Rooted in Our Heritage. Strengthened by Community. Building a Brighter Future Together.
For more than 40 years, the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA) has been more than a community organization. It has been a place of hope, belonging, and opportunity—where families find support, young people discover their potential, elders build meaningful connections, and our Cambodian culture and traditions continue to thrive.
As someone who came to this country as a young Cambodian refugee, I know personally what it means to have a community that welcomes you, believes in you, and helps you find your way forward. My own journey continues to inspire my commitment to CMAA and the thousands of individuals and families who turn to us for support.
Today, our community faces growing challenges. Rising living costs, housing instability, language barriers, limited access to essential services, and increasing social isolation continue to affect families throughout Greater Lowell and the Merrimack Valley.
That is why CMAA’s work matters—and why your support is needed now more than ever.
I want to share a story that captures the difference we make together.
An older woman participating in CMAA’s Healthy Living Program shared how the experience changed her life. Through the program, she found friendship, encouragement, and a renewed sense of belonging. She also gained valuable knowledge about healthy living, the risks associated with gambling and substance use and managing her diabetes.
In her words, “The Healthy Living Program helped me feel less lonely and more hopeful.”
Her words remind us that our work is not simply about providing services. It is about restoring hope, strengthening connections, and ensuring that people feel valued, supported, and never alone.
Your generosity makes this possible.
Every day, CMAA helps families navigate housing challenges and access essential resources, supports immigrants on their journey toward citizenship, provides safe and enriching opportunities for young people, and helps elders remain healthy, active, and connected.
In fiscal year 2025 alone, CMAA served 6,704 individuals and delivered 14,266 individual services; 61.5% earned under $20,000, many facing significant economic hardship. Demand for our services increased by more than 40% between 2022 and 2025, demonstrating both the growing needs of our community and the trust families place in CMAA.
Through our youth development, Khmer language and cultural education, wraparound community services, elder wellness, and civic engagement programs, we continue to remove barriers, build opportunities, and bring generations together.
As we look toward the future, our commitment remains rooted in the values that inspired CMAA’s founding in 1984: neighbors helping neighbors, preserving our heritage, and ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
Today, I am personally asking you to make a generous year-end gift to CMAA’s 2026 Annual Appeal.
Your contribution is more than a donation. It is an investment in individuals, families, and the future of our community.
Your gift can help make a meaningful difference:
These are examples of the important work your generosity can support. Gifts of any amount are welcome and will help CMAA address its greatest needs, sustain essential programs, and respond to emerging challenges.
I also invite you to consider becoming a monthly donor. Your recurring support provides dependable resources that help CMAA serve our community throughout the year.
When I reflect on CMAA’s journey—from an organization founded to help Cambodian refugees rebuild their lives to a trusted community institution serving thousands today—I feel grateful. Yet I believe our greatest impact is still ahead.
Together, we can ensure that CMAA remains a place of hope, opportunity, dignity, and belonging for generations to come.
On behalf of our Board of Directors, dedicated staff, volunteers, and the individuals and families we serve, thank you for believing in our mission and standing with our community.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Sothea Chiemruom Executive Director 978-941-5116 SChiemruom@cmaalowell.org
P.S. Every gift matters. Please make your 2026 year-end contribution using the enclosed envelope or consider becoming a monthly supporter. If you are interested in making a leadership gift or exploring other ways to strengthen CMAA’s future, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you personally. Thank you for helping us write CMAA’s next chapter.
