SeAM's Elder Programs for Hmong, Cambodian, and Karen refugees offer regular opportunities for older adults to gather for a time of socializing, networking, education, exercise, and a meal.  The programs focus on promoting good health and connecting the elders to resources and information.  The health education offered by Parish Nurses and experts from various health fields often revolve around the prevention and management of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, and hypertension.  It also covers topics of special interest to the clients; for instance, SeAM recently brought in the CEO of Plunkett's Pest Control to talk about bedbugs.

  In addition, the social time provided by these programs for the Hmong, Cambodian, and Karen elders is immensely valuable.  Many elderly people in the US suffer from loneliness, depression, and feelings of helplessness; now imagine dealing with the stress of relocation on top of all of those, especially if you were suddenly dependent upon your 10-year-old granddaughter to interpret for you!  In addition to receiving community support, the elders participate in Our Elder Programs keep community alive for a few hours per week.  Here they create a space where elders can meet with friends, speak in their own language, play games or dance together, and learn about healthy living in the US.

In 2008, over 140 people were served by these programs.

The Cambodian Elders Program meets on Thursday mornings from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm in the fellowship hall of Christ Lutheran Church, which is at 105 W. University Avenue in St. Paul. 

The Hmong Elders Program meets on Monday mornings from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm in First Lutheran Church, which is at 463 N. Maria Avenue in St. Paul.  Visit our website here: http://www.hwcrc.org/hep/about.html.

The Karen Elders Program meets every other Friday at the MORE School, which is at 96 E. Wheelock Parkway in St. Paul.