UPDATE: Anni Chung, the dedicated CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly, is leading a crucial fight for the rights and needs of Asian seniors in San Francisco as urgent challenges loom. Recognized as one of the 2025 San Franciscans of the Year, Chung has transformed the nonprofit sector for the city’s immigrant and monolingual Asian seniors since 1981.
Chung’s efforts have resulted in an astounding growth of the organization’s budget from $1 million to $34 million annually, serving over 40,000 seniors. “I feel really honored, but I also feel very humbled,” Chung stated, emphasizing that the recognition is not just for her, but for her entire team of staff and volunteers.
As the community faces increasing hurdles, including cuts to vital food programs, Chung insists that the voices of Asian seniors must not suffer in silence. She highlights the importance of culturally sensitive services, noting that many elderly clients do not receive even one full meal a day. “You have to explain that our seniors are not even getting one full meal a day,” she stated, stressing the need for community awareness and support.
With 200,000 Chinese residents spread across all 11 districts in San Francisco, Chung’s organization has tailored its services to meet specific cultural needs. In previously underserved areas, her team established a senior center in partnership with local officials, including Supervisor Ahsha Safai. This center has now become a lifeline for low-income families, providing culturally appropriate meals and essential services.
As Chung tackles these pressing issues, she urges the community to unite: “It’s not us versus them: It’s all of us taking care of the homeless, elderly, children — fighting hunger, fighting poverty.” This call to action resonates deeply as anti-Asian hate crimes have surged, making the need for solidarity and support more critical than ever.
Chung acknowledges the younger generations stepping up to join the effort. “When something bad happens, something good always happens,” she said, reflecting on the involvement of younger staff at Self-Help, which now includes nearly 50% from the millennial and Gen Z cohorts.
Despite the tightening budget and ongoing challenges, including the recent announcement of $18 million in emergency food cards from Mayor Daniel Lurie and the Crankstart Foundation, Chung remains steadfast. “We don’t easily give up,” she affirmed, as her organization continues to respond to urgent community needs and advocate for affordable housing.
To support Chung’s mission, she emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness about senior stories, ensuring they are not sidelined in public discourse. “Our culture tends to suffer in silence,” she noted, pressing for greater community engagement and understanding.
With her unwavering commitment, Anni Chung stands as a beacon for the Asian senior community in San Francisco, urging all residents to join the fight for dignity, respect, and essential services. As the situation evolves, it is crucial for the public to stay informed and involved in these vital efforts.
