About Us
Our Mission
The Refugee and Immigrant Center at the Asian Association of Utah (RIC-AAU) is a private, non-profit and community-based organization. The RIC-AAU was founded in 1977. Our mission is to improve the quality of life of refugees and other immigrants. We provide culturally-sensitive and language-specific social services that include education, employment services, advocacy, mental health treatment, domestic violence counseling, substance abuse treatment for adults and youth, parenting classes, English Classes, after-school tutoring and activities, and case management.
The RIC-AAU provides multi-level services to the immigrant and refugee populations. In 35 years, we have served more than 7,500 with job placement; 40,000 hours of counseling, 9,500 youth and families in prevention programs, 1,450 families in parenting skills training, and 6,600 adults in English and Citizenship classes. We work closely with the resettlement agencies, state protective services, alcohol and drug prevention and treatment programs, and many others.
Our agency is composed of four major departments:
History
The agency was founded in 1977 by Dr. Shu Cheng with one employee, one desk, and one sole source of funding. For the last 35 years, the agency has grown to house multiple programs, more than 50 employees, more than 30 interpreters, and a conglomerate of volunteers that loyally assist us in improving lives. The idea that might have been just a dream, is now a great institution. Dr. Cheng is still with the agency and serves as the Executive Director. Together with the Department Directors, the agency continues to grow and expand its influence upon the lives of many.Administration and Directors
Administration
Executive Director
Office Manager/Accountant
Program Directors
Clinical Services Director
Lina Smith