Atlanta, Georgia, February 17, 2010 - Through the support of the Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI), BPSOS will undertake health research in a community setting that is both responsive and relevant to one of the most pressing health needs we have identified among the underserved Vietnamese community of Greater Atlanta: disproportionately high rates of hepatitis B.

One key focus of BPSOS-Atlanta's mission of community empowerment is the protection and promotion of the health of vulnerable individuals, of families, and of our community as a whole. "This new public health research project will build on BPSOS’ national track record of addressing the most pressing health disparities of Vietnamese communities around the country," said Trinh Pham, BPSOS-Atlanta Branch Manager. "We are grateful of the strong support from the CTSI."

Human trafficking is an issue of great concern to Vietnamese Americans and a global dilemma worldwide. So, how can lawyers and advocates help in assisting victims of human trafficking? In an effort to find out, 39 young professionals and civic leaders gathered at Nha Viet Civic Center on January 29, 2010 for a legal training on immigration relief for victims of human trafficking and related crimes.

“Our city of Houston is a major corridor and hub of human trafficking, and many of our attorneys, with their legal talent and commitment to justice, can play a big part in addressing this social and community problem,” said BPSOS staff attorney Vinh Ho, who facilitated the training event and conducted the “Fundamentals of Immigration” workshop.

Anne Chandler, Director of the Tahirih Justice Center, presents on the Ethics of Representing Victims to pro bono attorneys at Nha Viet on January 29, 2010. (photo of BPSOS)

Falls Church, Virginia – BPSOS enters its 4th decade of operation with a new name, new mission, and new priorities.

Formerly Boat People S.O.S., the organization has changed its name to BPSOS to reflect its new mission, which is to “empower, organize, and equip Vietnamese individuals and communities in their pursuit of liberty and dignity.”

Philadelphia, PA – December is an eventful month for the students at South Philadelphia High. It is also a memorable and uplifting experience for the Asian students who were victimized in a series of racially motivated attacks but stood up together to turn a new page for all students at their school.

Houston, Texas – On Thursday, November 5, 2010, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved new rules permitting water spinach farming in Texas on the condition that growers obtain permits from the state. The new regulation is a compromising solution balancing economic and cultural interests of Asian Americans and environmental protection concerns.

Houston, Texas – Facing the possibility of water spinach being banned in Texas, Asian American communities have come together to defend a popular staple in their traditional diet but considered a noxious weed by the federal government.

As part of a statewide advocacy campaign, BPSOS-Houston, in collaboration with other leading Asian Pacific American community organizations, held a town meeting followed by a press conference on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 ahead of a critical meeting of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission that will decide on whether to allow the farming of water spinach. This decision will affect not only the livelihood of water spinach growers and consumers, but also the state economy.

The press conference were well attended by water spinach growers and covered by local and national media. (photo of BPSOS)

Houston, Texas – BPSOS, in collaboration with other leading Asian Pacific American community organizations, will hold two press conferences on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 to discuss the proposed water spinach regulation and its impact on local growers, restaurants, grocery stores, the Asian American community in general, and the State of Texas.

DATE: Wednesday, October 21, 2009

TIME: 11AM (English panel) & 6PM (Vietnamese panel)

WHO: Dr. Thang Nguyen, Executive Director of BPSOS, Inc. State Representative Hubert Vo (D-TX) Ms. Yani Keo Rose, former president of the Cambodian American Community of Texas Representatives from the Vietnamese American National Chamber of Commerce and the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Houston

WHERE: Viet Civic Center (Nha Viet) 11360 Bellaire Blvd. Ste. 900, Houston, TX 77072

Amy Nguyen and Cassady Le

To mark the 4-year anniversary and 1-year passing since the devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Ike, respectively, the BPSOS Houston Branch proudly sponsored the film screening of the Independent Lens series’ “A Village Called Versailles,” a powerful documentary highlighting story of the tightly-knit Vietnamese community in New Orleans East.

Brooke Ha

It was the first time we had a mammogram mobile unit in our Vietnamese community. In the beginning it was challenging for Boat People SOS (BPSOS) in Louisville but in the end it proved yet to be another successful event for us.

Cassady Le

August 4th, 2009 – Anahuac and Oak Island is a small area in Chambers County where resources is not as abundant. Several families in this area have not received enough assistance to get back on their feet. Amongst those families, one family’s perseverance stood out above the rest.

Declared the third costliest hurricane, Ike wiped out many homes and left many stranding in water. Mr. N’s home was amongst the foundation that is left after Ike passed through. “When my family and I returned, we couldn’t find our house. It was just a cement field with piles of bricks on top,” Mr. N described.