The Bhutanese Community Association of Illinois (BCAI) organized an Open House program on August 17 with an objective of introducing the organization, performing a cultural program for refreshments, among others.
According to Hasta Bhattarai, the program coordinator of BCAI, an estimated 300 people including the representatives from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Silverman, the state refugee coordinator, all resettlement agencies, community based organizations, Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, fund provider for organizations, attended the function.
During the function, the BCAI introduced its office facilities and programs to the community, other organizations and resettlement agencies.
The floor was rocked with various cultural shows performed by Bhutanese artists from the locality.
The BCAI was established in October 2010 through a grant from the Office of Refugee Resettlement in order to promote community leadership and address the social and economic needs of the Bhutanese community in the area.
Bhattarai further informed BNS that BCAI offers programs in several areas including adjustment and economic integration, client intake, assessment and counseling, individualized job counseling & workforce integration workshops, integration workshops, parents and youth Activities, services for seniors, women’s peer support, cultural programs and community empowerment and leadership development.
