For many immigrant seniors, aging in America can mean isolation, language barriers, and limited access to critical resources. For the past nine years, First Senior Center of Georgia has worked to change that reality. What began as a small community effort has grown into Georgia's largest Vietnamese senior-serving organizations, helping thousands of older adults remain connected, supported, and engaged in their communities.

On June 14, Norcross nonprofit First Senior Center of Georgia (FSCofGA) will commemorate its 9th anniversary with a joyful celebration entitled “9 Years of Dedication – Celebrating Seniors with Love.” To accommodate over 1,200 guests, Sunday’s event will feature simultaneous indoor and outdoor experiences. Caregivers, members, volunteers, and staff will enjoy a warm holiday atmosphere with street vendors, markets, and a buffet-style dinner. Inside the main hall, senior members will enjoy a formal seated dinner service while participating in the anniversary program, cultural performances, recognition ceremonies, and special presentations.

The outdoor festival will feature carnival-style games and interactive activities, creating opportunities for entertainment, fellowship, and community engagement. A total of 11 themed food stations will showcase a diverse selection of freshly prepared dishes, allowing caregivers and guests to explore different flavors in a relaxed and festive environment.

Throughout the evening, staff will host special ceremonies honoring the dedicated senior members, caregivers, volunteers, and employees whose support has strengthened FSCofGA and its service to the Vietnamese senior community and beyond.

In preparation for the event, FSCofGA CEO Von Tran said, "What makes me most proud is seeing the positive impact First Senior Center of Georgia has had on the lives of thousands of Vietnamese seniors in Georgia and throughout our community. Many of them no longer live isolated lives on the sidelines of society. Instead, they have found friendship, purpose, better health, and a renewed sense of joy by becoming active members of a caring community. Seeing those transformations over the past nine years is our greatest accomplishment."

Over its nine years, FSCofGA has evolved into a lifeline for low-income seniors, offering crucial services such as language support, food pantry assistance, benefits enrollment aid, senior wellness programs, affordable housing support, end-of-life care, transportation, and crisis management.

In 2026, FSCofGA:

• Distributes 1,800,000 pounds to the community through their food bank program annually.
• Provides 50,960 trips to seniors for health visits, senior wellness visits, extracurricular activities, etc... through its transportation services annually.
• Has supported 2,000 households through application assistance for SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, SSA, and interpretation/translation services.

This ninth year marked another significant milestone for FSCofGA, which exceeded expectations with its first ever black-tie gala, “A Night of Vietnamese Immersion.” The evening featured cultural entertainment, authentic decorations, delicious Vietnamese food, a live auction, and more. FSCofGA honored Gwinnett County legend Wayne Mason, a dynamic leader whose work across government, business, and public service laid the groundwork for Gwinnett County’s now vibrant, thriving community.

Proceeds from the event totaled over $325,000, with sponsors including Northside Hospital, Explore Gwinnett, the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, and others.

Where:

First Senior Center of Georgia

5555 Oakbrook Pkwy Building 500, Suite 500A,

Norcross, GA 30093

When:

Sunday, June 14

4 – 8:30 p.m.