The first ribbon-cutting ceremony featured Pennsylvania Secretary of Human Services Dr. Val Arkoosh, Jaisohn Center CEO George Choe, and Montgomery County Commissioners Chair Jamila Winder, joined by State Senators Art Haywood, Tricia Pennycuick, and Maria Collett, Republic of Korea Philadelphia Head Consul Jae Yong Lee, Jaisohn Board Chair Brian Lee, and founding leader Dr. Henry Oh. (Credit: Jaisohn Center)
New Montgomery County hub to offer integrated health, senior and community services on Upper Gwynedd-Montgomery border
The Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation celebrated the grand opening of its new Jaisohn Community Wellness Plaza on Saturday, marking a major expansion of health and human services in southeastern Pennsylvania.
The $10 million project is designed as a “one-stop hub” combining medical care, senior services and community-based programs, with a focus on providing culturally and linguistically responsive care for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and other underserved populations.
Officials said the initiative aims to improve coordination of services while addressing long-standing barriers to access, including language and cultural gaps.
The opening event drew federal, state and local leaders, along with community partners and supporters.
The program included two ribbon-cutting ceremonies, cultural performances and remarks from public officials, as well as recognition of major donors.
Performances featured the Jaisohn Senior Singers, Youth Drum Team, Annie Renita and the Jaisohn Saxophone Ensemble.
The Jaisohn Center recognized a major naming-rights contribution from PA Health & Wellness for the Community Hall ($500,000). (Credit: Jaisohn Center)
Among those who spoke were Pennsylvania Secretary of Human Services Dr. Val Arkoosh, Montgomery County Commissioners Jamila Winder and Neil Makhija, Republic of Korea Philadelphia Head Consul Jae Yong Lee, and several state lawmakers. A message from the governor was also shared during the ceremony.
Other dignitaries included AAPI Coalition partners Syed Afzal and Dr. Francis Jeyaraj, State Rep. Steve Malagari, State Sen. Art Haywood, State Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, State Sen. Maria Collett, Governor’s Advisory Commission on AAPI Affairs Executive Director Razin Karu, Upper Gwynedd Township Commissioner Liz McNaney, Hatfield Township Commissioner Shahidul Partha, Rev. Charles Quann, PA Health & Wellness Vice President Jay Pagni, Gwynedd Mercy University President Deanne D’Emilio, Jaisohn Board Chair Brian Lee, and founding leader Dr. Henry Oh.
“The Jaisohn Community Wellness Plaza represents a major step forward in expanding access to culturally responsive health and human services,” said George Choe, president of the Jaisohn Center. “We are proud to create a space where individuals and families can receive coordinated care that reflects their language, culture and community needs.”
The project was developed following a multi-year community assessment that identified gaps in access to care, language services and coordinated support systems for AAPI residents.
In addition to health services, the event also marked the launch of the Jaisohn Advocacy and James & Agnes Kim Leadership Institute, which will focus on leadership development and civic engagement.
Funding for the project reflects a mix of public and private investment, including $5.25 million from the Montgomery County Recovery Office through ARPA funds, $1 million from MacKenzie Scott Yield Giving, and additional contributions from PA Health & Wellness and the Afzal family, among others.
Following the ceremony, attendees toured the new facility, which is expected to serve as a central hub for integrated care and community support in the region.
Founded in 1975, the Jaisohn Center is a nonprofit organization focused on providing health care, social services and educational programs while advancing leadership within underserved communities.
