Why are we expanding now?
The vision that led to the construction of our first building came from a small founding group who wanted to create a welcoming home for Cambodian war refugees. Within a few years, the clients and members we served doubled in size, and it has since doubled again. Every year, we outgrow the capacity of our existing organization, staff offices, meeting and work/activity spaces, and indications point to further client growth. In order to continue to serve low-income and disadvantaged residents, we see a need to expand our physical facilities, particularly to neighborhoods in South Philadelphia. In fact, the South Center is in the heart of one of the most concentrated of Cambodians and other impoverished Asian community groups. Enlarging our facilities - which means renovating the second floor - will ensure additional space for resource and services.

Why support this Campaign?
Beyond being an open and welcoming organization to Cambodians and other low-income ethnic groups, we have a commitment to greater engagement with and service to our community. We have been taking important steps in increasing this commitment, through our new program of opening more service projects and renewed focus on our social justice programs. The South Center will provide a safe and sound space for community meetings, community organizing and mobilizing such activities as town watch, block cleaning, educational workshops and other projects that promote peace, harmony and community-building within the area. We also plan to use the second floor for educational workshops (e.g. citizenship application, voter registration, voter education) and social and recreational activities that can help promote a healthier community.

Our building project will also provide greater opportunities to serve, through increased availability of programs, meeting spaces for community and social justice groups, as well as provide a conference or meeting room for presentations and workshops. We eventually hope to renovate the basement of this building to provide space for traditional Cambodian dance rehearsal and other performances.

Who is the population you are serving?
More than 20 clients per day come through the doors of Cambodian Association in Olney, and we serve a total of nearly 1,500 people every year. While most of our clients are Cambodians, our programs are opened to low-income, underserved community members of all ages. Most of our clients served by the Cambodian Association reside in the low-income areas of Philadelphia 's census tracts.

How much of a difference can my gift really make?
Every gift counts! Our financial goal is $100,000 and that can only be reached by many members of our Philadelphia community participating. A lot of small gifts can add up to one big number!

I already give to the Cambodian Association... do I still need to give to the Capital Campaign?
Gifts to our agency are critical for maintaining the wonderful program that we provide to our clients and members. Gifts to Building a Better South Philadelphia Community Capital Campaign are counted as a separate contribution and will go directly to supporting the renovations at 2416-18 South 7th Street. Gifts to our agency and campaign are critical but separate.

Are there naming opportunities available for donations?
Yes, gifts of varying levels can be recognized by a named gift. For a list of these opportunities, see Naming Opportunities on this website for more detail or download the Capital Campaign donation form.

So what happens next?
The Capital Campaign kickoff will take place:

Date: Monday, October 15, 2007
Time: 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Place: Continental Midtown Rooftop (on the corner of 18th and Chestnut Street)
$50 Minimum Donation

Please see our News section for Campaign Updates.