When researching local information for the recognition of Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, one would not expect for something from MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization Countering Sexual Assault) to jump out and catch attention, but that’s exactly what happened when such research commenced. (We love a good treasure hunt at a flea market or antiques venue!) Kind of like a great find on a shopping expedition, we found the most amazing list of local resources regarding AAPI owned/operated/created sources in our metropolitan area; and it all came in the form of a convenient list on the MOCSA website, mocsa.org.
Of course, we reached out to find the list creator and the reason and methodology behind it, and we were absolutely taken with the charming and brilliant Ara Cho, a therapist with the organization. Of Korean background, Ara has worked with MOCSA for the last six years after starting with an internship and moving into a full-time position with the organization. Ara saw that there was a way to further help the clients she and others serve, so she set about curating a helpful list for people who wanted to support local AAPI businesses and build their own community.
Our conversation with Ara:
TI: How did you decide to make a list of AAPI-related resources in Kansas City?
AC: MOCSA has a diversity and inclusion committee, and I have a seat on that committee. I wanted to create something that highlighted my [Korean] community and make it easier for people to support them. At the same time, MOCSA supports an approach for clients that promotes access to resources. I thought the two could come together in a list like this. Community building starts with access, and this is a way to facilitate that.
TI: How do you use the list?
AC: When people have strong support systems and feel connected, they are in a stronger position to heal. The list aligns with building larger and safer, connected communities. I like working with trusted relationships in the community.
My family and I emigrated here when I was three years old, and we were naturally attracted to Korean places here. There is a Korean grocery store that I go to quite often, and I have gotten to know them, and every time I am there we greet each other with hugs and updates about our lives.. There didn’t used to be a lot of these kinds of stores, but now there are so many, and they all serve different populations. I want to patronize as many as I can!
TI: How did you end up working for MOCSA?
AC: When I was in high school, I had a friend whose mom was doing a lot of work with agencies supporting the community. I didn’t really think about it much until I got to graduate school at UMKC, and I became interested in applying for an internship at MOCSA to go with my background in counseling. After that, I just kind of never left!
They offered me a position, and I remained at MOCSA not only to support the mission I believe in, but also since I am a Korean-American in Kansas, I am able to help with the conversation that it is okay to discuss the topic of sexual assault. I also know what it feels like to search for cultural identity while looking for places that feel like home, and I can use that personal experience to help someone in a healing journey.
TI: How do you celebrate your roots in your own personal ways to keep you connected?
AC: I have a community called Janchi, which is a Korean word for a celebration with a feast. It is reminiscent of a festival when village folks come together and gather to rejoice for an occasion. I actually started the Community Janchi with a couple of friends here – first to create a level of community between the three of us, and also to bring awareness to Asian-Americans. We want to have events, have fun, meet different people and bring them together. We really try to consistently patronize the places on the list to show our support. I can also find foods that I might crave! The MOCSA organization also tries to attend local festivals to get our information out in the community – not just AAPI occasions, but for all groups. It’s great to participate in those outreaches.
TI: It sounds like MOCSA has built a good scaffolding and foundation for support systems, whether inside or outside the organization.
AC: We are supporting each other internally first. It’s personal, and that layer internally helps us prime ourselves for then taking that support out into the community for survivors. It is important to me that we have a space to practice our methods internally, and we can brainstorm together to help our clients before we do outreach. Sometimes we might partner with local bookstores or bars to host fundraisers; we might work with local caterers to try to support their business with our events; and we make sure that there is room for the discussions about surviving sexual assault wherever we are.
TI: What else do you want us to know about MOCSA’s efforts to meet groups where they are?
AC: For me, the word that comes to mind is gratitude. I am so thankful for my team and the other departments that help our department do their work. We truly have a really amazing team of therapists and services. I am grateful that we are able to do the work to give our clients the best outcomes and resources possible. And, I have so much gratitude for the clients who pick up the phone and make the call to us – I have such admiration for them.
Some Excerpts From The MOCSA AAPI List:
Restaurants:
Thai:
Lemongrass Thai
Thai Orchid
Indian:
Korma Sutra
India Palace
Japanese:
Aoyama Ramen
Noka
Korean:
K Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Kimchi and Bap
Park’s Kitchen
Vietnamese:
Cafe Vie
Nyugen Pho
Cafes:
Cafe Cà Phê
Kung Fu Tea
Joystixx
Groceries:
Joong-Ang
KC India Mart
888 Market
Apparel:
Wasteland Society
Art:
Lunar Charm
Thaovy Do
Musicians:
Run River North
Japanese Breakfast
Audrey Nuna
Services:
The Spa House
AS Visuals
Find more on the MOCSA list exclusively in our May 3, 2025 issue of The Independent and at https://mocsa.org/aapi/
