About Us

VietAID’s Mission Statement and History

The Vietnamese American Initiative for Development (VietAID) 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. VietAID’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.

VietAID’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, VietAID 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

VietAID 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.