The KWA Story
KWA was founded by Kim Nam Hui, the Korean wife of an American serviceman. Kim and other immigrant wives came together to share meals and encourage one another. Their first fundraisers included selling favorite Korean foods to other immigrants living at Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base. Eventually KWA members were able to provide them with transportation needs, translation services and support to the women suffering from domestic violence.
In 1979 the organization received its non-profit status and first grant from Washington State. The next year, services were expanded to other Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants and refugees.
Word of KWA’s cross-cultural compassion spread quickly. For more than 45 years, KWA has embraced its role to provide much needed services to an under served community. From a single part-time employee in a 500 square-foot office, KWA now has 1,200 employees with offices in 11 Western Washington counties offering a multitude of services. Visit our website kwacares.org for a complete listing and information on seeking aid from KWA.
