Our Story

In the early and mid-1980s, refugees fleeing the Vietnam War and the Secret Civil War crossed the Mekong River to Thailand. After years of displacement and hardship, they eventually settled in the United States, many of them in the Central Valley, particularly in Fresno.

These refugees brought with them a rich culture and a strong sense of community. However, they also faced many challenges, from language barriers to disparities in housing, employment, and access to resources. Without guidance and support, many Laotian Americans fell into poverty, even after doing everything they could to support their families.

In response to these challenges, community leaders and members came together to establish the Laotian-American Community of Fresno (LACF). Our mission is to empower the community and support families to achieve educational and socioeconomic success through leadership development, mentorship, and cultural preservation.

We have made significant progress in achieving this mission by providing support to thousands of Laotian Americans, helping them to improve their lives and contribute to the broader community. We have also played a key role in preserving Laotian culture and heritage, because we firmly believe that this is essential to the prosperity of our community.

LACF is grateful for the support of its community partners and donors. With your help, we can continue to build a more successful future for Laotian Americans. Thank you for visiting our website and for your interest in our work. We look forward to partnering with you to build a brighter future for our community.

Sincerely,

The Laotian-American Community of Fresno