Ethnic associations

Sunday, March 27, 2011

photo Women present offerings to Krishna at a Hindu religious service sponsored by the India Association of Chattanooga. Staff File Photo by John Rawlston.

To better serve an increasingly diverse community, many organizations offer assistance and cultural activities for people from a wide range of countries. Here's a guide.

Annour Islamic Community, 423-490-8544. A mosque and the site of Sunday school and the Muslim Youth Association.

Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 423-266-8658, www.bessie smithcc.org. The interdisciplinary center promotes cultural, educational and artistic excellence and fosters research and education on African and black heritage. It also is a venue for entertainment.

Bridge Refugee & Sponsorship Services of Chattanooga, 423-954-1911 or 423-954-9288, http://home.chattanooga.net/~bridge/refugeesasylees.html. A resettlement agency that helps refugees secure housing and jobs.

City of Chattanooga Office of Multicultural Affairs, 311, 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. Aids Muslims in meeting their religious, educational, social and cultural needs.

Chinese Association of Chattanooga, www.cca-ccs.org. A nonprofit organization to preserve Chinese traditions, customs, culture and language and to improve the well-being of the Chinese community in the Chattanooga area.

Filipino-American Community Association, 423-843-0028. Spearheads social and cultural activities while preserving Filipino heritage.

German-American Club, 423-877-5898. Group meets monthly to socialize and celebrate German and Austrian heritage.

Gujarati Samaj of East Tennessee, 423-499-2799. Promotes Hindu heritage and culture through social activities, humanitarian efforts and other events.

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 of Chattanooga, 423-559-2717, www.india chattanooga.com/2010. Promotes Indian heritage through cultural events and holiday celebrations.

International Council of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, 423-763-4345; www.chattanoogachamber.com. Focuses on education and entrepreneurial excellence, economic development, advocacy and strategic partnerships for area immigrants or non-native entrepreneurs.

Islamic Society of Greater Chattanooga, www.chattislam.org. Offers prayer services and Sunday school for children, among other Islamic and social services.

Korean Association of Chattanooga, 423-280-7700, www.chattanoogakorean.org. Sponsors activities and assists with cultural transition.

La Paz Chattanooga, 423-624-8414, www.lapazchattanooga.org. Connects the Latino community to this area through advocacy, education and inclusion.

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, Chattanooga chapter, 423-698-0029, www.ncbw.org. Through education, networking and support, the group works to empower people of color.

Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, 423-899-8001, www.rainbowpush.org. An international human rights organization committed to economic development, voter registration, health care, jobs, peace, education and justice.

Sister City Association of Chattanooga, www.chattanooga sistercities.org. Promotes awareness and understanding of diverse nations through communication, education and travel.

St. Andrews Center, 423- 629-9872, www.st-andrewscenter.org. A faith-based multicultural center that serves as a catalyst for arts and education, faith and food initiatives and civic engagement.

Tennessee Human Rights Commission, 423-634-6837, www.tennessee.gov/humanrights. A state agency charged with preventing discrimination in employment, public accommodations and housing. Central office is in Nashville.

Tennessee Multicultural Chamber of Commerce, 423-265-0021; www.tn-mcc.org. Non-traditional group works with all business members of a federally protected class who need help and information related to procurement opportunities, employment, certification, access to capital and business development.

Urban League of Chattanooga, 423-756-1762, www.ulchatt.net. Empowers minorities to achieve 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.