UCA WAVES

Youth Mental Health Collaborative

Wellness. Advocacy. Voices. Education. Support.

Check out our very first annual report!

WAVES is ecstatic to share our very first annual report! This extensive document dives into who we are as an organization, unforgettable moments from this past year, and ways you can join us in our mission.

2025 was a wonderful whirlwind full of expansion and growth—and we can't think of a better way to commemorate it than this. Ready to read? Click on the button below to view now!

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Check out our programs!

AANHPI Research

This project is designed to advance North Carolina-specific learnings about the health priorities of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, and the kinds of strategies and systems changes that could be successful in promoting and improving the overall health and well-being of these communities.

Strong Minds

Our Strong Minds program offers 10 one-on-one sessions in a safe, confidential space with a trained Community Mental Health Worker. Participants learn simple, practical tools to manage stress, improve your mood, and support your overall well-being.

Silent War Film

Supported by WAVES, award-winning documentary filmmaker Professor Changfu Chang and his devoted team continued working on Silent War, a documentary showing real families' experiences, shedding light on the mental health crisis in the Asian American community. 

MHFA Training & Education Workshops

UCA WAVES conducts monthly Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training sessions to educate the community and boost their ability to prevent or handle crises. Additionally, we also host webinars and workshops designed to increase mental health literacy among our community and teach families the importance and practice of strong parent-child relationships.

WAVES Village

WAVES Village is a bilingual WeChat peer-support platform, part of UCA WAVES parent ambassador program. WAVES Village has a team of 50 volunteers serving the Chinese communities nationwide. We emphasize on listening nonjudgmentally and empowering through empathy with cultural considerations.

WAVES Makers

WAVES Makers are an indispensable part of UCA WAVES to elevate youth voices in UCA WAVES leadership and programming. WAVES Makers consist of high school students to young professionals with passion for community service and help elevate AANHPI youth voices. They provide peer support, education, outreach, communication, advocacy, and help connect and support the pipeline for the next generation of young AANHPI Americans.

WAVES Hosts Groundbreaking Conference for AAPI Youth Mental Health

Details

On September 27, 2025 WAVES brought together roughly 300 youth, families, clinicians, educators, and leaders at NC State’s McKimmon Center for a statewide AAPI Youth Mental Health Conference, centering data, stories, and cultural healing.

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WAVES at White House AANHPI Mental Health Convening

Details

In July of 2024, Lily Chen, Unite Chinese Americans (UCA) WAVES Executive Director, and Elaine Peng, Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities (MHACC) Executive Director, attended the White House AANHPI Mental Health Convening.

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National Chinese American Mental Health Summit at the 4th UCA Convention

Details

Last June, we successfully hosted our 4th annual Chinese American Convention in Washington DC. Over 700 attendees joined us for inspiring events, including a pivotal Mental Health Summit and Congressional advocacy. We concluded with a commemorative walk on the National Mall, honoring the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.

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