Founded in 2000 by three Vietnamese refugees, International Children Assistance Network (ICAN) serves the Milpitas, CA community with a mission rooted in personal transformation and cultural pride. ICAN embodies the vision of raising the next generation of caring, strong Vietnamese-American leaders by engaging, informing, and inspiring families across all ages. What sets ICAN apart is its deep commitment to bridging cultural gaps while addressing real challenges within the Vietnamese-American community—topics often considered taboo or controversial. The organization recognizes that successful youth development requires strong family and community support networks, and it actively builds these connections through diverse programming and community outreach. ICAN's founders understood firsthand the resilience required to rebuild lives in a new country, and this lived experience informs every program and initiative. The organization has expanded its impact significantly, operating multiple service locations and partnering with leading research institutions to advance understanding of cultural health disparities. Beyond direct services, ICAN preserves and celebrates Vietnamese-American heritage through initiatives like South Vietnam: Memories and Perspectives, which captures the stories and histories of Vietnamese Americans to create a legacy for younger generations. By empowering youth to lead and inspire their peers, ICAN cultivates a spirit of community care and social responsibility that extends far beyond individual families, creating ripples of positive change throughout the Vietnamese-American community in the greater San Jose area.
Milpitas, CA