About Us
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.
© Copyright Viet-AID 2011