Walk United With Our Team

Walk With Us

Orange County United Way is a proud supporter of the Youth Program at The Cambodian Family. Through their support, we are able to achieve our mission of helping youth develop their vision for the future and turn their vision into reality. The Cambodian Family will be joining Orange County United Way in this year’s Walk United 2013 event at Angels Stadium. Read below for a success story about Anthony, a student from The Cambodian Family’s very own youth program:

Anthony comes from a low-income, single parent household where his mother raises him along with his three siblings and seven other family members in a small, crowded apartment. With The Cambodian Family’s support of tutoring, life skills classes, field trips, and career building opportunities, Anthony is able to perform well academically with an average GPA of 3.5 throughout the year. He has also developed a positive attitude, is friendly, and is well liked by peers and staff members alike. As a result of his hard work and can do attitude, Anthony recently earned The Cambodian Family’s student of the year award.

We all want to see our children reach their full potential and lead successful, self-sufficient lives. However, we also know that when the school bell rings at the end of the day, our youth go out into a community where 1-in-10 residents live below the federal poverty level. That’s why, with your help, United Way is strengthening our community by ensuring everyone’s basic needs are met, has the tools needed to build a financially stable future, and receives a quality education.

When you WALK UNITED, you can give hope, help, and access to a better tomorrow to thousands of Orange County residents who are struggling to make ends meet. With your support, we can raise much needed funds to provide the Building Blocks for a self-sufficient life: Education, Income, and Health.

RESTORE HOPE WITH YOUR ACTIONS. SIGN UP TODAY.

We would love for you to join our team for the Walk United 2013.

Walk United 2013

How to Join Our Team

Join our team, The Cambodian Family, to walk on behalf of OUR neighbors, coworkers, and friends in need!

Follow these easy steps to JOIN OUR TEAM!

1. Go to www.WalkUnited.com

2. Click “Event Registration,” under VISITORS on the left-hand navigation panel. Click “Agree” to the Waiver.

3. Click “Join a Team” and enter team name THE CAMBODIAN FAMILY.

4. On the team page, click on “JOIN TEAM” at the upper-right hand corner of the page. Follow instructions and create username, password, and your information.

We are trying to get at least 20 WALKERS and raise at least $1000!

Please forward to all of your networks and join us!

Why We Walk

Partnering with the community and working with local families to help empower
today’s youth to become tomorrow’s leaders.

  • WE WALK because it is estimated that each student who drops out of school will cost the public sector close to $200,000 during their lifetime.
  • WE WALK so we can eradicate the 9.3% four-year county wide dropout rate, with an additional 4.5% of students failing to graduate on time.
  • WE WALK because when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, and when people are healthy we ALL win.
  • WE WALK so the 300,000 people living in poverty in OUR community—OUR neighbors, OUR coworkers, OUR friends—can have the opportunity to live a good quality life.
  • WE WALK so the estimated 400,000 people in OUR community who are at risk of hunger will have access to healthy meals.
  • WE WALK so the estimated 18,325 people in Orange County who experience homelessness over the course of the year have access to safe and secure housing options.
  • WE WALK so the one in six Orange County residents (children, families, and individuals) who are without health insurance have access to basic healthcare.

 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

A Healthy Mind is as Important as a Healthy Body

Just like your body, your mind needs some TLC. Managing your mental well-being can lead to a more successful and productive life. When we talk about “mental health,” people often associate the term to something negative. Because of the stigma behind the term, being labeled mentally ill can lead to being ostracized and getting treated differently. It turns out, mental illnesses come in different shapes and sizes as well.

From the California Department of Mental Health (DMH)

“Mental illnesses are extremely common; they affect almost every family in California. They affect people from every background and occur at any age. In any year, between 5% and 7% of adults have a serious mental illness as do a similar percentage of children — between 5% and 9%. Therefore, more than two million children, adults and seniors in California are affected by a potentially disabling mental illness every year.”

Join us for our Mental Wellness Community Forum

Mental Wellness Community Forum

What We Do to Address Mental Health

At The Cambodian Family, we like to take the whole-health approach because we know that it is more effective to look at a person as a whole than just partially. We realize that when a person is experiencing depression, their mental state is not only affected but also their whole health. For instance, under depression, stress, or anxiety, a person tends not to eat or eat unhealthy, stay confined to their home and do unproductive things. This unhealthy habit can lead to an increase in blood pressure and lack of energy that can lead to other more serious conditions.

health

That is the reason why our Change Club, sponsored by the Federal Office of Minority Health, includes activities such as the walking group, the dancing group, nutrition class, and support group. We know that when a person is outside walking, inside dancing, or doing some other physical activity, they feel better overall.

In addition to these services, we are working hard to help our community develop their mental wellness through numerous collaborations and activities for our community. Below are some of the partnerships and projects we have participated in:

  • In partnership with Khmer Health Advocates and sponsored by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health across the US (REACH US), The goals of The Cambodian Family’s Fishing For Fitness Legacy Project are to engage men of all ages in discussions on diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health, to encourage regular health check-ups, and to create advocates for healthy living. See below for an overview of the project.
  • We partnered with Applied Social Research Institute of Cambodia (ASRIC) to support survivors of the Khmer Rouge with chronic health problems through several activities and one of which is a series of workshops called Art as Witness. Art as Witness workshops promote healing through activities designed for well being – health education and healthy eating, exercise through traditional Cambodian dance, creative self expression visual arts, peace and conflict resolution to enable those without voices to be heard while stimulating participation towards better health. View pictures here.
  • We have formalized a partnership agreement with Solsken, a public relations and marketing firm based in Sacramento that is conducting a CalMHSA Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Campaign. The role of The Cambodian Family in this partnership is to educate the Southeast Asian community about mental health challenges in an effort to reduce stigma and discrimination in the community. The campaign will run from February 2013 through February 2014. We have already conducted 50 pre-campaign surveys about perceptions of mental health .
  • We also work with other organizations such as the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA), to promote “Well(ness)essity,” which is funded under the Mental Health Services Act, Proposition 63. Prevention and Early Intervention-Outreach and Engagement is dedicated to developing and carrying out culturally competent and creative activities that best serve the diverse communities of Orange County.

wellnessessity

What Have You Done For Your Mental Wellness Today?

Here are some tips to improve your well-being:

  1. Exercise
  2. Eat healthy
  3. Laugh everyday
  4. Express yourself (writing in a journal, sing, act, be silly)
  5. Get plenty of sleep
  6. Learn to relax
  7. Avoid alcohol/drug/cigarettes
  8. Do something nice for others
  9. Avoid unnecessary stress
  10. Make time for fun

To get involved, contact us.

 

Exposing our Youth to College

For the past few years, we have had the honor to partner with the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) from UCI through their PACE (Planning for Academic Collegiate Excellence) program. Members from PACE have consistently provided volunteers committed to helping the underserved youth in our after school program achieve their goals. In addition to tutoring, PACE organized college campus tours and higher education workshops to educate and inform our students on how they can get into college.

Recently, PACE organized a student panel with NSCS members. Panelists talked about what college is and what it means to have a major. Other topics of discussion include: study abroad, class size, and other college experiences. In addition to the importance of academics in college, the panelists talked about their student organization involvement, community service, sports, living away from home, different campus activities, and their career goals for after college.

Learn more about our Youth Program and see how you can give back HERE.

Special thanks to the panelists: Karissa Chow, Alexa Stackman, Alan Mendoza, Anika Ahkter, and Chelsea Faustino.

 

 

Happy Cambodian New Year

We, at The Cambodian Family, would like to wish everyone a Happy Cambodian New Year. The holiday lasts for three days beginning on New Year’s Day, which falls on April 13, marking the end of the harvesting season, when farmers enjoy the fruits of their labor before the rainy season begins.

Although many Cambodian Americans are not the traditional Cambodian farmers, family and friends still gather for an opportunity to celebrate the Cambodian culture, usually filled with Cambodian food such as the mouth-watering “sach-go ang” or beef skewers, the lovely sounds accompanying the traditional “robams” or dances, and the humming of the Buddhist monks’ chants.

The celebration is a reminder to those who have been uprooted from their homes in Cambodia of the rich culture and traditions that still exists. It is also the small thread that allows the newer Cambodian American generation to hold on to a piece of their identity.

As we celebrate another year, we invite you immerse yourself in the Cambodian culture and experience the food, the dance, and the culture at one of the many events happening in So-Cal. See below for more information.

 

 

Successful Citizenship Clinics!

Thank you to our recent volunteers CAO at UCI, Annie Uy, Sophin Zoe Pruong McCreery, James McCreery, Amina Sen-Matthews, Phanith Sovann, David Chhay, Pasin Chanou, and Monorom Neth for helping Cambodian community residents realize their dreams of becoming an American citizen during our March Citizenship Clinic!

We are currently offering two more free clinics on May 13th and June 15th to help screen community residents for their eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship, provide applicants direct one-to-one help with completing the N-400 form for naturalization, and provide study materials to prepare clients for the naturalization interview. During the clinics, bilingual staff and volunteers will help with translations in English, Spanish, and Cambodian. Additionally, immigration attorneys will be present to provide a free review of completed applications as well as consultation for the naturalization process.

Eligible applicants can call us to set up an appointment at 714-571-1966 Ext. 111 or 118.

We are looking for VOLUNTEERS to help us put on these additional workshops. Some responsibilities include client check in and check out, application completion, and translation/interpretation in Khmer and Spanish. Responsibilities will vary depending on your language abilities. Light snacks will be provided to all volunteers! Please call us at 714-571-1966 Ext. 111 or 118 or email us at sothearac@cambodianfamily.org to let us know if you would like to help out!

To view pictures from our previous workshops, click here.

Citizenship Clinic Citizenship Workshop

Download Flyer

 

Focus Group – State Voter Guide

On Monday, March 25, 2013, The Cambodian Family partnered with The Greenlining Institute to host a community listening session on the State Voter Guide.

The State Voter Guide, certified by Secretary of State, Debra Bowen, is issued to our community during every state election and is available in 10 different languages as well as in audio format, all available online. The guide, which can be viewed here in English and here in Khmer, contains summaries of state ballot measures, impartial analyses of the ballot measures and potential costs to taxpayers, arguments in favor of and against ballot measures, text of the proposed laws, and other useful information.

In an effort to improve the guide and to provide an easier way to streamline the information to our community, residents, student leaders, and community leaders met and provided some of the following suggestions:

  • Provide translation and interpretation of the information taking into consideration the cultural competency of each community because literal translation might not have the same connotations
  • Employ user friendly words that the general community can understand
  • Print using bigger font for accessibility
  • Enlist the help of community organizations to host non-partisan forums that can be conducted in the appropriate language
  • Provide resources for community organizations to engage and educate under served populations in the voting process
  • Provide information in other forms of media such as videos, apps, and dvds

If you have additional recommendations or feedback, feel free to contact us.

Congratulations to the Indochinese Islamic Center!

Congratulations to the Indochinese Islamic Center on celebrating their 30-year-anniversary!

We, at The Cambodian Family, want to acknowledge the history and culture of our community. The Cham Muslim is a unique group in the Cambodian community of Santa Ana. In the early 1980’s, approximately fifteen ethnic Cham Muslim families arrive in Santa Ana after escaping from the Killing Fields in Cambodia during 1975-1979.

Following the arrival, the first Musallah (prayer hall) was established to bring together families, perform prayers, educate one anoither, and estbalish a community among fellow Muslims in the area. The first Musallah was a one bredroom aprarment on Minnie Street. They now own a condo in the Bishop Manor community where students can attend Islamic schools on the weekend and community members can come to pray.

Pictures from the Event:

ICIC 30 Year Anniversary Tribute

Youth Spoken Word – Hatefas Yop

Cham Folklore Repertoire – Ladies of the ICIC

Engaging our community

We are happy to share many worthy opportunities! Learn more about how you can get involved.

Community Forum for Equal Access to Quality Healthcare on Saturday, March 16, 2013 from 10-12pm at OC LULAC Center in Garden Grove to provide input on the importance of having culturally and linguistically competent access to healthcare. Contact Sundaram Rama at sundaramr@cambodianfamily.org

Indo-Chinese Islamic Center (ICIC) celebrates it’s 30th-year anniversary on March 17, 2013 at the Delhi Community Center from 3-5pm. Contact Hamath Samael at hamath.smael@gmail.com.

Citizenship Clinics at The Cambodian Family once a month on March 18, April 15, and May 13 from 9-1pm. Contact Sotheara Chhay sothearasotheara@gmail.comor Linda Sok at lindas@cambodianfamily.org.

The Greenlining Institute along with The Cambodian Family is hosting a community listening session on Monday, March 25, 2013 from 5:30-7:00pm to help improve the State Voter Guide. Join in on this fruitful community conversation and give your thoughts and recommendations on how the state voter guide could be improved. There will be a $25 gift card raffle for participants as well as dessert. 15 spots open. Contact Linda Sok at lindas@cambodianfamily.org for more information.

Paulina Film accepted into the Busan West Film Festival and The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival! Screening at The Cambodian Family coming soon, tentative date Friday, March 29, 2013 at 6:30pm.. Contact Caylee So at cayleeso@yahoo.com.

In Loving Memory of Pauv Im

Pauv Im 2


Our beloved friend and Finance Manager for 26 years, Pauv Im, has recently lost her long fought battle against cancer.  She passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2013. We are saddened by the news and wish her family the best. May her soul rest in peace.


If you are interested in attending, her funeral arrangement is listed below.


Friday at 9 AM at the Orange County Cambodian Buddhist Orgnaization
2630 N Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705, and


Saturday at 11:30 AM at Fairhaven Memorial Park and Mortuary
1702 E Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

Free Cardiovascular Screenings

Free Cardiovascular Screening

In partnership with St. Joseph Hospital’s Women’s Heart Center & Peunte A La Salud Mobile Clinics, we would like to invite you to our center for a FREE Cardiovascular Screening. Please see the flyer below for more information.