Teo Chew Association

Information about this center is no longer updated. This data was last updated on 25 June 2014.

Contact Information

Address: 649 North Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Description

The Teo Chew Association is a transnational, global association with centers throughout Southeast Asia, Europe and North America. They have active centers in San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Houston, Chicago, New York City, Boston, and Atlanta and cities in Hawaii. During its 20th anniversary in 2002, California Governor Gray Davis extended a warm congratulations to the Teo Chew Association for "its commitment to the Asian American community...(and)...investment in the future of our State."

History

The Teo Chew Association is primarily a socio-religious organization for Southeast Asian immigrants in the United States. It was founded in 1982 by Chinese-Cambodian immigrants as a network and community center fostering solidarity among its members. Most participants trace their roots to Chao Zhou, China. Not surprisingly, many speak Chao Zhou Chinese. Because other members speak Cantonese Chinese, they warmly welcome all language groups.

Activities and Schedule

The Association provides financial services, assistance to new immigrants in finding homes, referrals for social and medical services, and a location for worship. During services, the main deity is the red-faced Guandi, the God of War, Literature, Wealth and Social Harmony. Members of the Association meet in an one-story building that was once a commercial bank. The front room serves as a main worship hall, while the back portion is a large community hall for banquets and meetings. Similar to the Elderly Indo-Chinese Association, the Teo Chew Association also provides annual scholarships to children of members who maintained an overall G.P.A. of 3.5.