The Montagnard Dega Association (MDA) is a non-profit organization formed in 1987 by Dega people to assist with the resettlement of Dega refugees in the United States. The North Carolina Division of Social Services recognizes MDA as a refugee service provider. MDA works in cooperation with local refugee mutual assistance agencies, national, state and local government, churches, community groups and refugee resettlement agencies throughout North Carolina.

We are based in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA, with a satellite office in Charlotte, NC. This region represents the largest population of Montagnards outside our Central Highlands homeland in Vietnam. Historically MDA has focused its efforts on helping the Montagnard people living in NC. In the last few years it became apparent that our experience and knowledge was needed to help refugees from all over southeast Asia and MDA began expanding its services to all newly arrived refugees from southeast Asia.

Our services include English and citizenship classes, transportation assistance, employment training, job development and follow up, interpretation and translation and case management. Our goal is to assist our clients in achieving self-sufficiency which includes adjustment to life in the USA, being self-reliant, contributing members in their neighborhoods and communities, and  ultimately earning American citizenship.

Agency History

The Montagnard Dega Association (MDA) is a non-profit organization formed in 1987 to assist Montagnard refugees resettle in the United States. MDA works in cooperation with many local refugee assistance agencies, churches, community groups, other voluntary resettlement agencies throughout North Carolina and state and local governments.

Open Door Policy

• No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are welcome.
• Social services for clients who have been in the United States less than five years are provided free of charge.
• Transportation and/or in-home services are available upon request for those who cannot come on their own to the office.

Eligibility

Refugees and asylees from southeast Asia are eligible to receive services. It is the policy of MDA to offer services to any and all southeast Asian refugees. Each client is required to sign a Clients Right Form which verifies the client understands his/her rights when requesting and accepting social services provided by MDA and provide documentation of their refugee/asylee status from USCIS. Acceptable documentation includes an I-94 card, greencard or asylum approval letter.

Refugees who have become naturalized citizens and minors under 18, unless seeking employment or are on their own (emancipated) are not eligible for services from MDA.