Organization
Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell
The Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell (CMAA) is a multi-service agency in Lowell, Massachusetts, founded in 1984.[1][2] It serves the Cambodian community and other ethnic minorities of Greater Lowell, in English and Khmer (ភាសាខ្មែរ).[2][3] Its work spans social services, youth programs, adult education, elder services and refugee resettlement.[2][3]
History
CMAA was founded in 1984 to improve life for Cambodian Americans, other minorities and people with low incomes in Lowell, through education, culture, economic help and social programs.[1][4] An earlier office stood at 120 Cross Street in Lowell. It is a donor-supported 501(c)(3) charity, and it joined the Non-Profit Alliance of Greater Lowell in 2014.[5][4] Sothea Chiemruon was its executive director in 2022.[4]
In October 2023 the association held an anniversary gala, with Enterprise Bank as Platinum Sponsor and Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union as Gold Sponsor.[6] In May 2024 the Cummings Foundation chose CMAA as one of 150 local nonprofits to receive awards from its $30 Million Grant Program. That same month the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General selected it for the Residential Energy Assistance Grant program for the fiscal years 2024 to 2026.[6]
In December 2025 CMAA issued a press release calling for peace in Cambodia, and it supported Small Shadow Puppet Night. In January 2026 it announced that its executive director would take part in the LEADS Echo Fellowship.[6] Its 2026 annual meeting, held in July under the theme "Rooted in History, Thriving Together," celebrated the association's history and programs.[6]
Programs
CMAA's programs include youth services, community and civic engagement, policy advocacy, a Healthy Living Program, Monorom Family Support and wrap-around community services.[5][3] Families come to it for education workshops, health care services, help with housing and basic needs, and immigration and naturalization services.[3] It also offers community health advocacy and education, elderly outreach and senior support, a young parents program, English as a Second Language classes, citizenship assistance, and a support program for families of children with developmental disabilities.[2][3]
The association provides Khmer-to-English and English-to-Khmer translation and interpretation. Its interpreters are certified through the Bridging the Gap Interpreter Training Program of the Cross Cultural Health Care Program, and they work with the complex language of the body and of Western medicine.[7] Clients have included the City of Lowell, Lowell Community Health Center, the Lowell Senior Center, the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth and Mill City Grows.[7]
Community
CMAA holds a yearly Khmer New Year celebration. The Lowell Sun covered the April 2024 celebration at the Lowell Senior Center and Clemente Park.[6] The 2026 festival on April 18 brought traditional performances, cultural activities and a citywide parade.[6] The association is a community partner of the Center for Asian American Studies at UMass Lowell.[1]
Visiting
As of 2026 the office was open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on weekends. Walk-in visits are accepted, and appointments are encouraged. Hours can change for bad weather, special events and administrative days.[5][2]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 UMass Lowell, Center for Asian American Studies, Community partners
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 AgeSpan, Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell (January 2026)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Asian Resource Hub, Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA) (November 2023)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Non-Profit Alliance of Greater Lowell, Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA) of Greater Lowell (May 2022)
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 CMAA Lowell, home page
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 CMAA Lowell, News (2023 to 2026)
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 CMAA Lowell, Khmer translation services