Iu Mien Community Services (IMCS) was founded in 1994 by traditional Iu Mien community leaders' intent on developing a unified and systematic approach to preserving the Iu Mien culture and addressing the many problems besetting Sacramento's Iu Mien community. A non-literate Southeast Asian hill tribe, the Iu Mien started arriving in the U.S. in the late 1970s, victims of the Vietnam war. To address the community's many glaring needs, IMCS incorporated and achieved tax exempt status in 2001. Since its founding, it has compiled an impressive record of assistance to the Iu Mien community.
Over the past five years, IMCS has demonstrated resilience and adaptability by transitioning to virtual programming during the pandemic, resuming in-person activities post-COVID, and expanding community services. The organization has made significant contributions to senior wellness, youth empowerment, mental health awareness, cultural preservation, and public health safety, impacting countless lives within the Iu Mien community.
Healthy Village Senior Program
The Healthy Village Senior Program aims to enhance the well-being of Iu Mien seniors through community engagement, physical activities, and mental health support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the program adapted by replacing in-person gatherings with monthly food drives and mental health check-ins via telephone. In March 2023, the program resumed in-person activities at the George Sims Community Center, with seniors gathering every Tuesday. To promote physical and mental balance, a Tai Chi class was introduced in February 2023 at Asian Resources, Inc. Additionally, the program successfully engaged 99 senior participants at the Iu Mien New Year event in 2024. Collaborating with Stockton Blvd Partnership, the program also organized safety training for 28 seniors by equipping them with whistles and fanny packs for enhanced security.
HAAPI Circle Youth Program
The HAAPI Circle Youth Program, formerly known as S.A.E. Mien Youth Club, focuses on youth empowerment through community engagement, cultural education, and essential resources. During the pandemic, the program transitioned to virtual weekly meetings via Zoom and Instagram Live monthly. In March 2023, the program resumed in-person activities at the George Sims Community Center, meeting every Friday. The program continued to strengthen youth engagement by involving 20 participants at the Iu Mien New Year event in 2024. Through these initiatives, the program has played a vital role in nurturing leadership skills and cultural identity among Iu Mien youth.
Mind Matters Youth Program
The Mind Matters Youth Program addresses mental health challenges by promoting emotional well-being and providing culturally sensitive support to youth. It fosters a safe space for open dialogue about mental health issues to helping to reduce stigma within the community. The program has also been integrated into Will C Wood Middle School and Hiram Johnson High School to create a safe space where students have resources around mental health and suicide prevention. By creating an inclusive environment for mental health discussions, the program has contributed significantly to the emotional resilience of youth in the community.
Food Distribution
IMCS has been committed to addressing food insecurity within the Iu Mien community through its ongoing food distribution program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, monthly food drives replaced in-person gatherings, ensuring that seniors and families received essential food supplies during challenging times. The program provided nourishment and fostered community bonds by mobilizing volunteers and resources to deliver food directly to vulnerable households. By maintaining consistent food distribution throughout the pandemic, IMCS demonstrated its dedication to supporting the well-being of its community members.
COVID-19 & Flu Vaccine Clinics
IMCS has played a vital role in safeguarding community health by organizing COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinics. In partnership with SAVE (Sacramento Alliance for Vaccine Equity) and HALO (Health And Life Organization), IMCS facilitated access to vaccines for underserved populations. From January to May 2023, monthly COVID-19 vaccine clinics were hosted, increasing vaccine awareness and accessibility within the community. These efforts contributed to public health safety and helped mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the Iu Mien community. Through strategic partnerships and proactive outreach, IMCS demonstrated leadership in promoting community health.
Student Conference
The Iu Mien Student Conference is an annual event aimed at empowering Iu Mien youth through education, leadership development, and cultural connection. The conference continues to inspire the next generation by providing a platform for cultural pride and academic growth. By fostering educational opportunities and cultural identity, the conference has become a cornerstone of youth empowerment within the community.