As 2007 comes to a close, Operation USA looks forward to the year ahead as we get underway supporting new projects. Our commitment to Cambodia, which began in 1979 with OpUSA’s first airlift delivering aid to famine victims, continues down new avenues of relief and development work with trusted Cambodian partners. Our goals for 2008 include meeting long term needs through vocational training, support for urban and rural healthcare and capacity building. We hope you will join us in our efforts. Highlighted below are the some of the new Cambodia projects.

Livelihoods Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities: Operation USA is partnering with Cambodia Trust to offer sustainable livelihood and agricultural training and development programs to persons with disabilities and their families in rural and urban areas. The project is designed to secure a mainstream approach to development in which all people within the communities are invited to participate.

Counseling Center for Vulnerable Women and Children: Our partner, Nyemo Cambodia, offers a drop-in center which aims to provide support for families headed by HIV+ women. The services provided include HIV/AIDS counseling, maternal-child support, improved access to healthcare, psychological support, basic education for women, vocational training, and a foster family program.

Social and Mental Health Services Program: Operation USA is supporting Social Services Cambodia (SSC), the first mental health program in Cambodia to provide community based services. With five full time social workers, supplemented by four half-time staff, SSC serves an average caseload of 300 people. The program works with people to help them find their own strengths and seek ways to better cope with an overwhelming array of problems in an effort to achieve a higher quality of life.

To support these new programs in Cambodia, or to donate to other long term relief and development programs, please click here.