Boat People SOS - BPSOS News

BPSOS Panelist Addresses Hearing on Legal Services for Low-Income Mississippians

Jon.Pattee — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:31:09 -0500

BILOXI, MS May 8, 2008 — Mississippi’s Vietnamese Americans have a great need for linguistically and culturally competent legal services, according to a panelist from Boat People SOS (BPSOS) who spoke Friday at a public hearing organized by the Mississippi Access to Justice Commission.

Boat People SOS-Biloxi Winds Down Role in Katrina Aid Today (KAT) Program

Jon.Pattee — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:36:42 -0500

BILOXI, MS April 1, 2008 — After more than two years of helping 800 Mississippi families cope with Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath, the Biloxi office of Boat People SOS (BPSOS) is wrapping up its key role in the Katrina Aid Today (KAT) program.

Texas Access to Justice Foundation Helps Boat People SOS Deliver Free Legal Assistance to Greater Houston Client

Jon.Pattee — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:13:43 -0500

HOUSTON, TX, March 14 — The greater Houston area’s 100,000 Vietnamese-American residents are receiving better access to legal aid from linguistically competent and culturally trained staff, thanks to a Boat People SOS (BPSOS) program funded in part with a $62,030 grant from the Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF).

Boat People SOS Receives $20,000 Grant to Provide Legal Assistance to Vietnamese-American Survivors of Torture

Jon.Pattee — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:56:33 -0500

HOUSTON, TX, March 5 — Vietnamese-American survivors of torture in the Houston area will have better access to free legal services aimed at helping them untangle red tape and improve their lives, thanks to a Boat People SOS (BPSOS) initiative recently funded with $20,000 from an organization that wishes to remain anonymous.

Boat People SOS Helps Vietnamese Workers in Jordan Escape Beatings, Abuse

Jon.Pattee — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:31:33 -0500

FALLS CHURCH, VA, February 29 – Over 170 Vietnamese sweatshop workers in Jordan have escaped abuses that included being beaten, overworked, and cheated out of wages, according to the US-based nonprofit Boat People SOS (BPSOS), which intervened on their behalf.

The Women’s Foundation Makes $12,000 Open Door Capacity Grant to BPSOS

Jon.Pattee — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:14:46 -0500

WASHINGTON, DC, February 29 -- In December, Washington Area Women’s Foundation announced a $12,000 Open Door Capacity grant to empower Boat People SOS (BPSOS) to assess its organizational strengths and challenges, and to provide its board with support and training in order to create a stronger, more effective, and more responsive organization.

Bạo Hành Tại Nơi Làm Việc (Workplace Violence)

Hien Phan — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:56:59 -0500

Bạo hành nơi làm việc đã trở thành một vấn đề an toàn và sức khoẻ quan trọng trong các sở làm ngày nay. Sát nhân, một hình thức bạo hành tối cực đoan, là nguyên nhân gây tử thương thứ ba do thương tích nghề nghiệp tại nước Mỹ.

Dụng Cụ Bảo Hộ Cá Nhân (PPE)

Hien Phan — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:30:58 -0500

Nón bảo hộ, kiếng bảo hộ, mặt nạ bảo hộ, ống nghe giảm thanh, giầy có mũi thép, máy hô hấp. Những thứ này có đặc điểm gì chung? Những thứ này là những trang thiết bị bảo hộ cá nhân dưới nhiều hình thức khác nhau. (> Xem tiếp)

Bảo Vệ Thính Giác (Hearing Protection)

Hien Phan — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:27:47 -0500

Tiếng ồn, hoặc tiếng động lớn, là một trong những vấn đề nghiêm trọng nhất cho sức khỏe nghề nghiệp. Trong các công trình xí nghiệp thường phát ra tiếng động lớn. Âm thanh là sự thay đổi áp xuất trong không khí và tạo nên làng sống âm thanh phát xuất từ nơi có sự rung động hoặc tiếng động. Ở trong tình trạng với mức ồn ào cao sẽ gây nên ù tai và có thể gây nhiều nguy hiểm khác cho sức khỏe. (>> Xem tiếp)

Boat People SOS will host a National Conference of Vietnamese Trauma Survivors and Seniors

Tram — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 09:30:47 -0500

Through its Survivors of Torture Empowerment Program (STEP), BPSOS is committed to providing a full range of services to “re-education camp” survivors and their families who have become residents under the US Humanitarian Operation Program. This includes facilitating a self-help group, mental health pre-screening and referral services, and assistance in attaining culturally sensitive counseling, as well as their U.S. citizenship.

New Year Celebrations

camtu — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 15:30:03 -0500

BPSOS Youth Program in Virginia celebrates the Lunar New Year with teachers, parents, and seniors in all the fun activities.

Vietnamese Parents Association Celebrates Lunar New Year at Holmes Middle School

BOAT PEOPLE SOS RECEIVES GRANT TO HELP REBUILD HOMES IN BILOXI, MS

Tram — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 15:37:27 -0500

Biloxi, MS- Boat People SOS (BPSOS) joins in partnerships with Habitat for Humanity Northern Virginia (HFHNVA) and Harrison County Rebuilding Together (HCRT) in a collaborative effort titled Project REHAB (Rebuilding Every Home at East Biloxi). Project REHAB aims to repair and rebuild devastated homes in Biloxi, MS over the next 18 months.

BPSOS Offers Ongoing Aid to Katrina-Affected Families

Tram — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 09:56:07 -0500

Our Biloxi office was recently profiled in the Sun Herald for its ongoing aid to the Vietnamese community affected by last year's Hurricane Katrina.

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Boat People SOS offers aid to Vietnamese in dire straights

Houston Branch Assists Victims of St. Joseph Apartment Complex Fire

Tram — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 09:39:41 -0500

Houston, TX- Branch staff are assisting families affected by a devastating fire in the St. Joseph apartment complex last June. The fire killed three children and left many without electricity for weeks. Staff recently visited the complex with donations of food, clothing, and other essential items and a case manager is available to assist with any ongoing needs.

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Dream Marriage or Nightmare Relationship?

Charlotte — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 10:38:08 -0500

"Fifty percent of legal assistance providers that serve battered immigrant women report that they have served women who were abused by men they met through international marriage brokers."

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Vietnamese New Year Brings New Hope To Katrina Victims

admin — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 09:43:02 -0500

BAYOU LA BATRE, AL - BPSOS, in collaboration with several Vietnamese and other local community groups, will celebrate the new Year of the Dog on Saturday. Attendees can peruse various booths that provide games, food, and promotional materials from the sponsoring organizations. In addition, several performances, including the traditional Lion Dance and cultural dances will take place at the festival.

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US resumes refugee program for former allies in Vietnam

admin — Thu, 17 Nov 2005 09:00:00 -0500

Washington, DC -November 17, 2005- Boat People SOS (BPSOS) welcomes the decision to open the doors for those who had been excluded from U.S. refugee programs for reasons beyond their control. On November 15, 2005, the United States and Vietnam officially announced the resumption of refugee programs for Vietnamese former US allies under the newly established Humanitarian Resettlement (HR) program.

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U.S. District Judge Sentences Owner of the Daewoosa Samoa Factory

admin — Tue, 28 Jun 2005 09:42:58 -0500

Honolulu, HI - On June 22, U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway sentenced Kil Soo Lee, former owner of the Daewoosa Samoa garment factory, to 40 years in prison and ordered him to pay US $1.8 million in restitution to his victims who sought legitimate work but were forced to become virtual slaves. The maximum possible penalty under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 is 20 years for each count of trafficking.

"This rendering of justice will eventually bring the sad incident to closure," said Dr. Nguyen Dinh Thang of Boat People SOS. The organization provided assistance to Lee's victims since 1999 when the organization first learned of their plight.

New Exit Poll Results: The Virginia Asian American Vote 2004

admin — Mon, 06 Jun 2005 09:42:56 -0500

Falls Church, VA -- The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), in conjunction with the Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC), will release detailed findings from its multilingual exit poll of Asian American voters in the 2004 presidential election in Virginia.

Almost 300 Asian American voters were surveyed in several Asian languages. The exit poll was conducted in Fairfax (Falls Church, Annandale) and Arlington counties. Most respondents were Southeast Asian, South Asian, Chinese, and Korean.

WHAT: Release of report on the Virginia Asian American Vote 2004

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BPSOS Presents $7k in Donations to Burmese Tsunami Victim Relief

admin — Wed, 13 Apr 2005 09:35:55 -0500

April 13, 2005 – Falls Church, VA – BPSOS will donate its entire Tsunami Victims Relief Fund to the Thailand-based Tsunami Action Group (TAG) to support Burmese victims. Established on December 30, 2004, this fund has raised over seven thousand U.S. dollars.

BPSOS-Hampton Receives $5,000 Grant for Domestic Violence

admin — Thu, 10 Feb 2005 09:35:53 -0500

Hampton, VA -- February 10, 2005 -- The Commonwealth of Virginia Family and Children's Trust Fund (FACT) has awarded BPSOS-Hampton $5,000 to determine the needs of the Vietnamese community and build a domestic violence program accordingly. This new grant will expand the successful project currently implemented in the metropolitan DC area.

Vietnamese Community Responds To Brutal Stabbing At Eden Center

admin — Fri, 21 Jan 2005 09:35:51 -0500

On November 18, 2004 Kim Loan Thi Nguyen was brutally murdered by her ex-husband in broad daylight outside a coffeehouse at Eden Center in Falls Church, Virginia. Over 100 Vietnamese community members are anticipated to attend to voice their concerns. Among the confirmed attendees are Fairfax County Police Chief David M. Rohrer, City of Falls Church Police Chief Bob Murray, and FBI Special Agent Chuck Knowles.

The community forum will take place on Saturday, January 22, 2005 from 2-4 pm at the Fairfax County Department of Systems Management Building (6245 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church; near Sears).

Former Torture Camp Survivors Gather For Citizenship Rights

admin — Mon, 04 Oct 2004 09:29:31 -0500

HOUSTON, TX -- October 4, 2004 -- BPSOS-Houston will be launching a national initiative to help former Vietnamese torture camp survivors become U.S. citizens. The workshop features Dr. Robert Weigl, a Clinical Psychologist, who has developed a manual to guide service agencies and doctors through the process of obtaining disability waivers.

BPSOS Applauds the Designation of Viet Nam a Country of Particular Concern

admin — Thu, 16 Sep 2004 09:29:28 -0500

Washington, DC -- February 21, 2006 -- Today, Secretary of State Colin Powell announced his designation of Vietnam as a "Country of Particular Concern," citing its particularly severe violations of religious freedom.

While BPSOS applauds the designation, we express our serious concern over the lack of progress in many cases of victims of political and religious persecution we have brought to the Department of State's attention. As these cases lag on, the human rights condition in Vietnam continues to deteriorate.

For the past three years Vietnam has failed to cooperate with the extension of the Humanitarian Operation (HO) refugee resettlement program for former political prisoners and the U11 program for former U.S. government employees, in direct violation of the "free and open emigration" requirement of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment.

BPSOS-MD Awarded $40k in Grants to Fund Youth, Housing and Asset Building Initiatives for Local Vietnamese Community

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2004 09:29:27 -0500

Adelphi, Maryland—Boat People SOS-Maryland (BPSOS-MD) was recently awarded several grants to support a number of key community programs. The programs include: community assets building services to assist low-income Vietnamese immigrants achieve financial self-sufficiency, assistance to families to purchase their own homes, and educational activities for youth.

The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs awarded BPSOS-MD $25,000 to implement a community assets building program for underserved families in the County. Activities will include educational workshops, personal counseling, tax assistance, and financial management education.

BPSOS-Camden Receives $324,000 Grant For Cancer Prevention

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2004 09:25:22 -0500

Camden, NJ -- September 2, 2004 -- The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, under New Jersey Health Initiatives, has awarded BPSOS-Camden a three year, $324,000 grant for Health Awareness Program for Immigrants (HAPI). This new grant will dramatically expand the successful pilot project throughout the Camden community.

Disability Waiver Manuals Available

admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2004 09:17:21 -0500

Falls Church, VA – BPSOS has published a training manual for health professionals to use in filling out Form N-648, Medical Certification of Disability Exception.

As amended in 1997, the Immigration Naturalization Act allows medical doctors, clinical psychologists and doctors of osteopathy to evaluate and certify the disability of the applicant seeking an exception from the civics requirement for naturalization.

Conference On Anti-Trafficking Activism Moblizes College Students

admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2004 09:25:21 -0500

FALLS CHURCH, VA – Boat People SOS, in collaboration Project Hope International and American University’s Immigrant Rights Coalition, will host a one-day conference for college students entitled Slavery in the Modern World: Approaches to Combat Human Trafficking. Highlights from the conference include a keynote address from (keynote speaker, title/credentials) and workshops on (workshop topics).

BPSOS-Raleigh Receives Mini-Grant To Launch Youth Civics Program

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2004 09:25:15 -0500

Raleigh, NC – BPSOS-Raleigh has been awarded a $5,000 mini-grant from the North Carolina Civic Education Consortium. The grant will go toward the “Engaging Young Vietnamese Americans in Community Services” project, which will begin in April 2004.

Throughout the past two decades, the needs of Vietnamese refugees and immigrants in the Triangle Area have been underserved simply because there was deficient funding to conduct civic-related programs. As a result, the local Vietnamese community has been socially, financially, and politically marginalized. The grant will mobilize Vietnamese American youths in bridging the gap between recent immigrants and civic engagement .The project targets 1,500 Vietnamese American residents of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina; locally referred to as the Triangle Area.

BPSOS-Raleigh Receives Grant To Launch Falima Project

admin — Wed, 04 Feb 2004 09:29:23 -0500

Raleigh, NC - BPSOS-Raleigh has been recently awarded a $48,000 grant from the City of Raleigh. The grant will go toward the Families Attaining Life-long Independence through Mutual Assistance (FALIMA) project, which will begin in July 2004 to offer family strengthening services to 30 low and moderate income Amerasian families in Raleigh, NC.

Amerasians are children of U.S. servicemen and Vietnamese women. Many were abandoned by their fathers after the war ended in April 1975. In Vietnam, these children of Americans were treated as outcasts by society; the Communist regime viewed them as children of the enemy. As a result, they suffer past trauma and present challenges including absence of role models and lack of community support.

Senate passed the reauthorization of the TVPA

admin — Wed, 28 Jan 2004 09:17:19 -0500

Washington, DC - Last night, by unanimous vote, the Senate passed the reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. It will now be sent to President Bush for signature. The Act will bring crucial additional protection to more than 20,000 victims of forced labor and prostitution in the United States each year.

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Trafficking Reauthorization Bill Passes Considerably In The House

admin — Sat, 08 Nov 2003 09:17:15 -0500

BPSOS Commends Tremendous Efforts of Patton Boggs Law Firm

Washington, DC - The House of Representatives passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2620) 422 to 1 on Thursday. The bill was authored by Rep. Chris Smith who also authored the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000.

BPSOS recognizes the generous and knowledgeable support of the law firm of Patton Boggs, deemed among the lobbying industry's "Big 4." With their extensive legislative expertise and Hill experience with immigration issues, Lead Attorney Stephanie Peters and Associate Attorney Joshua Greene wholly complemented the practical capacity of BPSOS' Victims of Exploitation and Trafficking Assistance (VETA) program staff.

BPSOS Hosts Career Day For Local Vietnamese Youth

admin — Fri, 07 Nov 2003 09:07:37 -0500

BPSOS Hosts Career Day For Local Vietnamese Youth

Who:Educational and Recreational Activities-Mentoring Program
Guest Speakers: H. Lien Bragg, Consultant for Caliber and Associates
Lucia Le, Owner/Creative Director Red Lantern Creative
Phoung Ly, Metro Reporter for the Washington Post
Sherri Ly, Reporter/Fill-In Anchor WTTG Fox 5

What: Kids and Careers Conference

When: Saturday, November 8, 2003 12:45-4:30 pm

Where: Mason District Governmental Center
6507 Columbia Pike Annandale, VA 22003

Why: To expose youth with in the community to the possible careers that they may pursue. Focus on positive, professional, and successful Vietnamese business persons.

BPSOS Receives $50,000 Grant To Launch Cancer Education Program

admin — Mon, 03 Nov 2003 08:41:16 -0500

PENNSAUKEN, NJ – Boat People S.O.S. (BPSOS) has been awarded a $50,000 grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation through its New Jersey Health Initiatives Program. BPSOS will use the funding to launch Health Awareness Program for Immigrants – Camden (HAPI-Camden).

HAPI-Camden is an outreach effort to educate Vietnamese-American women about the risks of cervical and breast cancer, the benefits of preventative screenings and where to go for free or low-cost screening and treatment. BPSOS is collaborating with Planned Parenthood of Southern New Jersey and Cooper Health System’s Camden County Cancer Screening Project to provide these educational and referral services.

Action Alert: Support Needed For Amerasian Naturalization Act Of 2003

admin — Mon, 27 Oct 2003 09:07:32 -0500

Falls Church, VA - On October 22, 2003, U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced H.R. 3360 to ensure that children born to American servicemen and Vietnamese women in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, commonly referred to as Amerasians, are accorded U.S. citizenship just like the offspring of other American fathers.

BPSOS has launched a rigorous advocacy campaign to raise the national awareness of the plight of these Amerasians. Taking the lead from the headquarters office in Falls Church, many of our branch offices have held community forums to inform their local leaders, including Houston, Philadelphia, and Springfield (MA).

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Over 200 Vietnamese Amerasians To Gather For Forum On Citizenship

admin — Sat, 11 Oct 2003 09:07:35 -0500

BPSOS Hosts Informational Session on Latest Bill to Inform and Assess Needs

Philadelphia, PA – BPSOS-Philadelphia, along with Bo De Buddhist Temple and Hung Vuong Association, will be hosting a forum for Vietnamese Amerasians on the newly introduced “Amerasian Naturalization Act of 2003.” In addition, they will be assessing the needs of the unique community for future programs.

The forum will take place Sunday, November 16, from 1pm to 3pm at the Bo De Buddhist Temple, 1114 S. 13th Street.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren recently introduced the bill to ensure that children born to American servicemen and Vietnamese women in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, commonly referred to as Amerasians, are accorded U.S. citizenship.

BPSOS Supports Progress of Philadelphia Seniors Group

admin — Thu, 09 Oct 2003 09:00:14 -0500

Vietnamese Seniors Organization Receives Grant to Build Capacity

Philadelphia, PA – The U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement has awarded the Vietnamese American Association for the Aging (VAAA) in Philadelphia and its Suburbs a three-year grant to set up services to meet the most critical needs of the organization’s members. These include: health, mental health, women’s services, and English literacy.

Hua Van Be, president of VAAA, announced the grant at the annual Day for the Aging Celebration. He also recognized the contributions of many of its late and present members and the valuable support from the community. Be called on continued support from members and the community because of “the huge responsibility that comes with this big grant.” In 1996, then Governor Tom Ridge declared September 29th “Vietnamese American Day for the Aging” to honor seniors throughout the State of Pennsylvania.

Congressman Nick Lampson Sparks Hope In The Plight Of Amerasians

admin — Tue, 16 Sep 2003 09:00:12 -0500

Town Hall Meeting Addressed Hardships of a Lost Generation

HOUSTON, TX – Congressman Nick Lampson and the Mayor of Port Arthur, Oscar Ortiz listened as staff members of BPSOS and about 100 Amerasians presented the issues regarding the citizenship of Amerasians. After opening statements by the Congressman and briefings by staff from BPSOS Headquarters and the Houston Branch office, members of the Amerasian community engaged in an emotional dialogue with Rep. Lampson and Mayor Ortiz.

The two hour event took place on Sunday, September 14 at the Ramada Inn of Port Arthur. The meeting was one of the first of its kind since the late 80s to discuss the citizenship of children born to American servicemen in Vietnam during the war. The Amerasian population in the Greater Houston area is second only to that of Orange County, CA. Of those, over half have relocated to the Beaumont-Port Arthur area because of the opportunities in the fishing industry.

BPSOS-Camden To Host First Annual Children's Moon Festival

admin — Tue, 09 Sep 2003 09:00:11 -0500

PENNSAUKEN, NJ - Boat People SOS. (BPSOS) will be hosting the 1st Annual BPSOS Moon Festival next weekend. Musical entertainment will be provided during the Festival by Vietnamese pop sensation duo Truc Linh and Truc Lam and the St. Helena Golden Lion Dance Troupe. Attendees may also participate in hands-on Lantern making along with the customary Lantern Parade. Highlights also include an elder sharing activity and a Vietnamese Traditional Children's Fashion Show. The festival is catered toward families and is intended to be fun and educational for people of all ages.

The event will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2003 from 2pm - 6pm. The free celebration will be held at the Stardust Ballroom on Rt. 73 & Haddonfield Rd.

BPSOS Hosts Town Hall Meeting With Congressman Nick Lampson

admin — Mon, 08 Sep 2003 08:52:08 -0500

Local Community Members to Discuss Issues of Amerasian Rights, Human Trafficking

HOUSTON, TX - Boat People SOS-Houston will host a town hall meeting for local Vietnamese community members to voice their growing concerns to Congressman Nick Lampson. Issues to be discussed include the citizenship of Amerasians, the prevalence of human trafficking, and other local matters pertaining to the Beaumont and Port Arthur communities. The intended purpose of the meeting is to draw Congressman Lampson's attention to these key issues, which in turn will result in the necessary policy changes.

BPSOS Launches Nationwide Volunteer Recruitment For 2004 Tax Season

admin — Mon, 08 Sep 2003 08:52:06 -0500

FALLS CHURCH, VA – Boat People SOS (BPSOS) is recruiting volunteers to conduct community outreach on tax issues for the 2004 tax season in 15 locations across the US. Those cities include:
Adelphi, MD; Washington, DC; Northern Virginia; Hampton Roads, VA; Pennsauken, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; Springfield, MA; St. Louis, MO; Louisville, KY; Raleigh, NC; Atlanta, GA; New Orleans, LA; Houston, TX; Orange County and Sacramento, CA.

To comply with the new requirements of the Internal Revenue Service's Low Income Tax Clinic (IRS/LITC) Program, BPSOS will focus on public education about tax issues in the Vietnamese and Chinese communities. The tax preparation service itself will be provided for a fee. BPSOS is seeking volunteers who are meticulous with numbers and proficient in both English and Vietnamese or Chinese. Further training will be provided by the IRS or H&R Block. New tax assistors are supervised by certified CPAs or veteran tax preparers.

BPSOS Sponsors Mid-Autumn Children's Moon Festival

admin — Fri, 05 Sep 2003 08:52:04 -0500

Community Groups Co-Sponsor Three Events in Metropolitan DC Area

FALLS CHURCH, VA - BPSOS, in collaboration with several Vietnamese and other local community groups, will host the annual Mid-Autumn Children's Moon Festival this weekend. Attendees can peruse various booths that provide games, food, and promotional materials from the sponsoring organizations. In addition, several performances, including the traditional Lion Dance, fashion show, and cultural dances, will take place at the festival. The highlight of the event is the lantern procession by the children.

The festival will take place at three separate locations:

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BPSOS Youth Mentoring Program Hosts End Of Summer Social

admin — Sat, 16 Aug 2003 08:43:40 -0500

FALLS CHURCH, VA - Boat People SOS (BPSOS) Educational and Recreational Activities Program for Youth-Mentoring will host an end of the summer social. The program provides Vietnamese youth with safe, educational, and cultural after school activities during the critical 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. window, when many parents are still working and juvenile crime rates triple. Youths in the program are not only safe; they are doing better in school, have higher self-confidence, and show more interest in learning.

The social will take place Sunday, August 24, 2003 at 1:30pm. The event will be held at the Mason District Center's Community Room, 6507 Columbia Pike.

BPSOS Receives Technology Grant To Launch Mobile Computer Labs

admin — Sat, 16 Aug 2003 08:43:38 -0500

Boat People S.O.S. making strides towards Computer Education for All

FALLS CHURCH, VA - Boat People S.O.S. (BPSOS) has recently been awarded a grant by the Beaumont Foundation of America for technology equipment including laptops, digital cameras, and printers valued approximately at $23,000. BPSOS was chosen from more than 8,000 applicants after an extensive review process.
"This equipment will be utilized to establish a mobile computer lab to bring services to selected neighborhoods in Northern Virginia to serve some 200 individuals who cannot access our Community Technology Center in Falls Church," said Neha Jain, BPSOS' Information Support and Development Coordinator.

BPSOS Trains Local Leaders In Building Capacity For Youth Services

admin — Sat, 16 Aug 2003 08:41:18 -0500

FALLS CHURCH, VA - Partnership to Ameliorate the Life of Minority Adolescents (PALMA), an initiative launched by Boat People S.O.S. (BPSOS) earlier this year, is offering a series of monthly workshops to help local community based organizations develop management, leadership, and grants writing skills.

With funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, seven local community-based organizations formed the PALMA partnership in February of this year. These organizations include Vietnamese American Television, Eternal Spring Association, Vietnamese American Art Association, Lac Hong Dance Group, Ket Doan, and the three local BPSOS branch offices.

200 Anticipated For Multicultural Family Violence Training

admin — Mon, 11 Aug 2003 08:39:20 -0500

FALLS CHURCH, VA – Boat People SOS, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Human Services Multicultural Domestic Violence Project, will host a workshop on addressing perspectives on domestic violence in the Latino/a, Korean, Muslim, and Vietnamese communities. Attendees of this education and advocacy initiative are to include local service providers, community based organizations, faith and community members.

US Department Of Education Grant Put To Good Use By BPSOS

admin — Tue, 25 Mar 2003 08:43:42 -0500

Youth Mentoring Program Praised at End of Summer Social

FALLS CHURCH, VA - Boat People SOS' (BPSOS) Educational and Recreational Activities Program for Youth-Mentoring held its end of the summer social this past weekend. The social took place on Sunday, August 24, 2003 at the Mason District Governmental Center. Attendees enjoyed authentic Vietnamese food and saw cultural performances by the students, which included a customary Lion Dance, traditional Fashion Show, and humorous depiction of a folk tale. Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Ruth Tringo, Program Analyst for the U.S. Department of Education Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools; Penelope A. Gross, Supervisor for Fairfax County's Mason District; as well as over 30 friends and family members of the program's participants.