Cambodian Community Development, Inc. (CCDI) is the only non-profit organization in the bay area that specializes in providing vital services Cambodian-Americans for free.  Established in 1997 as a grassroots community-based organization, CCDI works in four areas:

Navigation/Direct Services:

Navigating through social systems such as healthcare, immigration, judicial, housing, and domestic violence can be almost impossible for populations such as Cambodians that are low-income and have limited language capabilities.  Thus, CCDI’s staff serves as navigators for its constituency.  Furthermore, CCDI provides a monthly legal clinic where constituents can have free legal council for immigration matters.

Cultural Preservation:

Much of Cambodia’s traditional culture was lost during the war because the Khmer Rouge systematically killed off artists and musicians.  CCDI believes that intergenerational connections between elders and youth are the key to passing down heritage.  CCDI offers Cambodian language classes for non-Khmer speaking youth and art programs where master artists teach their craft to students.  Previously, CCDI ran a dance class where students learned traditional Cambodian dances.  Similarly, CCDI has started its “Please Don’t Stop the Music” program where students learn how to play traditional Cambodian instruments from master artists.

Social Justice:

As stated earlier, Cambodians are one of the many immigrant populations in the area.  In order to ensure that immigrant voices are heard, CCDI partners with other agencies to stand on social justice issues.  Furthermore, CCDI’s navigation service guides citizenship applicants through the naturalization and voter registration process.  CCDI also does work on the 2010 Census.

Preventative Health:

Both cultural and socio-economic barriers hinder access to healthcare and health education.  CCDI not only helps it’s constituency go navigate through the healthcare system, but also engages in both mental and physical health prevention through health fairs and education.  For instance CCDI often coordinates guest speakers of health care agencies to come to local temples to give presentations or distributes annual flu shots to high risk populations.