Our Mission

Our History

Founded in August 1997, The Vietnamese American Community of Austin, Texas (VACAT)  is a 501c(3) non-profit and community-based organization.  

Since inception, VACAT has touched many lives in Central Texas - through charitable, educational and cultural events and has gradually expanded its operations and services to respond to the evolving community needs and interests of the local Vietnamese-American population (est. 20,000).  By partnering with many great sponsors over the years, our annual Tet New Year festival has attracted thousands of people in attendance.  

We actively engages with the greater Austin community to promote cultural awareness and appreciation, and provides social and educational services.  Our programs and initiatives currently include: 

cultural arts, networking & outreach, educational and social justice advocacy. All of VACAT's activities focus on the importance of preserving the Vietnamese cultural heritage and developing 

capacities required by Vietnamese Americans in making key decisions that promote long-term sustain-ability, including economic prosperity, a healthy community, and social well-being. VACAT works with a wide range of other communities and organizations from greater Austin communities regarding employment, social service, senior care and health related issues.   

Our collaborative relationships include: Asian American Resource Center (ARCC), Network of Asian American Organizations (NAAO), Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC), Asian Desi Pacific Islander American Collective (APAC), CommUnityCare, Vietnamese American Medical Professional Society, Asian Family Support Services of Austin (AFSSA), Vietnamese Senior Association, SVSQ Thu Duc, Union of Vietnamese Student Association (UVSA), Saigon Broadcasting Television Network (SBTN), Bao Tre Magazine, local dance groups, local Vietnamese Buddhist temples and churches,  American Red Cross, Children Hospital, Travis County Sheriff Office, Austin Police Dept. etc.. 

With the help of its sponsors, the dedication of its staff, and the strong support in the community, VACAT will continue its leadership role in the social, civic and economic development areas as it grows with the Austin greater community.

Our Events and Community Outreach

22 years of our free community health fair with translation services in Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Burmese.

• 25 years of our cultural events like Tet, Black April and Tet Trung Thu
• Directly helped more than 70,000 people in the Great Austin area
• Donations of Water and Food and Volunteer Check Ups on those impacted by the Texas 2021 Snow Storm
• 100 Homeless Care Kit and Distribution during the Holiday
• Scholarship initiative with VAUSA Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund
• Job and Career Fair + Networking Events
• Annual CelebrASIA Austin (Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival) hosted by Asian American Resource Center
• City of Austin to celebrate cultural diversity
• Leadership Development Camp Retreat
• Community Outreach for Census and Voting
• College Prep Planning
• During COVID we fundraised $6,000 and made over 27,500 masks to donate to the Austin community. Partnered with Austin Vietnamese American Medical Professional Society-AVAMPS ) to be able to provide additional 22,500 Gloves, 56 gallons of Hand Sanitizer, 62 gallons of Alcohol, more than 7,000 Masks to the medical community/essential workers in need.

Click here to see a more in-depth look at our events and how you can get involved.