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Montagnard Association helps refugees settle into the Triad

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — World Refugee Day is coming up on June 20. It honors refugees who've settled into new homes around the world, and many of them have chosen the Piedmont Triad to start their new lives. One of the largest refugee groups comes from the central highlands of Vietnam. The Montagnards allied with U.S. troops during the Vietnam War, then immigrated to the U.S. The largest population is here in North Carolina. The Montagnard Association of North Carolina, formerly called the Montagnard Dega Association, helps those refugees start over while preserving their culture. 'We're a nonprofit that specializes in immigrants and refugees who have been here in Greensboro for less than five years,' says Sachi Dely, a case worker for the Montagnard Association. 'However, we do help people who have been here for five years or more as long as they are under that status of refugee or asylum….We help with a bunch of things like employment and case management. Our main goal is to help with self sufficiency.' Dely says they assist refugees by teaching them work skills and helping them find employment while remaining connected with their cultural heritage. Community health worker Satta Sedi Johnson says she helps refugees sign up for health insurance and social service programs. As a refugee herself, she understands the challenge. 'Some people do not speak English,' she says. 'Some of them have limited access, they're not educated. Some of them they are educated, but they do not know how to navigate.' Pastor Brince Mushunju agrees. Coming to a new country can be tough. 'So, we know what it means to be a refugee,' he says. 'We know the struggles and the challenges, especially the trauma they go through. So they love coming here to our office because they believe that we understand their situation.' The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro helps the nonprofit provide training through a community grant. It's also trying to secure funds to purchase 15 acres of land that would serve as a center with gardens and amenities such as a soccer field. If you want more information, . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.