The La Crosse Area Hmong Mutual Assistance (HMAA) was incorporated in December 1982. The HMAA operated with volunteer assistance until the first grant of $15,000 was received in July 1983. The HMAA is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organizaiton.

The mission of the HMAA, in part, is "to assist refugees adapt to life in the United States." However, the HMAA also provide several multicultural services and programs open to everyone.

The HMAA has 9 full time and 6 part time staff. The agency previously administered by two Executive Associate Directors, one Hmong and one American born non-Hmong. Today the agency is administered by a signle Executive Associate Director known as Thai Vue.

The HMAA provides translation/interpretation services, on a fee basic, in all of the Southeast Asian languages. Cultural sensitivity trainings are regularly conducted for agencies/institutions, business/employers and other. The HMAA administers a broad array of programs and services for all age groups. Increasing understanding, appreciation and acceptance for all forms of diversity is the major focus of the HMAA.

The HMAA's financial base comes from foundations, state and federal sources, charitable donations, etc. The HMAA currently operates on an annual budget of $1,100,000.

For more information please contact the HMAA.