul, Bennie Valde, Sally Gozon, Dolores Villamar, Sol Valencia and Ely Segui, the Miami Board raised more than $3,000 during their Christmas Raffle fundraising and $4,600 from the Mother’s Day Celebration. From the annual fundraising campaign that began in Dec 2002, we were able to raise more than $7,800 in pledges.

Our supportive services in Miami continue to receive high commendations from our grantors, due to the hard work of Bennie Trinidad (Regional Executive Director), Mike Gozon (Administrator), Dr. Rose del Rosario (Program Director), Sony Trinidad (Social Services Director), and our program assistants (Julius Cesar, Dada Dequito, Sifu Coventry and Teresa Liu). Despite a marked reduction in our Alliance for Aging grant last year, our total funding from all agencies, in-kind and cash combined, still increased by 59%, from $298,486 in FY 2001-2002 to $474,279 in FY 2002-2003.

This includes the purchase of a new 25-seater bus by the Department of Transportation, for use at the NANAY North Miami Community Center, and the newly approved funding for our Immunization Awareness and Tobacco-Control programs. With a newly approved funding from the Department of Transportation for this fiscal year, we will be able to buy yet another bus with wheelchair access, to be used at our NANAY Health Center. We hope that in due time, and with continued persistence and commitment, our other chapters San Francisco-Bay Area and Michigan will also enjoy similar privileges.

Still, the most exciting development of all was the benevolent support of Dr. Antonio Wong and our partnership with the Filam Ministries, who helped NANAY acquire a professional building that we now plan to use as a NANAY Health Center, only two blocks from our North Miami Community Center, in order to provide regular preventive and primary health care to those who are medically underserved and uninsured. Our recently approved Closing the Gap grant from the State of Florida Department of Health, designed to increase immunization awareness and provide free immunization to children, will be used to support the initial operations of the NANAY Health Center, which we plan to officially open in October 2003.

NANAY, indeed, is lucky to have such an overwhelming support from our Board of Directors, executive officers, staff members, volunteers, sponsors and donors, without whose help we would not have been able to provide supportive services and improve the lives of our elders and youth.

My big thanks go to NANAY’s CIRCLE OF FRIENDS—donors who responded to our Annual Fundraising Campaign: Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal, Flor Amor Aguirre, Maria S. Anduiza, Franlie Bautista, Drs. Ludovico & Zenaida Bengson, Teresita Bongato, Gelly Borromeo, Marcelino V. Brotonel, Ross H. Bruce, Robert & Lorna Bruce, Rolly & Baby Bruce, Susana M. Bruce, Nieva S. Cacayan, Onie Capistrano, Mabel Chua, Megan Cruz, Ronie Aurora Dagum, David Dial, Drs. Vichai & Patrawadee Duangjak, Dr. Cris Enriquez, Jeanette Forman, Nena C. Forte, Ric Garcia, Edna Gonzalez, Miguel & Sally Gozon, Danielle Hanopol, Antonio G. Hwang, Marilou D. Ibay, Ana Javellana, Teresita Kenyon, Helen G. Kranzel, Felix & Digna Manlunas, Dr. Michael D. Norenberg, Ernesto G. Ramos, Jeanette B. Rausch, Priscilla A. / Arturo T. Rivera, Maria J. Rouse, Roland Sacramento, Annabelle Scott, Divina C. Sirokie, Marie M. St. Louis, Nick & Claudia Tablizo, Dr. Alfonso Tolentino, Lorraine Valientes, Normita E. Vengco, Conrad Vinuya, Sang & Josephine Whang, Maurita Williams, Nida Winnett, Einez Yap, Mona Lisa Yuchengco (and especially to Elenita Rivera for donating the furniture for the NANAY Health Center).

NANAY SOUTH CENTER DONORS: Fatima Baker, Dory Estanislao, Billy Mendoza, Ely & Pol Segui, Dr. Aida Ronquillo, Tessie Kenyon, Bing Themmen, Lourdes Mendoza, Fe Lawrence, Glenn Tamoria, Grace Espinosa, Alice Lim, Malou Ibay, Lorna Ramos, Emma Sevelius, Conrad Vinuya, Charing Estoque, Tony & Fely Dizon, George Burgos, Sub-Reaction Cafeteria, Maya Jewelry, Sol Aquino, Nee Gregorios

I would also like to welcome and thank the following individuals who registered as volunteers and/or provided free service to the elders:

Abby Bishop, Marielen Barcelona, Ophelia Bulos, Ezmien Chin, Dr. Jerry Ciocon, Sarah Lee Cruz, Anthony Contino, Kerlange Destinoble, Rollen Darote, Helga Destefano, Simon Eng, Mercy Escuadra, Maria Fernandez, Pamela Frost, Mariano Jesus Go, Rick Geffrard, Sara Ignacio, Helen Kranzel, Scott Menard, Evens Mesadieu, Flor Moya, Jeffrey Pierre, Endiaf Pierre, Jesus & Leonida Perez, Viscenta Posada, Myriam Pozo, Rosario St. Geraud, Jr., Sytira Lorna Taylor, Karen Torejon, Enam Bryce Talagtag, Heidi and Nelson Tablang, Nick Vicera, Estrella Viniachi, Joshua Vehmeier,Helen Woytovech,, Volcourt Williamson

Jose Absin, Angelo Abutog, Melissa Aquino, Tino Arteza, Zahra Askarisdedeh, Jose Butao, Victoria Cardenal, Celia Carroll, Romulo Casals, Perlita Cerilo, Dr. Jerry Ciocon, Rolly Dagdag, Gilda Dumaran, Dr. Dory Estanislao, Genoveva Felisgrau, Nena Forte, Gloria Gongora, Marissa Lavina, Florinda Lawrence, Daniel Lucero, Lucia Lumacang, Paula Mendoza, Ryan Mercado, Juan Michel, Nizar Pradhan, Lorna Ramos, Rina Randall, Claudia Rosado, Alejandro Rosario, Carmelo San Juan, Rose Marie San Juan, Bing Themmen, Virginia Valde, Joven Villestos, Conrad Vinuya.

I am forever grateful for your continued trust, confidence and support. Please rest assured that NANAY will continue with its tradition of integrity, accountability and commitment to our cause. We look forward to an even more productive year ahead of us.

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT