Staff File Photo by Allison Kwesell
Sangeetha Chandran and other dancers perform Ganeshaya Dheemahi, a traditional dance from Kerala in southern India, during a celebration and performance for the Indian holiday Diwali at Girls Preparatory School.As the diversity in the area increases, so do the number of organizations looking to serve those diverse communities.
A wide variety of organizations offer assistance and cultural activities for members of different ethnic groups. Among them are:
African American Chamber of Commerce, 423-265-0021, www.chattanoogaaacc.org. Also known as the Tennessee Multicultural Chamber of Commerce, the group is committed to economic empowerment of the black, minority and female communities. It offers technical assistance, advocacy, education and public and private partnerships, among other services.
Bridge Refugee & Sponsorship Services of Chattanooga, 423-954-1911, www.home.chattanooga.net/~bridge/refugeesasylees.html. Faith-based resettlement resource helps refugees secure housing, jobs and other needs.
City of Chattanooga Office of Multicultural Affairs, 423-757-4811, www.chattanooga.gov. Develops and implements programs and activities to serve the needs of diverse social, cultural and economic groups within the city.
Chattanooga Islamic Center, 423-756-4917. Helps Muslims in meeting their religious, educational, social and cultural needs.
Chattanooga Chinese Association, 423-843-0405, www.accc-org.yolasite.com. A nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Chinese traditions, customs, culture and language in the area's Chinese community.
Coalition of Latin Leaders, 706-529-9216, www.lidereslatinos.org. Focuses on community leadership, civic participation and offers citizenship and English classes.
Dalton Islamic Center, 706-529-9706, www.daltonislamiccenter.org. Nonprofit faith-based organization helps Muslims in meeting their religious, educational, social and cultural needs.
Filipino-American Community Association, 423-870-3857 or 423-843-0028. Spearheads social and cultural activities while preserving Filipino heritage.
German-American Club, 423-877-5898, www.lederhosenlounge.wetpaint.com. The group meets every fourth Sunday to socialize and to celebrate German heritage.
Huguenot Society, 423-821-6844, http://huguenot.netnation.com. Local affiliate of the national group that celebrates French Huguenot history through sociocultural opportunities and events.
India Association, 423-559-2717, www.indiachattanooga.com/2010. Its goal is to spread Indian cultural heritage to the future generations through cultural events and by celebrating major holidays.
Islamic Society of Greater Chattanooga, info@chattislam.org, www.chattislam.org. A self-described nonprofit that practices and promotes a comprehensive, balanced view of Islam.
Korean Association of Chattanooga, 423-843-4975. Sponsors activities for area Koreans and assists with cultural transition.
La Paz de Dios, 624-8414, www.lapazchattanooga.org. Provides a wide range of social services and links Hispanics to community medical, educational and residential resources.
Latin American Community Alliance, 706-529-9577, www.acla-dalton.org. Focuses on promoting and supporting public education and health care access within the community. Also offers English and citizenship classes.
Mosaic Center, 423-584-6515, www.mosaiccenter.wordpress.com. A clearinghouse of information for international people in the Cleveland, Tenn., community. The center offers interpreter services and listings for health care clinics, businesses and stores offering international or specialty foods.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, 423-267-5637, www.naacp.org. Promotes parity in social, economic, employment and political settings among people of all races and ethnic backgrounds.
National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Chattanooga chapter, 423-698-0029, www.ncbw.org. Through education, networking and support, the group works to empower people of color.
Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, 423-624-6822, www.rainbowpush.org. An international human rights organization, committed to economic development, voter registration and participation, health care, jobs, peace, education and justice.
Sister City Association of Chattanooga, 423-954-1125, www.chattanoogasistercities.org. Promotes awareness and understanding of diverse nations through communication, education and travel.
Urban League of Chattanooga, 423-756-1762, www.ulchatt.net/index.html. Works to empower blacks and other minorities by achieving self-reliance, civil rights and economic independence.
U.S.-China Peoples Friendship Association, 423-698-7339, www.uscpfa.org. Area affiliate of national network aimed at strengthening the relationship between Chinese and Americans.