AACA began as an organization primarily serving the Chinese community in 1967. In the early 1970s, AACA became a major social planning and cultural advocacy agency in Boston’s Chinatown, leading to the creation of two vital local institutions, the South Cove Community Health Center and the Chinese Golden Age Center. In 1972, AACA started publishing Sampan, a bilingual English-Chinese newspaper, to build bridges between the Chinese community, other Asian groups, and the larger community in Greater Boston.

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In 1979, in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, AACA extended its reach to a new influx of immigrants and refugees from Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Recognizing the increasing demand for job and vocational training, AACA implemented its first workforce development program in 1984. By 2000, the agency expanded its client base to include after-school youth programs for Boston’s children and teens. In 2010, we launched Buds & Blossoms, an Early Education Center that provides Mandarin immersion in a Reggio Emilia pedagogy.

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Throughout the pandemic, AACA led the charge as a crucial support system, providing emergency assistance to individuals who suddenly found themselves out of work. We connected them with essential resources, including food, economic support, rent relief, eviction protection, PPE, and employment services. Coordinating with the Department of Public Health, Tufts Medical Center, and community health providers, we embarked on a vaccine awareness campaign, designing and distributing multilingual safety materials to diverse, limited English-speaking populations.

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Since the pandemic, AACA has expanded its programs to serve more people, reach diverse populations, and address critical community needs. In 2021, we launched a weatherization training program in partnership with utility providers and regional contractors, creating new career pathways in the growing energy efficiency sector. In 2024, AACA received an official citation from the Commonwealth in recognition of our expanding apprenticeship opportunities. We also launched our Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic and free tax preparation services to support low-income individuals. To further promote economic stability, we introduced small business and entrepreneurship support programs, helping diverse business owners start, stabilize, and grow their ventures. Recognizing the increasing challenges faced by young people, especially in the wake of the pandemic, we revamped our youth programs to serve young adults statewide, connecting them with valuable resources, career pathways, and critical support systems.