Written by Justin Van
My mother and I came to America when I was fourteen years old. We lived in Seattle Housing Authority housing, and everything around us felt unfamiliar. I did not know how to navigate many aspects of life in a new country, and I was dealing with several health challenges at the time.
I was fortunate to meet Mr. Long Luu. My stepfather, who is a senior, was one of his clients’ receiving services through Neighborhood House. Mr. Long played a significant role in helping my family adjust to life in the United States. He helped me enroll in school, apply for health insurance, and schedule medical and dental appointments.
When we first arrived, I was frightened and reluctant to leave the house. My family was struggling financially and emotionally. Mr. Long helped my mother find employment and connected her with a job training program that provided new opportunities and hope for our family. His support gave us confidence that we could build a better future.
During high school, I faced many challenges. I was still learning English and often felt behind my classmates academically. One afternoon, while I was walking home from school, I ran into Mr. Long. He took the time to encourage me and reminded me not to give up. He told me, “Keep doing your best, and one day I want to see you grow up and become a social worker just like me.”
His words stayed with me. Because of his encouragement and example, I developed a passion for social work. During my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to intern at the Yesler Community Center, where Mr. Long allowed me to shadow his work and learn firsthand what it meant to serve the community. I spent time getting to know Vietnamese seniors through the monthly Teatime support group and observed how he built meaningful relationships with the people he served.
It was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. Not only did I enjoy working alongside Mr. Long and supporting seniors, but I also gained knowledge, skills, and community resources that I might never have otherwise had the opportunity to learn about. Through this experience, I witnessed the profound impact that a compassionate and dedicated social worker can have on individuals, families, and entire communities.
I often thought of Mr. Long as a detective. He carefully gathered information about each family’s circumstances, identified their needs, and connected them with the right resources. Every interaction with him was filled with warmth, patience, understanding, and compassion. He asked thoughtful questions to gain a complete understanding of each situation and ensure that his clients received the support they needed.
Today, I have the privilege of working in the same field, serving seniors and families in our community. When I told Mr. Long that I wanted to study social work in college, he was genuinely excited and supportive. I believe he knew that he had made a lasting impact on my life. His kindness, dedication, and commitment to serving others shaped both the person and professional I am today.
Mr. Long’s legacy extends far beyond the services he provided. He inspired countless individuals and families, including my own. I will always be grateful for his guidance, his belief in me, and the difference he made in the lives of so many people in the Yesler community. As I continue my own journey in social work, I hope that one day I can be as compassionate, effective, and inspiring to others as he has been to me.
The support my family received through Neighborhood House changed the course of my life. It gave me access to healthcare, education, and opportunities that helped me build a future in this country.
Years later, I had the incredible opportunity to join the Neighborhood House team myself. Coming full circle, from being part of a family served by Neighborhood House to becoming an employee has been deeply meaningful. It has allowed me to help other families navigate challenges similar to those my own family once faced.
Being able to work alongside Mr. Long Luu before his retirement was especially meaningful. I had the chance to see firsthand that the compassion, dedication, and commitment I experienced as a teenager were the same qualities he brought to his work every day throughout his career. Watching him retire was both bittersweet and inspiring. I felt grateful to celebrate a person whose work touched so many lives, including my own.
Mr. Long Luu’s legacy is reflected not only in the countless families he supported, but also in people like me who were once clients and are now part of the Neighborhood House team. His example showed me the power of service, compassion, and community. I will always be thankful for the role he played in helping my family build a new life and for inspiring me to give back in the same way.