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← Programs & Services Special Projects For more information, please email Thysan Sam - tsam@cmaalowell.org or call 351-500-6449 Our Special Projects department engages the community through initiatives to save money through energy efficiency workshops and small business support. Energy Efficiency Initiative Our partnership with Mass Save brings energy savings benefits to all residents, landlords, renters, and small businesses. Mass Save provides eligible households with cost savings on their home energy consumption. Small Business Technical Assistance Initiative With funding from the Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation and the Asian Business Empowerment Council, CMAA started an Asian Small Business Assistance Initiative. Additionally, we partner with the Entrepreneurship Center at Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI) to provide workshops in Khmer to new/start-up businesses in Lowell. For more information, please contact Sreang Heng Special Projects Manager E-Mail: sheng@cmaalowell.org Direct Line: 351-500-6475 Office Extension: (978) 454-6200 x1020 ← Previous Next →

← Programs & Services Civic Engagement For more information, please email Thysan Sam - tsam@cmaalowell.org or call 351-500-6449 Our Civic Engagement team is dedicated to empowering and educating community members about voting systems and its significance. By partnering with Lowell Votes, we are committed to providing accurate information and strive to build a community that reflects our diverse culture and values, fostering a deeper understanding of the government system. What is Civic Engagement? Civic Engagement (CE) is the most valuable tool we, as citizens, have to make our voices heard. Our goal is to educate the community on the foundations of voting and the importance of getting out to vote. CMAA’s CE team works with the community in a multitude of ways such as but not limited to: registering citizens to vote, hosting community feedback sessions/ surveys, educating the public about upcoming elections and candidates, as well as working to increase voter turnout in disenfranchised communities. We are focused on progressing communities with low voter turnout by providing opportunities to participate in community-wide engagement/educational events. What is Data Equity? The kind of data collected matters and can help unearth a problem masked by aggregate data — even data already broken down by basic racial categories. For example, consider 2010 U.S. Census Bureau statistics that showed more than half of Asian Americans had a bachelor’s degree or higher by the age of 25, the highest proportion among racial categories. Yet when the data are disaggregated to focus specifically on Southeast Asian Americans, a different picture emerges. Just 15% of Cambodian Americans, 14% of Hmong Americans, 12% of Laotian Americans and 26% of Vietnamese Americans over the age of 25 had a bachelor’s degree, the census reported. Community Engagement Activities Canvassing (Phone-banking, Door, Knocking, etc.) Educate & Advocate on Bills to Become Policies Civic Workshops Voter & Mail-in Ballot Registration Candidate Forums Visiting City Hall and the State House Participate in Coalitions Emphasizing the Importance of Voting Participating in voting is your right! It is crucial as it empowers individuals to shape the direction of their communities and the nation, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in decision-making processes. It is a fundamental civic duty that strengthens the foundations of democracy, allowing citizens to collectively influence policies and elect leaders who align with their values and priorities. Updates Regarding Upcoming Election Terms Lowell City Council = Every 2 Years (2023) Lowell School Committee = Every 2 Years (2023) US President = Every 4 Years (2024) US Vice President = Every 4 Years (2024) US House of Representative = Every 2 Years (2024) US Senate = Every 6 Years (2024) Put Your Future In Your Hands Volunteer With Us! Earn community service hours Improve old skills and learn new ones Participate in community events Promote access and social justice in the community Learn more about civic engagement Make a difference Build your resume If you’re not registered to vote, please visit this link to register now: www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr . You can also download the voter registration forms and mail them to your local city/town hall in English, Khmer, Spanish, and more. For more information, please email info@cmaalowell.org . ← Previous Next →

← Programs & Services Khmer Language Services For more information, please email Thysan Sam - tsam@cmaalowell.org or call 351-500-6449 Our Khmer Language Services offers professional translation and interpretation services at an affordable price. We are committed to ensuring accuracy and appropriateness in using the Khmer language for our clients within and outside the Cambodian community. Our team is made up of certified translators and interpreters who are fluent/proficient in both Khmer and English. They bring extensive expertise in various settings, including group meetings, medical interpretation, and translating diverse documents ranging from meeting notices, family record, birth certificates, and identity cards to substantial materials like contracts, booklets, brochures, flyers, educational curriculum, and school/government documents. Our clients are businesses, non-profit organizations, city governments, schools, and universities. Learn more: Translation Services Interpretation Services For more information, please email khmer_translate@cmaalowell.org . ← Previous Next →

← Programs & Services Youth Services For more information, please email Thysan Sam - tsam@cmaalowell.org or call 351-500-6449 Our Youth Services programs are designed to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for young people to explore Cambodian cultural heritage while gaining valuable academic and leadership skills. Join us in our mission to empower the next generation! Cambodian Cultural After School Program (Ages 7-16) This program provides a safe space for youth to bond with their peers, receive homework assistance, and gain knowledge of the Cambodian culture through learning Khmer language, dance, musical instruments, and folk songs. Rising Stars Summer Program (Ages 7-16) A youth summer program aimed at developing skills in three areas: leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking. Participants experience personal growth through a variety of activities such as sports, educational workshops, field trips, etc. Participants also have a chance to meet with community professionals. Shining Stars After School Program (Ages 14-19) This program helps mentor and guide young people through life skills development, college preparation, financial education, advocacy, and other topics to support them as they transition into their next chapter in life. For more information, please email youth@cmaalowell.org . ← Previous Next →

Improving the quality of life for Cambodian-Americans, as well as other minorities and economically disadvantaged persons in Lowell, MA through educational, cultural, economic and social programs. SAFETY NET GRANT FROM THE BOSTON FOUNDATION We are thrilled to announce that Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association has been selected as one of the 20 nonprofits to receive a $50,000 Safety Net Grant from The Boston Foundation ! This generous support will provide vital general operating funds over the next two years, helping us continue our mission. A heartfelt thank you to The Boston Foundation for believing in our cause. Read More POWERED BY INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDING The CMAA's 40th Anniversary Gala is here! We are thrilled to invite you to a very special evening as we celebrate a remarkable milestone- the 40th Anniversary Gala of the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association! This is not just a celebration of four decades of service and community building, but a tribute to the strength, resilience, and spirit of our community. Please join us on Saturday, November 16th at Sompao Meas Restaurant for an unforgettable night filled with inspiring stories, vibrant cultural performances, and the opportunity to connect with others who share our passion for supporting and uplifting the Cambodian community. Come experience Khmer dance performances, dance, and explore beautiful items at our live and silent auctions. Plus, participate in a 50/50 raffle and more. Let us celebrate our 40 years of services and connecting with one another, young and old. Your presence will make this event even more meaningful as we honor our past, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to the future. Saturday, November 16, 2024 6:00pm - 11:30pm Sompao Meas Restaurant 450 Chelmsford St., Lowell, MA 01851 For more information or to buy tickets, please click here . Operating Hours Monday through Friday: 9am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday: Closed Walk-in service is available, however appointments are highly encouraged to provide quality service for all clients. Hours are subject to change due to inclement weather, special events, and administrative days. Check our calendar. Office Address 465 School St. Lowell, MA 01851 Contact Us (978) 454-6200 info@cmaalowell.org Subscribe To Our Newsletter

← Programs & Services Monorom Family Support Program For more information, please email Thysan Sam - tsam@cmaalowell.org or call 351-500-6449 The Monorom Family Support Program has been serving families with special needs children and adults since 1987. The program provides families with case management, counseling, and recreational and educational opportunities. This program is funded by and in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services . កម្មវិធីមនោរម្យជំនួយគ្រួសារបានបំរើសេវាជូនក្រុមគ្រួសារដែលមានកុមារ និងមនុស្សពេញវ័យត្រូវការជំនួយពិសេសតាំងពីឆ្នាំ១៩៨៧។ កម្មវិធីយើងមានផ្តល់សេវាកម្ម រៀបចំឯកសារ ប្រឹក្សាយោបល់ ឱកាសកំសាន្ត និងការអប់រំនានា ក្រោមជំនួយឧបត្ថម្ភពី និងកិច្ចសហការជាដៃគូនឹង Department of Developmental Services នៃរដ្ឋម៉ាសាឈូសេត។ Services Included Application Support SSI, DTA, Masshealth, Fuel Assistance, Housing Assistance, etc. Computer Camp Our Computer Camp Program offers comprehensive training to introduce technology to Monorom individuals unfamiliar with its usage, focusing on virtual meeting platforms, email correspondence, internet navigation, and other essential tools. Document Translation/Interpretation We assist clients with document translation or interpretation, also known as sight translation. We assist with translating documents such as anything they receive in the mail, bills, medical paperwork, insurance letters, etc.; anything our clients need help understanding. Drop-Off Respite Care Respite Drop-off provides a safe space for adults and children with special needs. It is a way to provide their caretaker with time to themselves, whether they are busy at work, have appointments or simply need some time to themselves. Our Drop-off team consists of two part-time staff who provide childcare on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 1:30-6 pm and Saturdays from 10 am-4:30 pm. They provide transportation to and from the home if needed. Family Conferences We have been honored to host a Family Conference Program for our Monorom clients. These conferences provide an excellent opportunity for parents/guardians to de-stress, strengthen communication, and nurture positive relationships while learning about self-care and prioritizing one's health and well-being. Guardianship Support Our team offers help to clients' parents interested in getting guardianship for their children. Guardianship is the position of being legally responsible for the care and legal actions of someone unable to manage their own affairs. This allows the parent to make legal decisions on their child's accord/ behalf after the child turns 18. IEP and ISP Meeting The Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) aims to guarantee that a child with a legally recognized disability receives customized instruction and related services while attending an elementary or secondary school. We help provide support during their IEP meetings, ensuring that the parents understand everything. In-House Services We provide support and allocation for clients who need assistance in securing provider and care services for their children. New DDS Application We assist our clients when renewing their DDS applications and anyone outside Monorom who is interested in our program and would like to apply. Referral Services We help our clients with referral-related services, such as calling for a referral on their behalf or helping them write a referral letter if necessary. Social Outings and Recreational Events We believe social outings and recreational events play a significant role in improving an individual's quality of life. Our team includes participants in events such as Khmer New Year, Trunk or Treat on Halloween, Field Trips, Community Events, Back to School, Thanksgiving Dinner/Turkey Baskets, Toy Drive, Holiday Dinner, and more. Training Individual/Small Group Training, Consultation, Parent Networking and Support Group Transportation Services If clients need transportation to medical-related appointments, we provide transportation to and from their homes and back using our CMAA company vans. For more information, please contact Sengly Kong Monorom Family Support Program Manager E-Mail: skong@cmaalowell.org Direct Line: 351-500-6455 Office Extension: (978) 454-6200 x1026 ← Previous Next →

← Programs & Services Wrap-Around Community Services For more information, please email Thysan Sam - tsam@cmaalowell.org or call 351-500-6449 Our Wrap-Around Community Services team is determined to ensure that all community members receive the proper services that will enhance the quality of their daily life. Most frequently assisted areas: Citizenship (forms and communication) Community partner referrals Employment Authorization Resumes and other job search assistance Fax and Copy services Fuel Assistance CTI application Green Card (renewal only) General translation (forms or paperwork) Health Insurance Assistance Housing Application Masshealth sign ups State I.D. cards Safelink/Lifelink (wireless) Services SNAP (Food Stamps) Social Security Unemployment Assistance Voter Registration Welfare (TAFDC) For more information, please email info@cmaalowell.org . ← Previous Next →

Programs and Services Civic Engagement Dedicated to empowering and educating community members about voting systems and its significance. We are committed to providing accurate information and strive to build a community that reflects our diverse culture and values, fostering a deeper understanding of the government system. Read More Khmer Language Services Professional translation and interpretation services at an affordable price. We are committed to ensuring accuracy and appropriateness in using the Khmer language for our clients within and outside the Cambodian community. Read More Monorom Family Support Program Providing families with special-needs relatives with support in case management, counseling, recreational, and educational opportunities. Funded and in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. Read More Special Projects Engaging the community through initiatives to save money through energy efficiency workshops and small business support. Read More Wrap-Around Community Services Ensuring the community receives proper services to enhance the quality of their daily life. Walk-ins are welcome, although appointments are highly encouraged. Read More Youth Services Designed to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for young people to explore Cambodian cultural heritage while gaining valuable academic and leadership skills. Read More

Cambodian Cultural After-School Program Shaping cultural identities of Cambodian youth. About The CCASP runs from 2:30pm - 5:30pm following the Lowell Public School calendar. We help our youth succeed through homework assistance and Cambodian-related classes including: Khmer Language Cambodian Culture and History Cambodian Musical Instruments Cambodian Classical and Folk Dance Cambodian Folk Songs World Affairs Khmer Language Classes Youth are able to learn how to speak, understand, read, and write the Khmer language. This not only helps teach the youth to be proud of knowing their family’s mother tongue, but also to ease communication with their parents, elders in their family, and other people in the Cambodian community. Culture and History The youth learn about Cambodian customs such as formal greetings and important cultural holidays. They also learn to meditate and how to recite Buddhist scriptures, learn about Cambodia’s geography, and its history. With this further insight, we hope to instill a sense of pride within the youth for being Cambodian and help shape their unique cultural identity. Traditional Music The youth learn about the different instruments used for classical and traditional folk music. They also receive training in playing one of the many instruments of the Cambodian orchestra from renowned master teachers. Folk Songs The youth are taught several child-friendly folk song staples such as Sarika Keo Euy សារិកាកែវអឺយ and Arapiya អារ៉ាប់ពីយ៉ា to practice their language skills, and form a sense of rhythm and melody. Classical and Folk Dance The youth are able to learn classical and folk dances such as Bopha Lokei របាំបុប្ផាលោកីយ៍ and Coconut របាំគោះត្រឡោក to practice flexibility, structure, discipline, and the dancing arts. Rising Stars Summer Program Creating a safe and welcoming environment for young people to mingle, learn, and play. About The RSSP is a 6-week program that starts after the Fourth of July weekend, and ends the week of the Southeast Asian Water Festival. The program runs Monday through Friday from 10:00am - 3:00pm. The youth are able to participate in various activities to encourage learning, being active, and being involved in the community including: Sports and Outdoor Recreation Arts & Crafts Meeting with Guest Speakers and Volunteering Field Trips Sports and Outdoor Play We encourage the youth to stay active and get outside by playing sports and taking trips to Lowell’s numerous parks. Arts & Crafts and Scientific Experiments The youth are able to express their creativity and curiosity through activities such as painting, experimenting, and other hands-on crafts. (Community Involvement The youth are able to get more involved in Lowell’s community through volunteering for other non-profit organizations, and meeting with current working professionals and community leaders in the city of Lowell. Field Trips We bring the youth to several interactive places such as farms and museums to give them the chance to experience places outside of Lowell and introduce them to the thrills of going on an adventure. Meet Our Summer Counselors

Photos and videos during the Khmer New Year Celebration at the Senior Center and Clemente Park via the Lowell Sun. < Back CMAA Khmer New Year Community Celebration Event Featured In The Lowell Sun Apr 22, 2024 Photos and videos during the Khmer New Year Celebration at the Senior Center and Clemente Park via the Lowell Sun. Khmer New Year Celebration hosted by CMAA and community partners are featured in the Lowell Sun on an article published Monday, April 22, 2024. Full article can be read here: https://www.lowellsun.com/2024/04/22/lowell-celebrates-khmer-new-year/ Previous Next

← Staff Lynn Arsenault Grant Writer Department(s): Support Team E-Mail: larsenault@cmaalowell.org Office Extension: (978) 454-6200 Direct Line: n/a

← Staff Irisa Jiang Special Events Coordinator Special Events Coordinator Department(s): Administration Team E-Mail: irisa.j@cmaalowell.org Office Extension: (978) 454-6200 Direct Line: n/a