The Cambodian Family

The Cambodian Family is a grassroots, non-profit community-based organization dedicated to promoting social health among refugee and immigrant families. Established in the early 1980s, the organization primarily serves communities in Orange County, California.

Mission

The mission of The Cambodian Family is to enhance the lives of refugee and immigrant families by providing them with opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and desires for achieving health and well-being. The organization aims for these families to become healthy, happy, self-reliant, and contributing members of society, with good physical and mental health, stable employment, and a sense of belonging to the larger community.

History

In the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge regime, a large influx of Cambodian refugees arrived in the United States, many settling in Orange County. In 1982, five Cambodian refugees formed The Cambodian Family’s Board of Directors in Santa Ana, California. They began offering free English classes, adjustment counseling, and translation services to their community. By 1983, the organization received its first funding from the Federal Office of Refugee Resettlement to provide employment services, which has since expanded. Over time, the organization broadened its scope to serve immigrants and refugees from various countries, including Vietnam, Laos, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Russia, Ukraine, Bosnia, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

Programs

The Cambodian Family offers a diverse range of programs to support community development:

Community Health Services

• Health Education and Health Accessing
• Change Club Activities: Exercise Class, Walking Club, Nutrition Workshops, and Support Groups
• Family Advocacy and Comprehensive Case/Disease Management
• Cultural Competency Training to Medical Providers and Public Health Professionals

Youth Development

• Academic Tutoring
• Life Skills and Leadership Development
• Creative Space: Arts & Crafts, Music, Sports, and Martial Arts Classes
• Field Trips and College Tours
• Health and Nutrition Workshops
• Career Guest Speakers and Workshops
• Cambodian Traditional Dancing
• Community Service Projects
• Annual Summer Camping Trip
• Mentoring Program

Community Development

• Adult ESL Classes
• Parent Engagement Workshops
• Leadership Development and Training
• Cultural Competency Training
• Immigration Services
• Interpretation and Translation Services
• Food Distribution Program
• Community, Advocacy, and Civic Engagement
• Oral History Project
• Internship and Volunteer Opportunities

Civic Engagement and Advocacy

This program aims to empower residents with knowledge about community policies, enabling them to create positive change. It focuses on team building and leadership skills to strengthen residents’ abilities to engage in policy and systems change.

Status

The Cambodian Family is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, recognized for its multi-ethnic human services work in Orange County.