As the treasurer on the Board of Directors for Helping Link/Một Dấu Nối, I wanted to take this opportunity to share my Helping Link/Một Dấu Nối journey with you and provide a few updates.

Let’s go back to 2010, where my journey began.

Early in my career, I took a chance and responded to an advertisement about a volunteer opportunity at Helping Link/Một Dấu Nối posted on the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants website. As a new accountant, I was looking to build my resume. In the back of my mind, I also wanted to help an organization that resonated with me. Helping Link/Một Dấu Nối checked both those boxes: It served an underserved refugee and immigrant population and it looked good on my resume. At the time, I don’t think I knew what impact my time would have on a small nonprofit.

Over time, I have come to realize that Helping Link/Một Dấu Nối simply would not be what it is today without the commitment of its volunteers. Giving back can be truly rewarding, especially when the outcomes are tangible. The direct services Helping Link/Một Dấu Nối provides make a positive difference in the trajectory of people’s lives.

Fast forward to today, our organization survived COVID-19 through the hard work and perseverance of our Executive Director Minh-Duc and many volunteers; Unfortunately, Helping Link/Một Dấu Nối’s former location in Seattle International District “Little Saigon” did not. As you can imagine, our organization will need to continue to evolve to best serve the needs of Vietnamese refugee and immigrants and the greater community.

Rest assured, Helping Link/Một Dấu Nối is going strong. It is an exciting time for us as we are opening a new community hub in Renton. We are reinvigorated and excited to continue to work to serve our clients, but we cannot do this without you, our supporters.

Helping Link/Một Dấu Nối needs volunteers and the support of local leaders more than ever. Will you join me in being part of Helping Link/Một Dấu Nối’s future in a way that makes sense for you?

 Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at msmith@helpinglink.org if you are interested in volunteering or joining the board.

Mary Kwan Smith

Helping Link/Một Dấu Nối Board Member–Treasurer