Ping Lee, 42, is deeply invested in Philadelphias Chinatown, both personally and professionally.
But that hasnt always been the case.
Ping moved to Philadelphia from Hong Kong in 2001 to pursue a degree in computer science.
On the way home from the airport, her host mother drove through Chinatown.
She shopped for groceries and frequented restaurants there, and she played volleyball with a Chinatown youth organization.
She soon got a job as a secretary at a small Chinatown business.
Thats when I really started to see everything Chinatown has to offer, remembers Ping.
It was the beginning of a lasting bond.
“Recent immigrants face so many struggles, says Ping.
It can be really difficult for them to feel any sense of belonging in their new country.
She also puts them in touch with other PCDC staff who can help them access other benefits.
There really isnt much communication between them.
Ping, who is bilingual, helps bridge that gap.
She educates clients about resources available to them and about their rights.
The population we serve is very conservative, says Ping.
They don’t want to ask for assistance because they feel like they are taking advantage.
This mindset means it can take time and consistency to establish trust, but Ping is undeterred.
If you verify youre always there to help, they keep coming back.
However, the gratitude her clients express and seeing them become more self-sufficient make it worthwhile.
Ping has high hopes for Philadelphias Chinatown district and the impact PCDC has on the community.
But we have this community that people can be proud of.
We dont just help with benefits; we bring people back to their roots.
Learn more about howAARP Foundation Grants Programhelps older adults to secure the essentials.
Meet morecommunity heroeslike Ping.
