PARS Equality Center is on a mission is to catalyze social, civic, and economic integration of immigrants from Persian-speaking and other underrepresented communities into American society. This inspiring organization is also one of Senior Planet’s oldest Licensing Partners.  We spoke with Mehrnaz Saadat, who began work with PARS in 2015 as a volunteer and now serves as the Adult Education Program Manager, about how free technology classes for older adults help amplify their mission and impact.  

Why is the PARS Equality Center vital for the community you serve? 

I would say our work is vital because many of the people we serve face linguistic, cultural and systemic barriers that make integration into the American society challenging. Farsi is the fifth most spoken language in LA, but PARS is the only official organization that provides accessible and culturally competent support that empowers recent immigrants to build stable and independent lives. 

We serve as a cultural and support hub for hundreds of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers each year, offering immigration, legal services, social services, adult education, workforce development, economic empowerment programs, mental health services, refugee services, and more. 

 PARS Equality Center was one of Senior Planet’s first Licensing Partners. How has Senior Planet helped further your mission? 

Being a Licensing Partner has greatly improved the digital literacy in our community. It’s meant that our participants are now able to join our online classes, access reliable and credible information, and feel more confident navigating the digital world. It’s been a gateway to independence for many older adults. They’re no longer intimidated by technology/ They are embracing it in their daily lives and really like it. 

Senior Planet’s motto is “Aging with Attitude” — what does that mean to you? 

To me, I think it means aging with independence and confidence. Many older adults feel left behind because the pace of technology moves faster than their everyday life. This can impact their sense of capability. But, by learning how to use modern tools and digital services, they feel they start to feel empowered again, capable of managing tasks on their own and staying connected. It’s about embracing change and thriving through it. 

Want Senior Planet Programming near you?

Senior Planet is now accepting applications to join our Licensing Program, which partners with local organizations to provide free, in-person classes for older adults we wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise.  Join our Zoom information sessions on Wednesday October 22 at noon EST, or Thursday November 6 at 3 pm EST.  To learn more about Licensing and to register for an information session, visit here.

Photo: Selfie of Mehrnaz Saadat

Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she is a contributing writer for this site.