Vietnamese American Community of Austin, Texas

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About Vietnamese American Community of Austin, Texas

The mission of the Vietnamese American Community of Austin, Texas (VACAT) is to strengthen the greater Austin community by providing advocacy, social services, and programming that is culturally appropriate to the Vietnamese community. The organization shall support and facilitate cultural preservation, innovation, and creation.

Founded in August 1997, The Vietnamese American Community of Austin, Texas (VACAT) is a 501c(3) non-profit and community-based organization.

Since inception, VACAT has touched many lives in Central Texas - through charitable, educational and cultural events and has gradually expanded its operations and services to respond to the evolving community needs and interests of the local Vietnamese-American population (est. 20,000). By partnering with many great sponsors over the years, our annual Tet New Year festival has attracted thousands of people in attendance.

We actively engages with the greater Austin community to promote cultural awareness and appreciation, and provides social and educational services. Our programs and initiatives currently include:

cultural arts, networking & outreach, educational and social justice advocacy. All of VACAT's activities focus on the importance of preserving the Vietnamese cultural heritage and developing

capacities required by Vietnamese Americans in making key decisions that promote long-term sustain-ability, including economic prosperity, a healthy community, and social well-being. VACAT works with a wide range of other communities and organizations from greater Austin communities regarding employment, social service, senior care and health related issues.

Our collaborative relationships include: Asian American Resource Center (ARCC), Network of Asian American Organizations (NAAO), Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC), Asian Desi Pacific Islander American Collective (APAC), CommUnityCare, Vietnamese American Medical Professional Society, Asian Family Support Services of Austin (AFSSA), Vietnamese Senior Association, SVSQ Thu Duc, Union of Vietnamese Student Association (UVSA), Saigon Broadcasting Television Network (SBTN), Bao Tre Magazine, local dance groups, local Vietnamese Buddhist temples and churches, American Red Cross, Children Hospital, Travis County Sheriff Office, Austin Police Dept. etc..

With the help of its sponsors, the dedication of its staff, and the strong support in the community, VACAT will continue its leadership role in the social, civic and economic development areas as it grows with the Austin greater community.