Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
October 18, 2023

I.B.P.S. Austin is one of the long-term partners of AFSSA (Asian Family Support Services of Austin). AFSSA is an organization in Austin that provides emotional and other forms of support to struggling Asian families.

Venerable Jue Ji, Superintendent of I.B.P.S. Austin, Liu Qing, President of Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Austin, Brad Jacobson, Vice President of BLIA Austin, and Corina Tan, a volunteer from I.B.P.S. Austin, attended the "Silk Road Gala" exchange event organized by AFSSA in downtown Austin on October 13th.

Venerable Jue Ji, Superintendent of I.B.P.S. Austin, attended the "Silk Road Gala" exchange event organized by AFSSA in downtown Austin. photo／The Life News Agency

BLIA Austin was one of the sponsors of the "Silk Road Gala" exchange event. This autumn fundraising dinner brought together charitable supporters from diverse faith and cultural backgrounds in Austin.

During the conference, AFSSA introduced its efforts to help local vulnerable Asian communities overcome the shadow of domestic violence. They provided translation and legal consultation services, assisting Asian ethnic groups in defending their legal rights. 

AFSSA awarded the annual Lotus Award to I.B.P.S. Austin and BLIA Austin, acknowledging their cooperation and support for AFSSA's charitable projects. Venerable Jue Ji and Liu Qing represented the organizations, receiving the award on stage, and posed for a photo with AFSSA Chair Darlene Lanham and the host.