Gathering Spaces to Create Belonging

Region 8

The Cambodian Family and Census 2020 Team

In the early 1980s, a large wave of Cambodian refugees who escaped the “killing fields” of the Communist Khmer Rouge, began coming to the United States. Many came to Orange County and settled in the Minnie Street neighborhood of Santa Ana in crowded low rent apartment complexes.

In 1982, Cambodian refugee leaders pooled resources and began helping other Cambodians with English classes, adjustment counseling, and translation.

The Cambodian Family builds on their experience of serving newly arrived individuals and families who have fled their homelands for dreams of a better life. They provide civic engagement and immigrant services, such as English and citizenship classes and referrals to free or low-cost legal services.

Their clientele has now grown to include immigrants and refugees from all over the world, including Mexico, Central America, Vietnam, Laos, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Russia, Ukraine, Bosnia, Ethiopia, and Somalia. The tapestry of clientele presents opportunities for collaborations with over 55 organizations.

Through its wellness programs, The Cambodian Family addresses the mental health stigma to reduce health disparities in the communities they serve. They integrate youth behavioral health support, with their programs on peer support, stress management, and educational workshops.

Our clientele trusts us because of years of service to the community – we’ve provided COVID vaccines, food relief, and youth activities, as well as information on the 2020 Census. Our frontline staff are hired directly from our communities and most of us can empathize with the trauma of being uprooted from our homes and the impact on families. Our holistic programming helps immigrants and refugees to improve their social well-being and create community.

Our mental health work creates a space for gathering which is very important in our culture. The word gathering speaks to a value many Cambodians bring with them which is the importance of the collective over the individual.

In order for us to serve, we must serve the whole person. We are not just translating, taking them to the doctor, or providing language needs. We understand that we need to serve the whole person, family and the community in order to meet the needs of one person.

The photograph pictured left, captures the essence of belonging. This is a community garden that was created from a lot behind our building. We turned this vacant space into a place of beauty and the Ming, Mings (Aunty) found their way there, laid out the katel (blanket) and spread out food.

This is when I realize what we do is far greater than outreach. We provide a place for women to gather, talk, share meals and experiences in a new land.

Amina Sen, Director of Health and Mental Health Program