On February 16th, Lily, Executive Director of UCA WAVES, had the privilege of attending the UCA Jiaozi Festival in Chicago. And also, the trip gave her the chance to reconnect with a group of seniors she had cared for when working as a Home Health Adult Day Service provider in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Lily had the chance to visit seven incredible seniors she supported years ago. The reunion was filled with heartfelt memories and deep gratitude. A particularly touching moment came when Auntie Duan shared the Christmas cards Lily had sent them over the years—a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of community care.

During her visit, Lily learned about an amazing Tai Chi Sword class these seniors have been running for years. 91-year-old Uncle Luo, who has been teaching Tai Chi for over two decades—even throughout the COVID pandemic—has continued the program, despite his own limited income. He’s used his personal funds to cover uniforms and transportation for the class, all while lovingly caring for his wife, Auntie Zheng, who has been dealing with mental decline. His selflessness and commitment to his community are truly inspiring.

Tai Chi plays a crucial role in supporting mental well-being, especially for seniors facing emotional challenges as they age, and UCA WAVES is proud to highlight this incredible initiative.

This is exactly what UCA WAVES stands for—serving and supporting our communities, especially seniors. We are committed to improving the mental health and overall well-being of older adults, and this initiative is a big step in fulfilling that mission.

We’re excited about the future of this Tai Chi program and the potential to help seniors thrive in their golden years.