History
Karen community organizing in Philadelphia started in 2008 after the first wave of Karen refugees arrived. Observing the challenges faced by Karen speakers in accessing resettlement services, previously resettled Burmese immigrants initiated efforts to support them. Our organization comprises Karen community leaders actively engaged in community development since 2008, along with a small network of supportive allies cultivated over the years.
For close to a decade we have been working with city organizations to offer programs to the our Karen community. We have successfully piloted language classes, citizenship classes, youth mentorship programs, and cultural heritage programs offered piecemeal across different Philadelphia nonprofit organizations. As more Karen refugees have arrived, and many who have been in Philadelphia for years still struggle with basic accessibility issues, we identified the need for a Karen-led organization and founded KCAP in 2024. KCAP is the first and only Karen led social services and cultural heritage organization in Philadelphia.
Why we are needed:
Karen refugees arrive in the US from an average length of 17 years protracted displacement in under-resourced Thai refugee camps, often lacking experience living with electricity, running water, paved roads, and computer technology. Most Karen refugees having minimal English proficiency, and little or no experience with formal education. Within a few months of arrival in the United states, adults are required to find employment, leading the majority of the community to take on jobs in industrial and meatpacking sectors, with little opportunity for upward economic mobility.
Language barriers compounded by trauma associated with interfacing with government institutions hinder our community's access to resources and programs dispersed across different institutions. Our team of trained interpreters and resource navigators serve as bridges to connect Karen community members to services and provide accompaniment and support throughout the entire process.
Mission, Vision and Values
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The Karen Community Association of Philadelphia (KCAP)’s mission is to empower and uplift Karen refugees in Philadelphia by preserving Karen culture and language, supporting our community’s access to essential services, and and creating safe community gathering spaces.
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Our vision is for Karen and other Myanmar refugees to have access to sustainable community driven support systems that treat social, environmental, cultural, and technical challenges as interconnected and ensures that all Karen people, especially those most vulnerable to institutional neglect can access the resources they need to thrive.
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In collaboration with partner organizations, we organize arts programs, elder-support groups, community farming, school-based intergenerational cooking events, community celebrations, language and citizenship classes, youth mentorship, and peer to peer support adjusting to the complexities of life in Philadelphia. KCAP’s goal is to build the systems and tools necessary for nurture a welcoming and safe community space where Karen and other Myanmar refugee families can support one another, honor their traditions, and build community for generations to come.