Getting Help at CMAA
Who can receive services from CMAA?
CMAA serves Cambodian Americans and other individuals and families in the Greater Lowell community. You do not have to be Cambodian or speak Khmer to receive services. Eligibility requirements may vary by program.
What services does CMAA provide?
CMAA provides a range of community services, including public benefits assistance, housing support, employment assistance, youth programs, support for individuals and families with disabilities, English and Khmer language programs, civic engagement, energy-efficiency programs, small-business support, and translation and interpretation services. Visit the Programs & Services page to find the program that best fits your needs.
Are CMAA services free and confidential?
Many of CMAA’s community assistance services are free and confidential. Some programs, classes, and professional translation or interpretation services may have fees. Financial assistance may be available for certain programs. Please contact CMAA or review the individual program page for current information.
Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are strongly encouraged, especially for time-consuming services such as benefit applications, health insurance assistance, housing applications, or employment support. Making an appointment helps ensure that the appropriate staff member is available to assist you.
Where is CMAA, what are the office hours, and is parking available?
CMAA is located at 465 School Street, Lowell, MA 01851, and on-site parking is available. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Hours may change for holidays, special events, administrative days, or severe weather, so please check the website calendar or contact the office before visiting.
Can I receive services in Khmer or another language?
Yes. CMAA provides services in both Khmer and English, and language assistance may be available for additional languages depending on the program. If you need language assistance, please let us know when making your appointment.
Programs & Services
Can CMAA help me apply for SNAP, MassHealth, fuel assistance, housing, or other benefits?
Yes. CMAA’s Wrap-Around Community Services team assists community members with many public-benefit and community-resource programs, including SNAP, MassHealth, fuel assistance, housing applications, Social Security, unemployment assistance, and other services. The agency administering each program determines eligibility. CMAA can help you understand the process and complete or navigate applications.
Does CMAA provide housing assistance?
CMAA can help community members navigate housing resources and applications, including public housing and other housing-assistance programs. CMAA may also provide referrals or help connect clients with appropriate partner organizations. CMAA does not own or directly place individuals into housing.
What services are available for individuals with disabilities and their families?
CMAA’s Monorom Family Support Program supports individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through case management, application assistance, family support, educational and recreational activities, referrals, and other individualized support. Contact the Monorom team to discuss your family’s needs and determine which services may be appropriate.
What programs does CMAA offer for children and youth?
CMAA offers culturally responsive youth programming that supports education, leadership, recreation, and connection to Cambodian culture. Programs may include after-school activities, summer programming, Khmer language and cultural education, leadership development, sports, field trips, and community activities. Program availability and eligibility may change throughout the year.
Can CMAA help me with a job search, resume, or employment application?
Yes. CMAA can assist community members with resumes, job searches, employment-related applications, and referrals to workforce resources. If you are coming for resume assistance, bringing an existing resume or a list of your previous employers, job titles, education, and work experience will help staff assist you more efficiently.
Classes, Immigration & Other Assistance
Does CMAA offer English or Khmer language classes?
Yes. CMAA offers English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programming for adult learners in partnership with Frederick Assad Abisi Adult Education, as well as Khmer language and cultural-learning opportunities. Class schedules, age requirements, registration periods, and availability can change, so please check the appropriate program page for current information.
Can CMAA help with immigration or sponsor my family members to come to the United States?
CMAA can provide limited assistance with certain immigration-related forms and processes, such as citizenship-related support and Green Card renewals, depending on the service. CMAA does not sponsor relatives for immigration and does not provide legal advice. When community members need legal immigration assistance, CMAA can refer them to qualified immigration legal-service providers.
Can CMAA help me pass or take the driver’s license test?
CMAA cannot take a driver’s license test for someone, cannot provide answers to an exam, cannot guarantee that someone will pass, or influence the outcome of an RMV examination. CMAA may help community members understand the licensing process, identify required documents, navigate RMV information, or connect with appropriate resources.
Supporting CMAA
How can I support or get involved with CMAA?
There are many ways to support CMAA and the Greater Lowell community:
Donate to support CMAA’s programs and services.
Volunteer with CMAA.
Become a sponsor or community partner.
Attend CMAA events.
Subscribe to the CMAA newsletter.
Follow and share CMAA’s work on social media.
Explore employment, internship, or fellowship opportunities.