Hmong children in northern Thailand; many Hmong refugees have settled in the U.S.

The Delaware Valley region is home to substantial immigrant communities of Filipinos, Vietnamese, Hmong, Cambodians, Thais, and Indonesians. All have formed local mutual assistance associations, as well as an umbrella organization, the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Associations Coalition (SEAMAAC) at 4601 Market Street, Philadelphia. SEAMAAC is a good source of information about Southeast Asian events and issues; its phone number is 215-476-9640. The Nationalities Service Center at 1300 Spruce Street is an association which aids refugees and other immigrants with legal and social problems. A list of organizations working with Asian and other immigrants is available at the WHYY Community Groups website.

While not limited to Southeast Asian communities, the Philadelphia Folklore Project has done wonderful work in documenting and supporting the cultural traditions of Southeast Asian immigrants. The project has provided support and recognition for Hmong and Cambodian artists and dancers, some of whom are described at its website. (See for example Giants, Kings and Celestial Angels: Teaching Cambodian Arts in Philadelphia). For information on the Philadelphia Folklore Project, which invites memberships (including low-income ones), write or call the PFP at 1304 Wharton Street, Philadelphia, PA 1914 (phone: 215-468-7871) or check out its website.

updated: October 17, 2005