ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES The Story of David and Kim Tran
For over nine years, David Tran was a political prisoner in Vietnam. He and his wife Kim escaped to the United States, with no more than $23 and a strong work ethic. Teachers in Vietnam, they had to discover a way to survive in a new country, learn a new language, and live in a new culture. Working three jobs between the two of them, they earned and saved enough to open a business. Not knowing where and how to begin, David sought out UPAC's Multicultural Economic Development staff, Joseph Dynh. Joseph guided David and his wife through the complicated process of opening a business in San Diego. With patience and persistence, the Trans opened the Kim Dung Tailor Shop. Eight years later, the shop still exists, a testament to the Trans entrepreneurial spirit and courage to move towards self sufficiency.
David Tran pictured with UPAC MED Coordinator Joseph Dynh in front of David's business, Kim Dung Tailoring Entrepreneurship Multi-Cultural Economic Development (MED) Project
In collaboration with the City of San Diego's Office of Small Business, the program provides limited-English speaking entrepreneurs with culturally and linguistically appropriate business assistance services. The program provides entrepreneurship training, networking opportunities with other professionals and business owners, technical assistance with bilingual capabilities to successfully start, sustain and or expand businesses thereby creating jobs in targeted areas of the city. - Language Capabilities:
- Vietnamese, Cambodian, Lao, Thai, and English
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- Contact:
- 3288 El Cajon, Ste 5
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 325-0284
Multicultural Economic Development Alumni Network UPAC is currently forming a network of MED graduates. This network will assist other upcoming MED participants with knowledge, experience, donations, and social support. Employment
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Individuals and families receiving public assistance and or SSI, or those who are low income Central and East San Diego residents are assisted in overcoming barriers to self-sufficiency, and increasing economic independence and stability through provision of the following: emergency food, clothes, and other resources; case management; problem solving skill training to resolve situations contributing to instability in their lives; and job development and placement.
The training focuses on client strengths and skill development in the following areas: budgeting, job readiness, resume writing, job interviewing, positive parenting skills, problem solving, household management, and community resources. - Language Capabilities:
- Vietnamese, Chaldean, Arabic, Russian, and English
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- Contact:
- 5348 University Avenue, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 229-2999
Homeownership
Homeownership Outreach & Education Project
San Diego's Pan Asian refugee and immigrant populations are assisted through the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach, education and counseling to raise the awareness about the benefits of homeownership, and to assist potential buyers to become well informed about the purchase process. Education specialists provide 1) workshops and seminars on home-buying, access to credit, financial literacy, and fair housing, 2) one-on-one counseling, 3) outreach in the workplace and at community events, 4) development and dissemination of articles in ethnic publications, and 5) hosting of a weekly half-hour radio show. - Language Capabilities:
- Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and English
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- Contact:
- 1031 25th St
San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 232-6454
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