What We Do

AAU has been using the first floor of our old office building on South Major Street (just 1.5 miles south of downtown Salt Lake City) as a drop-in center for current victims of human trafficking for over 9 years. Unfortunately, the numbers and needs of this population has increased substantially. Fortunately, we have just received word from Lowe’s Hometowns that we will receive funding to restore and activate the second floor to add classrooms, meeting rooms, mental health therapy rooms, and repair building infrastructure this summer.

It is out of compassion and gratitude that the local Asian community in Salt Lake City has been helping refugees, refugee youth, and human trafficking victims through the extensive social service arm of the Asian Association of Utah. In addition, we host an annual Utah Asian Festival each year to celebrate the diverse Asian cultures in Utah. The 47th Utah Asian Festival is Saturday, June 8th. This video was created to share more about it as we launch a Virtual Fundraising Campaign for AAU.

One of the largest barriers for refugees when then arrive to the United States is language. Without good English language skills, it is hard to acclimate and find jobs that can lead to self-sufficiency and thriving.  AAU’s English Language classes are designed to help refugees like Eidullah, a recent refugee from Afghanistan. Read more about his story below.

PBS Utah's Contact host, Liz Adeola, sits with guests Emilio Manuel Camu and Deepika Shah KC from the Utah Asian Festival to talk about the diverse ethnic communities. The Asian Festival connects new Americans, immigrants, and refugees to other ethnic groups in Utah.