Vietnamese American Civic Association
About Vietnamese American Civic Association
Founded in 1984 by Vietnamese refugees responding to anti-Asian attacks and community needs, the Vietnamese American Civic Association, Inc. (VACA) has grown into a vital mutual assistance organization serving Dorchester, MA and the Greater Boston region. Established by five visionary community members who recognized the urgent need to support newly arrived refugees and educate the broader public about the Vietnamese community, VACA embodies a commitment to family empowerment and social integration rooted in lived experience. For nearly four decades, VACA has worked alongside Vietnamese individuals and families to develop trusted, accessible services that address the real challenges of resettlement and building new lives in the United States. The organization's mission centers on promoting family self-sufficiency and well-being while facilitating community empowerment among Boston's Vietnamese population. Under the leadership of founder and Executive Director Thuan Tran, a development specialist with expertise in social resources and sustainable development, VACA continues expanding its impact through culturally responsive programming. The organization's success stories demonstrate tangible outcomes—from helping individuals with disabilities secure health insurance and citizenship to guiding families through complex immigration processes. VACA's presence in Fields Corner, the heart of Boston's Vietnamese community, reflects its deep roots and understanding of neighborhood needs. By combining direct service delivery with community education and advocacy, VACA creates an environment where Vietnamese refugees and immigrants feel supported, understood, and empowered to achieve their goals and contribute fully to American society.