Seattle Resources for Asians Seeking Community

Sep 15

Written By Ara .

by Jennifer Tran

When I graduated from my high school, I felt like I lost something small yet important in my life: parts of my network and community. A similar feeling hit me when I was about to graduate university. In my experience, the academic circle I grew into is a way for me to build meaningful connections and useful skills for my early career path. At the same time, school and academia is a significant source of stress. Over time, I learned that one doesn’t have to deal with their burdens alone. This is what inspired me to start a series where I gathered places or resources that Asian (also anyone) can use/visit. All four of these organizations are great to support, and donate. Here are four organizations you can look to on your next Seattle trip:

A Resting Place

interior shot of the liberating community space, resembling an Asian grandma’s home — *Interior shot of the liberating community space, resembling an Asian grandma’s home. | From* *International Examiner* *| Photo By: Carmen Hom*

*Derek Dizon waving towards the camera. | From* *International Examiner* *| Photo By: Carmen Hom*

I first heard of A Resting Place (ARP) during COVID in 2021. A lot of local businesses were shutting down or endangered to close. At that time, a Go Fund Me was set up to save the place from shutting down. Luckily, thanks to social media and the Seattle Chinatown community coming together to pool money, this grief cultural center was able to continue to run to this day. Located in the midst of the mom and pop shops on King Street, what stood out from the nearby businesses is the liberating green complimenting with a brilliant red door that welcomes you in. Inside, you find a community altar, grief library, resources you can take, decorated with plants and art. Grief is a topic that can’t be fully understood unless you are personally affected by it. If you are someone that needs resources to grieve like a loss of a loved one, this center provides a safe space for you to cry. Sometimes ARP hosts their own community events. Past events include Ambient Sundays (listen to live jam), bodywork and Mosaic (workshop where you can build a memory box for people experiencing pregnancy loss). Stay up to date by following their Instagram (@arestingplace.sea). No worries if you can’t pay a visit during their limited opening hours, resources are also provided online at no cost!

More importantly this place was founded by Derek Dizon. Derek is also a queer grief counselor and a multimedia artist. Given his experience with traumatic loss, he uses art and community organizing as a way for people to understand grief.

Asian Counseling and Referral Services (ACRS)

*When ACRS was first founded. | Photo from ACRS website*

*Present day. | Photo from ACRS website*

Travel south for 0.5 miles from the Mt.Baker station and you find the Asian Counseling and Referral Services. ACRS is grounded in mental health support and social justice as ACRS was founded in 1973 from grassroot efforts. Their goal is to improve the lives of Pacific Islander and Asian Americans regardless of their citizenship status. Through their goal, they provide cultural-affirming counseling services for all ages as well as assistance for immigration and job-seekers. Language Assistant services are free of charge when you call ahead.

API Chaya

API Chaya is a survivor-led organization that serves AAPI survivors of human trafficking, sexual and domestic violence. API Chaya also welcomes people from LGBTQIA, of color, and disabilities. Their goal is to help survivors transform their grief into healing and healing into self-sufficiency. This was done through their free, confidential services such as intensive case management, emotional support, helpline, therapy, legal services and safety planning. You can get involved by attending events, organizing, donating your time and/or money to their organization.

Mam’s Bookstore

*Sohka Danh, his mom and Vy Yu sitting together. | Image from* *Internationalist* *and* *South Seattle Emerald*.

Lastly, I wanted to talk about Mam’s Bookstore. The first time I went to Mam’s Bookstore was for a Yellow Chair Collective book signing event for a book called “Where I Belong”. Initially, I thought how cool it is to have Asian/Asian American representation in the core of Chinatown. However Mam’s is not just an Asian-owned Seattle book shop. Each time I revisit the Mam’s Bookstore, there’s always something new happening. One day I see people chatting at the kids corner while Sokha and Vy (Owners of Mam’s), running a tiny Coffee Pop-up on the opposite side. Another day, I saw a packed crowd of people huddling towards the TV to watch Kpop Demon Hunters. Entering the shop feels like entering a friend’s living room. Except, the living room is filled with titles written by Asian American authors and a small selection of nostalgic Asian snacks. When I briefly chatted with Vy, I learned that you can order a physical/audiobook or fulfill a special request if there’s a book that you couldn’t find in store. Their mailing list and social media are also great ways to get updates on their upcoming events. As Chinatowns are slowly disappearing and gentrified in America, Mam’s is one of many businesses in Seattle’s Chinatown that is actively working to combat cultural erasure of Chinatown by providing a third space from frequent to first time visitors alike.

Final Notes

Whether you are interested in reading more Asian/Asian American authors or finding an organization that supports you in whatever crisis you are going through, what all of these organizations do is to uplift Asian voices. Hopefully with these resources they will help you find ways to find comfort and safety.

Until Then,

~Jennn

About the Author

Jennn is neurodivergent (AuDHD) contributor and volunteer for FAUNA Mental Health. She hopes to apply what she learns from her anthropological and interdisciplinary university courses to uplift people to open more discussions about mental health. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks, cafes and collecting stickers.