SEATTLE, Washington–Vu Le has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Vietnamese Friendship Association (VFA).

"Vu Le’s experience in social services and community advocacy will help the VFA grow to effectively address issues of youth and families,” said Kim Long Nguyen, VFA’s Board President. “We are excited about passing the torch to someone who is dynamic, passionate, and highly skilled."

Le is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned both a BA in Psychology and a Master's in Social Work. He joined VFA in 2005, and served two terms as a member of the Dan Than Corps, which translates to “be the change.” The Dan Than Corps is a program of (the National Alliance of Vietnamese American Service Agencies (NAVASA).

As a Dan Than member, Le was responsible for the design and implementation of VFA’s Family Empowerment Program. His role in strengthening VFA’s organizational capacity has secured the agency nearly $200,000 in new and re-established funding from the City of Seattle Human Services Department, Department of Neighborhoods, United Way, and Seattle Public Schools.

"We are pleased to partner with the VFA to provide culturally and linguistically responsive youth tutoring services in the New Holly community," said Patricia McInturff, director of Seattle Human Services Department.

VFA, a 501(c)(3) organization, has served the Vietnamese American immigrant and refugee communities in Seattle since 1978. Since 2004, VFA has focused primarily on ensuring Vietnamese school-age children and youth receive quality education to succeed in life. In the fall of 2007, the organization plans to implement a parent advocacy program to provide case management services and training to low-income Vietnamese parents.

For more information about VFA's programs, how to volunteer, and to donate, please call the office at (206) 760-1573. For more information about NAVASA and the Dan Than Corps, visit www.navasa.org