In April of 1975 NghiaSinh began a new life in Chicago as a sponsor and reception agency (VOLAG) for Southeast Asian refugees. From 1975 to 1987, NghiaSinh resettled hundreds of refugees and newcomers from Cambodia, Hong Kong, Lao, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
NghiaSinh had subcontracts from the U.S. Department of State via the AFCR. These funds were used partly for providing direct financial assistance to newly arrived refugees and partly for paying part-time staff. This resettlement work involved airport pickups; food and housing for the first 30 days; escort; link-up with social security; access to health clinics, schools, and public aid; access and linkage to previously resettled refugees.
Each and every refugee sponsored by NghiaSinh received $250 in cash upon arrival. In addition, each refugee received $50 as a wedding gift and $50 for family funeral assistance. More than 70 percent of the refugees are now working and more than 20 percent are attending colleges while another 10 percent are taking retirement.
On Thanksgiving Day each year, refugees sponsored by NghiaSinh get together to thank for God’s blessing, to share life experience with one another, and to enjoy an Asian American dinner.