Tzu Chi USA Southern Region

Written by Tzu Chi USA’s Chinese Writers Team and Ida Eva Zielinska

Published #75 | Winter 2024 Issue

➊ Texas Chapter

The Tzu Chi Texas Branch, later upgraded to the Texas Chapter, holds its inaugural meeting on January 6, 1991, and elects Taishan Huang (fifth left) as head of the Branch. In attendance are Hsiuyun Tsai, Yuehyun Chen, Lien Lihsiang, Suching Chuang, Master Hong I, Hsuehjen Lin, Tsungming Lin, Stephen Huang, and Ssuhung Wang. Photo/Tzu Chi USA Texas Chapter

SHARE

In 1995, Tzu Collegiate Association members in Houston use the parking lot behind the then Tzu Chi Texas Branch to wash cars for the public to fundraise for Tzu Chi activities. Photo/Tzu Chi USA Texas Chapter
At the multi-anniversary gathering on November 16, 1996, Tzu Chi volunteers Yuehching Yang (left), Huiching Yang (second left), Meimei Wu (third left), Shuchen Yang (fourth left), Minghsueh Lu (fourth right), Hsumai Li (third right) Meichuan An (second right) and Tsuimei Lin (right), wear chi-paos, formal dress uniforms for female Tzu Chi volunteers. Photo/Courtesy of Huiching Yang
On November 16, 1996, Tzu Chi volunteers from Taiwan, the U.S., South Africa, and Canada gather at the Tzu Chi Texas Branch to celebrate the opening of its Jing Si Hall in Houston, as well as celebrate the 7th anniversary of the Tzu Chi Chapter in the United States, the 3rd anniversary of the Texas Branch, and the 1st anniversary of Tzu Chi Academy Houston. Photo/Tzu Chi USA Texas Chapter

➋ Austin Service Center

In 1993, when the then Austin Office (later upgraded to the Austin Service Center) took on its first long-term care case, Tzu Chi volunteers Fenlan Hsieh (left) and Yufang Chang (second left) visit the family's home. Photo/Courtesy of Fenlan Hsieh
In 1993, the Austin Office is in the home of Fenlan Hsieh (middle), pictured here with Chienping Lo (second left), Chiatsung Chao (left), Hsinyun Wang (second right), and Shuchin Li (right). Photo/Courtesy of Fenlan Hsieh

➌ San Antonio Office

Beginning in 2010, Tzu Chi volunteer Huimei Pai offered her family's hotel as a location for Tzu Chi USA's San Antonio Office. However, since the hotel closed for business in August 2022, San Antonio volunteers are looking for a new location for their office. Photo/Tzu Chi USA San Antonio Office
The San Antonio Office holds an inaugural gathering on February 27, 2010 to introduce Tzu Chi to the community. Volunteers and Youth Group members from Austin travel there to lend their support, and perform sign language at the event. Photo/Tsungche Chen

➍ Miami Service Center

On July 20, 1996, the Miami Office holds its first tea party at the home of Mingchiang Peng and Yu Chilien, an event that attracts 80 participants. Photo/Tzu Chi USA Miami Service Center
On November 3, 1996, the Miami Office (later upgraded to the Miami Service Center) holds a seminar to discuss visions for the office’s future. In the front row are Mingssu Hung (left), Changchih Tsai (middle), and Mingche Lin (right). Behind them are Fangti Lin (left), Pingyuan Chen (second left), Lingfen Huang (third left), Tsaiti Wen (fourth left), Huimin Fang (fourth right), Kaiyin Hsu (third right), Chiaoli Lu (second right), and Luyu Lin (right). Photo/Tzu Chi USA Miami Service Center

➎ Orlando Service Center

On March 25, 1995, Orlando volunteers Mengyueh Chang (front row left), Suchen Lu (back row second left), Lijung Tsai (back row third right), and Chiying Lin (back row right) host a tea party at the home of Changkuei Huang, then head of the Orlando Service Center, to discuss the distribution of duties. Photo/Courtesy of James Huang
On February 10, 1996, Orlando volunteers hold a tea party at Chiying Lin's home, attended by many, including honored guest Master Chueh Hsing from the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order (second row middle), and in the front row Lijung Tsai (right), Chiying Lin (third right), Tsuihua Chan (third left), and Suchen Lu (second left). Photo/Tzu Chi USA Orlando Service Center

➏ Atlanta Branch

Tzu Chi volunteers hold a tea party at Kuang Hua Restaurant on March 3, 1996, to commemorate the official establishment of the Atlanta Office. Photo/Tzu Chi USA National Headquarters
On March 15, 1997, the Atlanta Office celebrates its first anniversary and official upgrade to the Atlanta Service Center. It would eventually be upgraded to the Atlanta Branch on December 14, 2007. Photo/Tzu Chi USA National Headquarters

➐ New Orleans Office

After Hurricane Katrina almost destroyed the entire city of New Orleans on August 29, 2005, Tzu Chi disaster relief volunteers march into the Ford Park Complex in Beaumont, Texas, on September 4, to help Katrina survivors who evacuated to Texas. A year later, on September 3, 2006, the New Orleans Office would be officially established. Photo/Yen’i Liu
Hsingya Chuang (second left), the head of the New Orleans Office, accompanies Tzu Chi volunteers into the post-Katrina disaster area in New Orleans to survey damages and assess needs. Photo/Tzu Chi USA Texas Chapter

There is always more to explore

SUBSCRIBE

SHARE:

More to Read

Tzu Chi USA Midwest Region

Feature Story

Tzu Chi USA Midwest Region
Tzu Chi USA Northeast Region

Feature Story

Tzu Chi USA Northeast Region
Tzu Chi USA Central Region

Feature Story

Tzu Chi USA Central Region
Tzu Chi USA Northwest Region

Feature Story

Tzu Chi USA Northwest Region
Tzu Chi USA National Headquarters Region

Feature Story

Tzu Chi USA National Headquarters Region
Compassion Amid Crisis: Delivering Relief After Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Cover Story

Compassion Amid Crisis: Delivering Relief After Hurricanes Helene and Milton
Editor’s Note

Editor's Note

Editor’s Note
Tzu Chi USA’s Latest Expansion Developments

Feature Story

Tzu Chi USA’s Latest Expansion Developments
Tzu Chi USA Pacific Islands Region

Feature Story

Tzu Chi USA Pacific Islands Region
Tzu Chi USA Mid-Atlantic Region

Feature Story

Tzu Chi USA Mid-Atlantic Region
Tzu Chi USA Greater Washington D.C. Region

Feature Story

Tzu Chi USA Greater Washington D.C. Region
The Gratitude of Birds and Beasts

Dharma Stories

The Gratitude of Birds and Beasts
At the Forefront of COVID-19 Vaccines Bring Hope

Covid-19

At the Forefront of COVID-19 Vaccines Bring Hope
At the Forefront of COVID-19 The Scramble for PPE

Covid-19

At the Forefront of COVID-19 The Scramble for PPE
4 At the Forefront of COVID-19 An Invisible Threat Emerges

Covid-19

4 At the Forefront of COVID-19 An Invisible Threat Emerges
At the Forefront of COVID-19

Covid-19

At the Forefront of COVID-19
International Medical Outreach Mexico

International Relief

International Medical Outreach Mexico
TIMA USA Mid-Atlantic Region

Medical Mission

TIMA USA Mid-Atlantic Region
On a Mission to Bring Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s Light to Chicago

Feature Story

On a Mission to Bring Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s Light to Chicago
Symposium at Harvard Breaks New Ground

Portrait

Symposium at Harvard Breaks New Ground
Help Heal Maui: Tzu Chi USA Launches Relief Following Devastating Fires

Feature Story

Help Heal Maui: Tzu Chi USA Launches Relief Following Devastating Fires
Tzu Chi Joins the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions

Cover Story

Tzu Chi Joins the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions
Contemplative Wisdom

Contemplative Wisdom

Contemplative Wisdom
Tzu Chi USA Relief Efforts

Feature Story

Tzu Chi USA Relief Efforts
Editor's Note

Editor's Note

Editor's Note
Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Global Relief Efforts

Feature Story

Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Global Relief Efforts
SUBSCRIBE

Latest Issues

#75 | Winter2024
#74 | Fall 2024
#73 | Summer 2024
#72 | Spring 2024
#71 | Winter 2023
#70 | Fall 2023
SEE ARCHIVE
Tzu Chi USA Journal
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

Tzu Chi USA Journal is the official publication of Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, an international nonprofit humanitarian organization dedicated to providing compassionate relief throughout the world. Learn more

Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is a 501(c)(3). Copyright © Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation,  2025. All rights reserved.
LEARN MORE

Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Contact Us

X
微信裡點"發現"
掃QRCode便可分享此頁
複製網址
前往微信
按"複製網址"後複製連結後，再按"前往微信"即可前往微信App分享此頁