Grantee Spotlight: Cambodian Association of North Carolina
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we are proud to highlight the remarkable leadership and impact of a 2023 Nurturing Equity grant partner: the Cambodian Association of North Carolina (the Association).
For more than four decades, the Cambodian community has cultivated a vibrant and thriving presence in North Carolina—a legacy beautifully represented by the Wat Greensboro Temple and Cultural Center. This spiritual and cultural hub stands as a pillar of identity and unity. Through the dedicated work of the Association and the broader Cambodian community, efforts to preserve culture, language, and faith have flourished, alongside significant contributions in civic engagement, small business development, and faith-based community work.
“Thank you, North Carolina, for welcoming and supporting the Cambodian community and for making us feel seen, valued, and at home.”
– Cambodian Association of North Carolina
With support from Cone Health Foundation’s Nurturing Equity grant, the Association strengthened its health initiatives by adding a Community Health Worker (CHW) to its team. In this vital role, the CHW supported elderly community members with 94 hospital visits and over 145 hours of one-on-one assistance. A portion of the grant also supported efforts to address food insecurity, including the development of a community garden and a partnership with Second Harvest.
The Association continues to demonstrate the power of partnership by working closely with local organizations and businesses to meet employment needs and engage with health-related organizations. Leveraging these relationships, the Association hosted two Community Health Fairs centered on Medicaid expansion.
More recently, the Association’s leadership contributed to the official recognition of Cambodian Heritage Month by the Governor’s Office. Earlier this month, the Cambodian Association of North Carolina joined the Governor’s Office in presenting the proclamation to the community. The declaration honors the resilience and contributions of Cambodian North Carolinians since their arrival in the 1980s, following the Khmer Rouge genocide. It sends a powerful message that the Cambodian community is welcomed, supported, and deeply valued as part of North Carolina’s rich cultural fabric.
The Cambodian Association of North Carolina’s journey of leadership and community-building is an inspiring example of resilience and impact. As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, we honor the rich cultures, diverse histories, and countless contributions of AAPI communities across our state.
Thank you to the Cambodian Association of North Carolina for your dedication and leadership in building a more inclusive North Carolina.
