Overview

The City of Azusa expanded outreach to better serve a diverse and growing population of older adults and people with disabilities. By working with community partners and improving language access, more older adults participated in senior center activities and the city made planning efforts more inclusive.

The Challenge

Azusa is a diverse community of nearly 50,000 residents, with a majority identifying as Hispanic or Latino and a growing number of Chinese-speaking older adults. Outreach had primarily been in English and Spanish, and many residents reported they were unaware of available services or didn’t feel included due to language barriers. Early surveys and listening sessions confirmed that language access limited participation, especially among Chinese-speaking residents.

The Approach

With support from a California Local Aging and Disability Action Planning grant, the city worked with community partners, including culturally specific organizations, to expand language access. Together, they translated outreach materials into Chinese, hosted Chinese-language listening sessions, and shared multilingual information through flyers and social media. Spanish-language outreach continued, ensuring multiple communities could participate in shaping Azusa’s Local Aging and Disability Action Plan.

The Results

More residents began participating in senior center programs and planning activities, including Chinese-speaking older adults who had not been involved before. Residents shared new ideas for culturally relevant programming, which the city incorporated into its local Age- and Ability-Friendly Azusa Action Plan. City staff also identified next steps, such as expanding multilingual materials and exploring new ways to connect with residents.