Vietnamese-American Civic Association

CONTACT:

1452 Dorchester Avenue, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02122
617-288-7344
www.vacaboston.org

Duy Pham, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

VACA was founded twenty years ago, in 1984, by Vietnamese refugees and immigrants who had made the difficult transition to America and wanted to help others like themselves shape new lives. Its Board and staff are bilingual Vietnamese with personal experience of the many issues and adjustments that confront new arrivals. Its Executive Director, Duy V. Pham, is a prime example of success in adversity: arriving alone in the early 1980s, with very little English and limited work skills, he put himself through college and climbed the ladder. Its programs are volunteer-assisted. Initially, VACA limited its services to “adults”; it has since broadened its scope, adding programs for the young and elderly, and to other ethnic groups in the Greater Boston area. Last year VACA received 8500 requests for its services; 3000 individuals visited its social service counselors; 312 took its English language courses; hundreds of others benefited from its classes in civics, health education and workforce programs. This cost-effective, bare-bones operation needs donations to help refugees resettle. You can help VACA help its people to achieve self-sufficiency and full citizenship in their new homeland.

(2004: HUMAN SERVICES: Well-Being)