Zhen and her two children, 4-year-old Vincent and 6-year-old Veronica
Moving to a new country and starting over, as Zhen and her husband did when they came to the United States eight years ago, presents a variety of challenges that go far beyond simply adapting to new customs and a new way of life.
Many families struggle with building relationships and connecting with their new community, often because they don’t know where to start. For those who find themselves in an area with a high cost of living, finding affordable housing also can be difficult.
Zhen understands those challenges all too well—but thanks to support from CHSW, Seattle truly feels like home for her and her family, which now includes 6-year-old Veronica and 4-year-old Vincent.
“When we moved to Seattle four years ago, I was looking for opportunities to connect with other families and have a safe and fun place for our children,” she said. “Then my friend told me about CHSW’s North Seattle Family Resource Center (NSFRC) in Lake City.”
The center features a play-and-learn group that offers fun activities for children, providing parents with valuable time to get to know one another. It also provides assistance with basic needs, such as diapers, which can be crucial for families who are new to the area, or the country, and not fully on their feet yet.
Zhen was able to learn about child development as well, and her children even received dental care—an important component in overall health.
“I made friends through NSFRC, which helped me feel like a part of the community,” Zhen said. “My children love it, too—the summer day camp is very helpful, and CHSW offers programs year-round so we can have fun even during the rainy months.”
Those activities include family fun nights, local theater performances, and holiday activities in addition to the arts and crafts and other projects her daughter enjoys so much.
“Veronica learns and creates something new every day at the center,” Zhen said. “It’s such an inspiring place for all of us.”
That inspiration led her to support others who are facing the same challenges she faced years ago. A Mandarin speaker, she now translates for parents at the center—and her service has been invaluable for both the staff and families.
“I’m so happy I found a way I can give back,” she said. “We are so grateful for CHSW and what they have done to help our family. They really care.”