Who We Are
The Good Leaves Protect The Worn-Out
Mental Illness and Physical Disabilities
Masses and Prayers for Benefactors
HONG AN CHARITY ASSOCIATION
HISTORY
The Hong An Charity Association, also known as “Hong-An”, was formed in late 2011. It was started by a small group of priests and religious Sisters residing in Vietnam and the United States with the help and guidance from friends and acquaintances. These priests and religious shared the ambition to relieve the suffering of Christ’s people, the poorest of the poor. Anxious to do good works, the Association adopted the slogan, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”
TAX STATUS
The Hong an Association has its roots in the Kontum Mission and Friendship (KMF) under the guidance and encouragement of the President, Msgr. Joseph Hoang Minh Thang (Rome), who also serves on the Executive Board of KMF. The Hong An Charity Association is a non-profit organization. The Federal Tax ID number is #42-1757220. Be assured that your donation—whether large or small—is fully tax deductible.
PARTNERS IN VIETNAM
Since 2009 the following Sisters serve the poor in Vietnam:
From the North of Vietnam
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- Sisters of Mary Queen of Bui-Chu
- Daughters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Bui-Chu
- Dominican Sisters of Bac-Ninh
- Dominican Sisters of Thai-Binh
- Sisters of the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Hung-Hoa
- Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres of Lang-Son
- Daughters of Our Lady of Unity of Bac-Ninh
- Association of Dominican Sisters of the Good News of Nghe-An
From the Central of Vietnam:
- Association of Sisters of the Witness to Faith of Lam Dong
- Sisters of the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Hue
- Daughters of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal of Kontum
- Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary of Nha Trang
From the South of Vietnam:
13. Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena of Xuan-Loc
14. Sisters of the Lovers of the Holy Cross of My-Tho
Each group serves a different part of the needy population so that the Hong An Association reaches all in need; especially the elderly, lepers, the mentally ill and disabled persons living in remote areas.
The Hong An Association aspires to bring to meet the material needs of the poor, but as importantly, to provide them the spiritual gifts of consolation, encouragement, and care so they can better cope with the challenges of their unfortunate circumstances. The Sisters are selfless in their work with the poor. They provide not just the material necessities but also personal visits and encouragement.
This important work requires the collaboration of many different congregations spread over many geographical areas and all working by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Each Order often has many convents in various areas of the country, mainly in poor areas.
SUPPORT PROGRAMS
The Rice Program
The purpose of this program is to provide 10 kilograms of rice (at a cost of $5) for the poor whose disabilities prevent them from working, especially the elderly, lepers, the mentally ill, those born with defects, or suffering from paralysis. Some of these poor people struggle every day by begging and also by digging through garbage heaps to find edible scraps.
This program carefully screens recipients according to their need.
The Emergency Help Program
The purpose of this program is to help the poor according to immediate needs and circumstances. For instance, during the cold weather the Hong An Association provides warm blankets and clothing to those suffering from the cold. Financial support is also provided to families of young children based on needs such as medicine or food.
Note: All financial support sent by benefactors of the Hong An Association is sent to Vietnam four times a year (January, April, July, and October) so that it can be promptly used to serve the needs of the poor.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Hong An Association and the Sisters in Vietnam assist regardless of religion or ethnicity. The devotion of the Hong An Association and the Sisters transcends any of those considerations. The Sisters choose to live in dire poverty like the people they serve. They look at everyone with eyes of love, lead by the passage:
“All are children of the Lord; they are brothers of mine.”
The Hong An Association hopes that all this work will help resolve current difficulties for the less fortunate and give encouragement and joy to them also.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Monsignor Joseph Hoang Minh Thang
(Rome, Italy)
General Secretary: Lily Hoang
(Houston, TX)
Treasurer: Mr. Dao Van Duc
(West Covina, CA)
Hong An Association Director: Jennie Ngoc
(Houston, TX)
