The Tibetan Association of Philadelphia has been fundraising for years to build a cultural center and soon it will have one in Norristown, writes David Matthau for WHYY.

The new center which will be housed in a former church will become the Greater Philadelphia’s Tibetan community’s place to celebrate festivals and community events.

The former church is currently being renovated, but the hope is for the center to be ready at the beginning of the new year.

Tsering Norbu, a member of the Tibetan Association of Philadelphia, said there are about 200 first- and second-generation Tibetans in the local area, and most are political refugees.

The association is striving to preserve the language and culture of Tibet which was annexed by China in 1950.

Local philanthropists, including retired cardiologist Jeff Granett, have also donated money for the new cultural center.

Granett called the new center coming to fruition a “blessing,” especially for the community elders who often feel isolated.

“They need a place where they can gather together and speak with old friends,” he said.

Read more about the new Tibetan cultural center in Norristown at WHYY.

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