Viet-AID’s Mission Statement and History

The Vietnamese American Initiative for Development (Viet-AID) was founded in 1994 by community leaders and residents who believed that a community development corporation would provide comprehensive economic development programs and services to alleviate poverty and advance civic participation in the Fields Corner Vietnamese community of Dorchester. Viet-AID’s mission is to build a strong Vietnamese community and a vibrant Fields Corner through the following measures: promoting civic engagement and community building; developing affordable housing and commercial space; providing small business technical assistance and micro-enterprise development; and offering high quality child care services.

Viet-AID’s notable achievements since its inception:

  • VIETNAMESE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CENTER:

    Completed construction in 2002. The 18,000 sq ft center serves as a nucleus for civic and cultural activities for community-based groups.

  • AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT:

    Developed 84 units of affordable housing and 6 commercial spaces in Fields Corner, and currently generating a robust pipeline that will revitalize the neighborhood through mixed-use development.

  • SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SBAP):

    Implemented a sustainable state-wide small business program that has promoted entrepreneurial growth in the Vietnamese community while strengthening existing businesses.

  • OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH:

    In collaboration with environmental health advocacy, research and service agencies, Viet AID has provided education, training and technical assistance to workers and business owners in the hardwood floor re-finishing and nail salon industries – Vietnamese dominated business that use highly toxic materials – on adopting safer materials and practices.

  • EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE:

    Created both center- and home-based programs that have provided child care services to families in Dorchester.

  • FAMILY CHILD CARE:

    Promoted micro-enterprise opportunities since 1997 for Dorchester residents in becoming licensed child care providers.

  • YOUTH PROGRAMS:

    Implemented an after-school program to enrich the educational experience of Vietnamese youth in the community. The program continues as a summer program after BPS lets out.

  • FIRST TIME HOME BUYER:

    Educated and advanced homeownership opportunities and asset building to over 400 hundred Vietnamese families.

  • FORECLOSURE PREVENTION:

    Counsels and assists Vietnamese homeowners in preventing foreclosure.

  • FIELDS CORNER CONNECT:

    Viet-AID served as the lead agency for a neighborhood-wide collaborative effort to promote public safety and awareness.

  • TET NEW YEAR AND AUGUST MOON CELEBRATIONS:

    Annual Vietnamese cultural celebrations at VACC attracting hundreds of residents throughout the state.

  • COMMUNITY GARDEN:

    Resident-driven project beautifying the parcel at the corner of Freeman and Faulkner Streets.