My Nonprofit Reviews

I first got involved with Children of Vietnam in summer 2011 as a fellow in the Asian American Pacific Islander in Philanthropy's cohort of VIETFellows--a group comprised of 2nd generation Vietnamese Americans learning about the history of Agent Orange in Vietnam and its disastrous effects on communities exposed to the deadly dioxin even 40 years after the end of the war. It was through my placement with COV and time spent in the Hope System of Care program that I came to respect how much impact a small group of dedicated staff from a small non governmental organization can make in the lives of so many vulnerable children with disabilities (CWD) and their families living in remote areas of Da Nang City, Vietnam. The staff of COV, and especially my supervisor in the Hope System of Care program, astounded me with the energy they put into their work and the genuine strides they took to ensure that those in a position to do something about the welfare of CWD were doing something no matter how small the effort. I left COV in late 2011 believing a brighter future was possible for these children thanks to the efforts of COV, its allies in Da Nang, and supporters around the world.

Fast forward years later and my and COV's paths cross once again when I was hired to become their grants & administration assistant. With even more privy to the internal operations of the organization, I find myself astonished on an almost daily basis by how far strong vision, leadership, and belief in a mission can sustain an organization and lead them to do the great things COV has done in its 20 year history. Without being bias, I can honestly speak to the integrity and compassion of COV's leadership evident by the network of steadfast donors and supporters who continue to build brighter futures for the children of Vietnam with COV through their time and monetary gifts.