Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI)
Project: Strategic Planning
Lyons-Newman Consulting led a strategic planning process for Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) in 2020-2021. AACI was founded in 1973 by community advocates to support and advocate for Southeast Asian refugees and has grown to become a leading community-based organization in Santa Clara County focused on providing culturally responsive health and wellness services to marginalized and vulnerable, primarily low-income community members of all ages. AACI services include trauma-informed and culturally sensitive primary care, behavioral health, gender-based violence prevention, specialized services for refugees and survivors of political torture, HIV education and prevention, youth leadership and substance abuse prevention, and treatment and senior wellness services. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, AACI’s programs are accessible to all in need, without regard to their immigration status or their ability to pay.
AACI needed a roadmap for how to best respond to changing market trends and the cultural needs of its community and best integrate and optimize its portfolio of programs serving community members in over 40 languages. It wanted an inclusive approach that incorporated market research, constituent engagement, and best practices in the field. Lyons Newman Consulting conducted key informant interviews and other research, produced a report on assessment findings, facilitated strategic planning committee meetings and board strategic planning meetings, and co-created a three-year strategic plan adopted by the AACI Board of Directors including strategic priorities, goals, strategies, and success indicators.
AACI's three-year strategic plan prioritizes:
• The integration of its various culturally responsive health and wellness programs
• Strategies to enhance community members' access to services, and clients’ experiences and health outcomes
• Its role in policy advocacy
AACI’s energized and aligned board and executive leadership team are prepared to implement these strategic priorities and adapt to take on challenges ahead.
