July 1975
Cambodian Association of Illinois was established in Downer Grove, Illinois. President, General Sor Boun; Vice President, Yokuy Khoun; Secretary, Prak Sunary. This organization last (July 1975- May 30, 1976) due to internal organization changes.
Cambodian Association of Illinois joined efforts with Cambodian Association of American to establish the “Cambodian Federation Association” in Iowa in September 1975 to respond the Cambodian refugee resettlements under US State Department. The “Khmer Cluster Project” was formed to bring thousands of Cambodian refugees from Thailand and Philippines to resettle in different states across USA.
Cambodian Association of America, Illinois Chapter, established in May 30, 1976 at Glen Ellyn, Illinois. President, Prak Sunary; Vice President, Kompha Seth; Secretary, Khoun Lorn. This organization last (May 30, 1976 – March 1, 1983)
Under Refugee Act 1980, signed into law by President Jimmy Carter; the office of the Cambodian Association was opened, 1105 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60640, to provide comprehensive social services to Cambodian refugees in uptown areas; in cooperation with “Cambodian Federation Association/ Khmer Cluster Project”.
MAA (Mutual Assistance Association) was created. Thanks to Department of Public Aid/ Dr. Edwin B. Silverman; Jewish Federation/ Pamela Sue Burt for assisting MAA Development. Sometimes, Cambodian Association was called
“Cambodian MAA”.
October 1980
In October 1980, Mr. Sunary Prak was hired to be the first Full time Executive Director, and half time Secretary, Ms. Nara Chan, under Presidency of Mr. Nhek Nhim, 1105 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60640.
November 1981
Mr. Kompha Seth was requested by the CAI Board of Directors to second Executive Director to temporarily assist the organization. With the hope that if situation would be better, he would go back to Asian Human Service of Chicago where he was working.
1983
While under Chhun Chip’s Presidency, Cambodian Association of America, Illinois Chapter, changed its name into “Cambodian Association of Illinois”
1984
Cambodian Association of Illinois was one of founding members of CLESE (Coalition of Limited English-Speaking Elderly) to senior population who could not speak English.
1986
Received retirement Research Foundation grant, CAI opened Senior Home Care Program to serve Cambodian seniors in Chicago areas.
October 1988
Cambodian Association of Illinois hosted first national Cambodian conference at Ramada Inn, O’Hare, Illinois to establish “National Cambodian Network Council”. President, Dr. Kol Pheng.
Decemeber 1999
CAI’s office was moved to 2831 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60625 in Lincoln Square area.
2000
Receveid Grant from Retirement Research Foundation; CAI was funded to conduct (1) Community needs Assessment focused on senior/survivors; (2) Board and staff Development; and (3) Senior Drop-In Center.
2001
Capital Campaign for “Hope & Renewal” to build Killing Fields Memorial as part of Senior Drop-In Center.
2003
Cambodian Association of Illinois was one of founding members of NKHAHI (National Khmer American Health Initiative) based in Connecticut to explore national funding, in cooperation with Cambodian Social Service Organizations, to serve national genocide survivors.
2004
Cambodian American Heritage Museum and Killing Fields memorial opened exhibits for public review.
2010
Mrs. Dary Mien, young leadership, was promoted to be the third Executive Director.
Cambodian Association of Illinois, in Chicago, hosted an establishment of NCAO (National Cambodian American Organization) based in Vancouver, State of Washington.
2015
Mr. Kompha Seth was requested, once more, to temporarily assist the Cambodian Association of Illinois while seeking his replacement.
Cambodian Heritage Museum and killing Fields Memorial separated its (501) (c) 3 status from CAI. Its new name is “National Cambodian Heritage Museum and Killing Fields Memorial”
2015-2021
CAI took a major step to assure financial stability and its legacies for younger generations (1) by ending the mortgage of the building at 2831 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60625. (2) by launching the Cambodian history targeting young generations, that linked to Khmer pride, Khmer identity, through the works of Khmer ancient inscriptions to both in USA and in Cambodia.
