October 8th, 2025
Welcome to our series, Spotlighting Wisconsin! This series will spotlight arts organizations across the state (including some of our wonderful grantees), and showcase the amazing work they do in their communities, along with sharing the why, or what drives them as an organization to do the work they do.
Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association (ECAHMAA)
FY25 Wisconsin Arts Board Grantee
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
For more than four decades, the Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been a cornerstone of the Chippewa Valley, providing vital programs and services for Hmong families. We envision a socially, educationally, and economically just society where all communities can thrive for generations to come. Our mission is to empower people, advance cultures, and enhance the quality of life in the Chippewa Valley by fostering trust, safety, and belonging.
We uplift the Hmong community through programs that address critical needs while preserving and celebrating our vibrant cultural heritage. Through educational initiatives, housing assistance, cultural programming, and victim advocacy, our team is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that families, youth, elders, and survivors receive the support they need to thrive.
Together with our partners, donors, and community members, we carry forward this legacy—honoring the past while embracing opportunities ahead—and advancing a shared vision of unity and empowerment for all we serve.
Our shared commitment to strengthening and celebrating community comes to life in value- and strengths-based projects and events such as:
Refugee Family Strengthening Project works to prevent domestic violence and promote healthy Hmong families through education and outreach. Annual events include Building Our Future Night and the Survivors Celebration.
Ntuj Tshiab Program addresses the impacts of sexual violence by providing culturally specific advocacy, challenging victim-blaming, and guiding survivors through legal, medical, and social systems.
Kajsiab (Peaceful Heart) Project supports Hmong elders by promoting physical and mental health, reducing social isolation, and healing historical and lifelong trauma through culturally and linguistically appropriate programming. A yearly youth-and-elder retreat fosters intergenerational healing and growth.
Building Bridges empowers Hmong middle and high school students by strengthening identity, leadership, and community through educational, fun, and service-based activities. Annual highlights include Hmong Youth Day, which connects youth and families with community resources.
Food Pantry and Affordable Housing programs provide essential support to low- and very low-income individuals and families, ensuring access to basic needs.
Txhawb Siab Project assists Hmong victims of crime by informing them of their rights, offering culturally sensitive support, and helping them navigate the criminal and civil justice systems.
Interpretation and translation services ensure Hmong community members can access high-quality services from mainstream providers without language barriers.
Cultural preservation programs celebrate and sustain Hmong traditions through dance, music, and language classes, as well as the annual Hmong New Year celebration.
Hmong New Year 2025
We’re commemorating 50 years since the arrival of Hmong people in the U.S. and celebrating the Eau Claire Hmong community, who first made their home here in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Join ECAHMAA in celebrating Hmong New Year on October 11th and 12th this year!
