ABOUT US

Non-Profit Status

Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, Inc. (ECAHMAA) was established in 1982 as a non-profit organization (501)(c)(3) to provide services for the refugees from Southeast Asia.

Mission Statement

The ECAHMAA strives to actively assist Southeast Asian families to become socially and economically self-sufficient by: accessing educational opportunities, teaching job skills, strengthening family relationships, and promoting and preserving traditional customs.

Funding

The ECAHMAA is funded by federal, state, city, and local grants. It is also a member of the United Way of Greater Eau Claire, the United Way of Chippewa County, and the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce.



Donations

The ECAHMAA is committed to pursuing innovative funding ideas and new financial partnerships. Community support can come in the form of volunteer efforts, food or material donations, as well as financial contributions.



HMONG CULTURE

Hmong History

The Hmong originally came from China and relocated in Laos. During the Vietnam War, the United States Central Intelligence Agency recruited the Hmong to work in a secret war operation against communism in Laos. As a result of this war, the Hmong suffered heavy losses. When the US withdrew from Laos, the communist government began to exterminate the Hmong for their loyalty to the United States. This persecution forced many Hmong to seek political asylum in Thailand and subsequently to the US.

Chippewa Valley

The Hmong-Americans began arriving in the United States after 1975. Although America offered safety from the threat of communist persecution, life in a new country was not without its challenges. The ECAHMAA was established to help Hmong families and individuals overcome cultural shock, language barriers, lack of education, and lack of job skills. These issues are relevant for both recently arrived refugees and established residents. For the past two decades the ECAHMAA has been sensitive to the needs of both groups within the Hmong community.

Since the ECAHMAA started, the Hmong population has grown to over 3,000 in Eau Claire and Chippewa Counties, making it the largest minority group in the area. Hmong refugees in the Eau Claire area have adjusted to an urban and highly technological lifestyle. Many still plant gardens and sell produce at the local farmers' market because of their strong agricultural background.

Cultural Events

The Hmong New Year is an important cultural tradition that is celebrated each fall. This event draws together people from all over Wisconsin and surrounding states. Families and friends gather to participate in New Year activities such as wearing traditional Hmong garments, singing folk songs, and dancing. Also included in the celebration are traditional handcrafts and food.

Each year the ECAHMAA sponsors the Hmong Fellowship Dinner which provides a forum for community agencies to gather together to share common goals for the future.



SERVICES

24 Hour Translation

The ECAHMAA provides qualified interpreters for families and individuals with language barriers or limited education. Through the translation services, the agency can provide medical, legal, and other translation as necessary to the Hmong community. Other service providers throughout the Eau Claire Area, as well as the west-central region of Wisconsin, can contact the ECAHMAA to utilize the interpretation services for a fee.

Food Pantry

The food pantry is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local donations. In order to qualify, clients must be low-income, in an emergency situation, or be new refugee arrivals. The food pantry stocks traditional Asian food like rice.

In addition, the food pantry also partners with the St. Francis Food Pantry of Eau Claire to give voucher for qualified families to go get food at St. Francis Food Pantry.

Scholarships

A Scholarship program was established to provide an incentive to Southeast Asian high school graduates to pursue higher education. High shcool seniors are encouraged to apply for a scholarship at the ECAHMAA.

Community Center

The Hmong Community Center is open after regular ECAHMAA business hours for meetings, workshops, and other activities that are held for the Hmong community and the general public. Please call to make a reservation. The ECAHMAA is also available as a resource for the community. Workshops presenting information about the Hmong culture can be arranged.

History

The ECAHMAA is committed to empowering Chippewa Valley Hmong-Americans to become socially and economically self-sufficient. Founded in 1982, it is the only agency in the area specializing in providing services tailored to Hmong cultural and linguistic needs. Through its services, ECAHMAA has provided Hmong-Americans with access to housing, health care, career, and educational opportunities.

Contact Information

For additional information please contact:

Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, Inc.

423 Wisconsin St.
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: (715) 832-8420
Fax: (715) 832-0612