Across Newsletter January 2024

January 2024 issue

Across U-hub Let's get together

Contents Message from Executive Director - 01 2024: A Year of Growth and Togetherness at Across U-hub! - 05

Message from Executive Director 當2023的年號從萬年曆上被撕下時，心中湧出一陣難以言 諭的捨不得。儘管2023年徐徐從COVID的陰霾恢復，然 而，病毒並沒有完全離我們而去，變種病毒依然活躍。總 體而言，2023年沒有令人「措手不及」的大事，但那些零 碎的小事卻煩擾著很多人的每一天，如物價上漲、交通阻 塞、樓價飆升等，對新移民而言更添挑戰。 2023這一年，Across懷著謙卑的心，重新了解實體相隔3 年多的年輕人，對他們而言，3年已經是一代的差距。想 像一下，一個3年前初次踏上這片土地的留學生或移民， 在全新的環境中獨自面對，沒有同學和同齡朋友的幫助， 又怎會容易呢！確實，當我們有機會實體接觸年輕人時， 我們看到不少年輕人，受不住在陌生環境的孤獨感受，而 嚴重影響他們的心理健康。這年來，Across從小組活動開 始，重新營造一個安全的環境，聆聽年輕人在過去 3年中 的經歷。 此外，今年Across創立了Across U-Can青年奬，旨不在強 調年輕人的成就，而是重視他們在突破成長、應對社區的 需要和文化互通挑戰等方面所付出的努力。得奬者未必擁 有「驕人」的成就，但卻擁有充滿「感動」的真實故事， 為Across在2023年寫下了珍貴的一頁。 一年之始，充滿希望，期待聆聽年輕人奮鬥的故事！

Nicole Wong

Message from Executive Director When the chapter of 2023 was torn off from the perpetual calendar, a sense of reluctance emerged.

Despite the gradual recovery from the shadows of COVID in 2023, the virus did not completely leave us; new variants continued to spring up. Overall, 2023 did not bring any "unexpected" major events, but the scattered little things continued to trouble many people every day, such as rising prices, traffic congestion, and soaring property prices, posing even more challenges for new immigrants.

In the year 2023, Across humbly reconnect itself with young people physically separated by more than 3 years. For them, three years had already created a generation gap. Imagine a student or immigrant who set foot on this land for the first time three years ago, facing a completely new environment alone without the assistance of classmates or friends—how could it be easy? Indeed, when we had the opportunity to physically interact with young people, we observed many who could not withstand the loneliness of being in an unfamiliar environment, severely affecting them emotionally and mentally. Throughout this year, Across began rebuilding a safe environment starting from group activities, listening to the experiences of young people over the past 3 years.

Message from Executive Director Furthermore, this year, Across established the Across UCan Youth Awards, aiming not to emphasize the achievements of young people but to value their efforts in overcoming growth, addressing community needs, and bridging differences in cultural exchange. Award recipients may not necessarily have "outstanding" achievements, but they possess real stories full of "heart-touching" moments, adding a precious page to Across's story in 2023.

At the beginning of the year of 2024, filled with hope, we look forward to hearing the stories of young people's growing experiences.

2024: A Year of Growth and Togetherness at Across U-hub!

Happy New Year to the incredible Across community! May 2024 unfold as a canvas of dreams, painted with the vibrant hues of success, joy, and fulfillment. As we step into this new journey, may the promise of better days illuminate the path for each member of the Across family. Here's to a year of exponential growth, unwavering resilience, and boundless joy.

Tiffany Ore

Now, let's take a moment to celebrate the backbone of Across U-hub—the dedicated volunteers. Their passion and commitment drive our shared vision and inspire the initiation of projects that unite us and contribute meaningfully to our community, leaving a lasting positive impact.

Starting January 9th, and continuing every Tuesday evening, Across opens its doors as a welcoming haven for both seasoned and new volunteers. Join us to mingle, collaborate, and "do something together", whether it's crafting, mural painting, event planning, helping to raise funding, serving the needed, or anything in between. There's a place for everyone.

We sincerely extend our invitation to you, your friends, and anyone with a heart for making a difference. Unlock your potential and become an integral part of our Tuesday evening gatherings, anytime between 4:00 pm - 9:30 pm. Let's make 2024 a year of impactful transformation, one shared moment at a time. Together, we can create a spirit of unity, compassion, and progress that defines Across U-hub.

If the work of Across U-hub has touched you in any way, please consider supporting us through donations. Your financial support will allow us to do more in supporting our youths.