serving the colorado Hmong community since 1992
Building Community
Preserving Culture
Inspiring the Future
HMAAC
The leading nonprofit organization dedicated to serving and supporting the Colorado Hmong community, providing essential programs and resources to address cultural, social, and educational needs.
Programs & Services
Hmong Heritage. Local Support.
Hmong Language & Culture
The Hmong Language & Culture Program is a cornerstone of HMAAC’s mission to preserve the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Hmong people. The program equips individuals with essential skills in speaking, reading, and writing Hmong as well as educating them on the cultural traditions and practices. By fostering a sense of pride and connection to their roots, the program empowers participants to communicate effectively and connect with others within the community and beyond.
Hmong Dance Academy
The Hmong Dance Academy provides an engaging platform for youth and young adults to immerse themselves in traditional Hmong dance. This program not only teaches a variety of dance styles but also serves as a bridge to connect younger generations with their cultural heritage. Through dance, participants build confidence, form lasting friendships, and deepen their connection to the community. The program encourages boys and girls to embrace their cultural roots while developing skills that will enrich their personal and social lives.
Youth Leadership
The Youth Leadership Program empowers high school and college students to grow as future leaders. Through leadership workshops, mentorship, and hands-on community projects, participants build essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and cultural pride. Students connect with experienced mentors, explore Hmong traditions, and lead initiatives that address real community needs.
Hmong Colorado Women
The Hmong Colorado Women program is a dedicated initiative created to uplift, empower, and unite Hmong women across Colorado. It serves as a vital, safe space for connection, support, celebration, and shared learning to build a strong sisterhood for all women in the community. HCW fills a long-standing need for a vibrant network where women can share experiences and offer practical and emotional support to one another.
Translation & Interpretation Services
We offer professional Hmong translation and interpretation services to ensure that your documents, conversations, and communications are clear and accurate, reliably bridging language barriers for effective understanding.
Citizenship Test Preparation
Our program offers culturally-rooted U.S. Citizenship Test Preparation designed to help Hmong community members, especially older adults, confidently navigate the N-400 application, civics exam, and interview process.
Community Events
Where Hmong Community Happens
Hmong New Year
FAQ
Who can participate in HMAAC programs?
HMAAC programs are open to individuals of all ages in the Hmong community and beyond. Whether you’re interested in cultural preservation, youth leadership, or language learning, there’s something for everyone.
Is HMAAC open to non-Hmong individuals?
Yes! HMAAC welcomes everyone who is interested in learning about and supporting the Hmong community, culture, and traditions.
How can I get involved with HMAAC?
You can get involved by participating in our programs, attending events, volunteering, or donating. We are always looking for volunteers to help support our programs and special events. Each year, over 80 individuals volunteer with HMAAC. Visit our website or contact us directly for more information on how to support our mission.
What is Colorado Hmong New Year (COHNY)?
What is Colorado Hmong New Year (COHNY)?
COHNY is one of the cornerstone events for our community, honoring a history of celebrating our heritage with eachother, and the broader Colorado community. It is a time to give thanks, reflect on the past year, and welcome new beginnings.
Featuring a culturally focused daytime stage program, local cultural food and retail vendors, night party, and other recreational activities.
“Hmong New Years” or Noj Peb Cauj is a longstanding tradition that typically falls at the end of the harvest season, and throughout the states this falls within the months of November to December.
How can I get involved with planning COHNY?
How can I get involved with planning COHNY?
HMAAC continues to navigate this event with community volunteers to preserve an open and collaborative process – it is fulfilling, but challenging and hard work. We appreciate everyone who gives their support, and always welcome and encourage anyone with interest to reach out during our call for committee members.
To ensure a complete and vetted process, and respect the time and commitment of everyone who helps to put on COHNY, this opens around the beginning of the year until end of July. Active planning begins after the Mile High Hmong Summer Festival.
If you miss this period, we always welcome reaching out directly for information, feedback or suggestions (aside from our yearly surveys conducted).
Why is COHNY no longer organized / under the Hmong Clans?
Why is COHNY no longer organized / under the Hmong Clans?
On April 22, 2023 – Clan Leaders & Representatives voted to move COHNY to be officially managed under the responsibility and leadership of HMAAC.
Historically, COHNY was organized through the rotation of clans self-hosting each year. However, increasingly difficult challenges under that system almost stopped the ability to continue COHNY:
- Instability – Due to the volunteer efforts of clan(s), a lot of freedom was given but this lead to having a ‘fresh start’ on an organizational level every year
- Resources – Balancing the amount and availability of people in smaller clans vs. larger clans to equalize responsibilities
- Funding – Raised only on a yearly or mid-year basis. Most came from the clans hosting or Hmong community only; paired with increasing costs across the board
- Unofficial Capacity – Compared to other states, COHNY did not operate under an official organizational status (either under the local association or it’s own nonprofit).
Get In Touch
Facebook Message
@HmongAmericanAssociationCO
Email Us
info@hmongassociationco.org
Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mailing Address
PO Box 36393
Denver, CO 80227
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