2024

ANNUAL REPORT

As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for all we’ve achieved together. At Khmer Maine, we strive to empower and uplift our community by addressing the unique challenges faced by Khmer families, elders, and youth in Maine. From fostering civic engagement to celebrating our rich culture, we have witnessed the power of community coming together to create lasting change.

Though we have accomplished much, our work is far from done. We remain steadfast in our mission to create a future where Khmer voices are heard, celebrated, and valued. We invite you to join us, support us, and cheer us on as we continue to make a difference and create lasting change together.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters like you. Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us build a thriving, vibrant, and visible Khmer community.

Sincerely,
Marpheen Chann
Executive Director, Khmer Maine

Our Vision

A thriving, vibrant, and visible Cambodian community in Maine.
Our Mission

Khmer Maine is a nonpartisan, community organization working to improve the quality of life and the social and economic well-being of Cambodians in Maine through cultural exchange, community building and civic engagement. Khmer Maine also partners to support members of Maine’s Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander communities and strives for solidarity with Black and Indigenous communities in Maine.

About Khmer Maine

Program Highlights

Rooted in a commitment to justice, equity, and cultural preservation, we provide programs that address the unique challenges faced by Khmer families, elders, and youth. From civic engagement to arts and culture, and from food and farm initiatives to outdoor equity, Khmer Maine builds connections and opportunities that foster resilience and pride within the community. Guided by a trauma-informed approach, we help community members overcome barriers, build resilience, and proudly embrace their cultural identity.

Arts & Culture

We preserve and promote Khmer heritage through the Khmer Youth Dance Program, art exhibitions, and cultural celebrations. These programs provide creative outlets for youth, celebrate our traditions, and bring our community together.

10 Students

Are enrolled in our dance classes, which are also attended by up to 35 family members, including parents, grandparents, and siblings.

30 Classes

Our program schedule is broken into two semesters: 15 classes every Sunday from July to November and 15 classes every Sunday from January to April.

600 Hours

Each Sunday, students spend two hours of learning from Neakru (Teacher) Sokhoeun Sok, a classically trained dancer who has performed with Lowell-based Angkor Dance Troupe.

“Khmer Maine has open a doorway to my roots, allowing me to embrace my culture heritage and instilling in me a deep sense of pride. I’ve not only connected with my identity but also found the courage to express who I truly am!”

— ANGEL CHHOEUNG, Khmer Maine Dance Student

Civic & Community Engagement

Our Civic & Community Engagement programs empower Khmer community members to participate in civic life and advocate for change. From voter education and rides to the polls to citizenship classes and leadership training, we ensure our community’s voices are heard and valued.

6 Advocates

6 community members received a Certificate of Completion and together completed 72 hours of training. They are now hard at work assisting community members.

10 Citizenship Students

In the Spring of 2024, we launched our Citizenship Prep Classes. We held a total of 12 two-hour classes, totaling 240 hours of learning for community members on the path to citizenship!

3 Consultations

Khmer Maine leveraged our community expertise to organize focus groups for the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations, Maine CDC, and Maine Council on Aging.

“I take immense pride in being an advocate for the Khmer Maine Community. I firmly believe that even my small contributions, when combined with the efforts of others, can create a significant positive impact and lead to meaningful change within our community.”

— SIDA YIM, Community Advocate

Health & Wellness

In partnership with UMaine’s 4-H program, we provide youth with hands-on agriscience education and leadership opportunities. Our programs also promote elder wellness through health and nutrition classes and socialization. We also offer outdoor trips and experiences for all ages to develop a stronger sense of belonging and place in the land we now know as Maine.

25 Elders

Are in our Elder Health and Nutrition classes are hosted in partnership with Southern Maine Agency on Aging. Between July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, we distributed $6,525 in food vouchers for culturally important foods.

17 Youth

Participated in Khmer Maine and UMaine’s 4-H program focusing on agriscience education. Several went on two trips to DC for the 4-H Ignite Conference in March and the True Leaders in Equity Conference in July.

10 Outdoor Trips

Organized 10 outdoor equity events, including rock climbing, nature walks, and biking tours, in 8 different Maine towns. Our largest events were outdoor ice-skating (80 participants) and a picnic at Sebago Lake (42 participants).

“Many of us are striving to create a sense of belonging for community members and ourselves. Khmer Maine continuously brings Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) staff and Cambodian older adults together for meals and educational gatherings. Their staff and volunteers have served as cultural brokers, helping us to better understand the beliefs, values, needs, and concerns of this community. Khmer Maine is invested in ensuring that the needs of older adults are met and that their voices are heard. The organization is a critical resource that is strengthening communities across Maine.”

— MEREDITH ANDERSON, Community Outreach Director, Southern Maine Agency on Aging

Financial Highlights

Thanks to your generous support, we’ve expanded our programs and deepened our impact. Here’s a snapshot of our 2024 financials:

Revenue: $298,672
Expenses: $287,794

Program Services: $176,766 (61.4%)
Administrative Costs: $103,060 (35.8%)
Fundraising: $7,968 (2.8%)

Net Revenue: $12,605.79

Your contributions have directly supported initiatives like voter education, youth programming, and cultural preservation.

Thank You To Our FY24 Donors and Funders

$0-$499

Amy Kustra Barksdale • Umaru Balde • Joneice Beckford • Dave Boardman • Marpheen Chann • Emily Cook • Lelia DeAndrade • Hon. Jill Duson • Hon. Michael Foley • Crispy Gai • Stefanie Trice Gill • Evan Gleason • Kara Doucette• Equality Community Center • Quinn E. Gormley • Sarah Lentz • Ali Al Mshakheel • Kossoma Meach • Sopheak Meach • Archana Palaniappan • Priya Natarajan • Lois Galgay Reckitt • Penny Rich • Rattanak Tray •Judith Twombly • Ian Yaffe

$500-$999

Justin and Rachael Alfond • Coffee By Design • Maine Health • Carol Wishcamper

$1,000+

Sinoun Chau • Adam and Diana Lee • Hannaford Supermarkets • Martin’s Point Health Care • Sturtevant Family