iSSUE5 2015 VOLUME7 SURVIVAL KITS FOR

THE HOMELESS- ........ 1

UPCOMING FUNDRAIS-

ERS ............................ 2

The Bridge The Bridge VIETNAMESE FLAG

PRESENTED ............... 2

&MCC PRO VI D ING EX PER I ENC ES AN D SER VIC ES FO R AL L PEO PL E

T O L EAR N , C EL EBR AT E, AN D SH AR E O UR C OM M UN IT Y ’S

CU LT UR AL D I VER SI T Y.

Students Create Survival Kits for the Homeless On January 14th students at

the Multi-Cultural Center of

Sioux Falls created survival

kits for the homeless in honor

of the 2015 Dr. Martin Luther

King National Day of Service.

The survival kits were first

assembled and then hand-

delivered by students to local

churches, Human Services,

and the Sioux Falls City Li-

brary. The students who creat-

ed the kits are all participants

in the after-school programs at

the Multi-Cultural Center.

“We encourage our students

to have an understanding of

equality and diversity,” ex-

plains Christy Nicolaisen,

Executive Director at the Mul-

ti-Cultural Center. “This pro-

ject builds upon the Character

Counts Pillars, stresses the

importance of health and hy-

giene, and inspires students to

create social change.”

This youth-led service project

was launched to provide those

who are homeless with basic

necessities to ensure that they

are able to meet simple health

and hygiene needs. Some of

the items included in the kits

are shampoo, conditioner, a

brush, lotion, floss, tooth-

brush, toothpaste and non-

perishable food, all of which

have been donated by local

businesses.

“Martin Luther King Day is

a day to honor the values of

compassion and equality,

and to become empowered

by Dr. King’s message,”

says Roxie Kelly, Assistant

Director of the Multi-

Cultural Center. “With the

help of local businesses, our

students are enacting that

same message to those in

our community through

service.”

The survival kits will be

delivered the week of Janu-

ary 19th. For additional in-

formation, contact Christy

Nicolaisen at 605.367.7401.

Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls | 515 N. Main Avenue. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 | 605.367.7401 | www.sfmcc.org

The 3rd Annual Decadence in Chocolate fundraiser will be

held on February 7th from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm at The Colise-

um in downtown Sioux Falls. Proceeds from the event will

benefit the programs and services offered by the Multi-

Cultural Center.

The elegant evening will feature wines from Wilde Prairie

Winery, local musician Geoff Gunderson and dance instruc-

tion by Dance Ballroom & Studio. Guests are invited to pur-

chase portraits from Holman Photography as well as bid on a

vast selection of silent auction items. The Multi-Cultural

Center has also teamed up with many Sioux Falls businesses

to provide a sumptuous array of chocolate creations and des-

serts.

“Wilde Prairie Winery has been a great supporter of this

event in the past, and we are extremely excited to taste their

newest selections,” explains Roxie Kelly, Assistant Director

of the Multi-Cultural Center. “We also have many new busi-

nesses joining us this year and we are thrilled to have their

support as well.”

The Multi-Cultural Center offers over 19 programs and ser-

vices to the community, including interpreting, immigration,

English classes, Driver’s Education, and after-school youth

programs. The funds raised will help support these programs

and services throughout 2015.

Tickets are $25 for one or $40 for two. Come eat, drink, and

dance the night away while also making a difference in your

community, and purchase tickets for Decadence in Choco-

late. Visit www.sfmcc.org or call 605.367.7401 for more

information.

Scott Helmer to Perform at The Coliseum National touring and recording artist Scott Helmer will perform at The Colise-

um on Saturday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission and

are now on sale by phone 605.367.7401 or online at www.sfmcc.org.

Helmer, who has opened for iconic acts including Heart, Eddie Money, Big

Country, 3 Doors Down, and most recently Jeff Bridges, is donating his time

and talent to help historic theaters across the US raise $1 million and preserve

their legacy for future generations.

Performances are an upbeat, energetic solo-acoustic 90-minute set of rock and

country favorites along with original material from Helmer’s new CD, Wake Me When It’s Over.

To preview music from Scott Helmer, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/

ScottHelmerMusic. For more information on this event or other events please

call 605.367.7401, visit the Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls website

at www.sfmcc.org or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/

MultiCulturalCenterofSiouxFalls.

MARK Y

OUR

CALENDARS! 3rd Annual Decadence in Chocolate To Be Held

Interpreter Training to be Provided on January 31 Professional interpreters are increasingly in high demand in courts,

hospitals, schools, and other businesses. However often times, inter-

preters in these situations are not trained in ethics, professionalism,

code of conduct or even proper terminology. In some instances, busi-

nesses will resort to using children as interpreters.

The Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls is determined to change this

trend. With over 200 assignments per month, MCC provides profes-

sional, certified interpreters to their clients.

“As part of our program, each interpreter hired by MCC is required to

complete a 6-hour training course in code of ethics, confidentiality and

medical standards,” says Christy Nicolaisen, Executive Director at the

Multi-Cultural Center. “Interpreters are then evaluated through testing,

feedback from current contracts, and language monitoring. If, at any

time, the evaluations demonstrate that interpreters need updated train-

ing, the Multi-Cultural Center requires the interpreters to participate in

additional training.”

The Multi-Cultural Center has recently hired additional interpreters to

coincide with the influx of requests. Training for all Interpreters will be

held on January 31, from 9:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

If you are interested in an Interpreting position, please send a cover-

letter and resume to 515 N. Main Avenue. Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag Now Stands in The Coliseum

As of January 14, 2015 a new flag stands proudly in The Coliseum, recog-

nized as the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom flag.

The Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom flag replaces the flag of communist

Vietnam – a red flag with a yellow star -- at the request of Soi Tran and his

family, as well as other Vietnamese-Americans in the Sioux Falls community.

Soi Tran is a Vietnam War Veteran, who served from 1966—1975. What

may seem to be an ordinary flag to some is seen by Soi Tran and others as a

reminder of suffering and a very hard journey not forgotten.

Since 2002 many cities, counties, and states have adopted resolutions recog-

nizing the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag. The flag will now be

shown in The Coliseum as very significant symbol of resilience and freedom.

Those pictured above include: Rim Rguyen, Soi Tran, Suong Pho, Chi Tran,

Tuan Phan, Tien Nguyen, Thuy Phan, Hai Nguyen, and Ri Nguyen.

RENT THE COLISEUM Looking for an unique event venue? The Coliseum is more popular than

ever before! Pageants, fundraisers, wedding, sports events, plays, and

various speakers are just a few of the many events that have been held in

this beautiful, historic building.

With 9,400 sq. feet of main floor space, gorgeous woodworking, high

ceilings, and ornate details, the Coliseum has plenty of room for your

event. Our renters love the full stage, balcony seating, and as an added

bonus— FULL COMMERCIAL KITCHEN. In fact, lessees may even

bring in their own vendors to use this space.

To schedule a tour, look at pricing, or secure a date, contact:

Holly Coldman

Marketing Coordinator

holly@sfmcc.org

605.367.7401

CALENDAR OF EVENTS February 1: Self-Defense/Karate

February 2: Froggy Reads Program, Natives Count Program, Private Event

February 3: English Class, Froggy Reads Program, Natives Count Program

February 4: Froggy Reads Program, Natives Count Program

February 5: English Class, Froggy Reads Program, Natives Count Program, Private Event

February 6: Native Youth Club

February 7: Decadence in Chocolate

February 8: Self-Defense/Karate

February 9: English Class, Froggy Reads Program, Natives Count Program

February 10: English Class, Froggy Reads Program, Natives Count Program

February 12: English Class, Froggy Reads Program, Natives Count Program, Private Event

February 15: Self-Defense/Karate

February 16: Froggy Reads Program, Natives Count Program, Private Event

February 17: English Class, Froggy Reads Program, Natives Count Program

February 18: Froggy Reads Program, Natives Count Program

February 19: English Class, Froggy Reads Program, Natives Count Program, Private Event

February 20: Native Youth Club

February 22: Self-Defense/Karate

February 23: Froggy Reads Program, Natives Count Program, Private Event

February 24: English Class, Froggy Reads Program, Natives Count Program

February 25: Froggy Reads Program, Natives Count Program

February 26: English Class, Froggy Reads Program, Natives Count Program, Private Event

February 27: Native Youth Club

Career Closet Monday-Friday

9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M.

The Career Closet at the Multi-

Cultural Center offers career and

work wear for both men and women

are free-of-charge to anyone in need.

Visitors are encouraged to take what

is needed for them to be able to enter

or continue within the workforce.

*The Career Closet relies on the

community for donations of clothing.

Please consider donating clean, gen-

tly-worn mens' and womens' clothing

and accessories. Items needed are

for the casual work environment

(jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts) as well

as items for the professional work-

place (suit jackets, skirts, ties, belts,

etc.). Shoes of all types and sizes are

welcome.

Donations are accepted during office

hours, Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm.