Brief History

The Hmong Association, Inc. (HAI) is a 501(3)(c) Tax-Exempt Non-Profit Organization established in Benton County, Arkansas in 2006 due to the sudden increase of the Hmong population and in need of social services.

The Hmong came from Laos as former refugees to the United States after the Vietnam War in 1975. Hmong were involved in the US Secret War in Laos under the direction of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to disrupt the Hochiminh Supply Line and rescue shot down US pilots along the Laos-Vietnam border. Today many Hmong are settled across the US and some are now resettling in the Northwest Arkansas, Northwest Oklahoma, and Southwest Missouri.

The Hmong Association, Inc. provides Hmong cultural programs which includes but not limited to Hmong Languages Classes, Hmong Cultural Classes, and Family Consultation. It also provides community support services which includes (1) collaboration with local, state and Federal Agencies to promote education and cultural awareness; (2) liaison between schools and Law Enforcement Agencies; (3) family support services/unity; and (4) health advocacy

Hmong Association, Inc. also sponsors the NE Arkansas & NW Oklahoma New Year Celebration annually and the Memorial Weekend Sports Tournament.

Last updated October 25, 2010