To provide multi-cultural, multi-lingual social and human services to underserved populations and advocate respect to all.

History of Korean Women's Association

In 1972 a small group of Korean women leaders of Pierce County, Washington, came together to address the needs of Korean wives of American servicemen. This small group of concerned women leaders founded a registered 501 © (3) private, non profit organization called the Korean Women's Association of Washington State (KWA). In 1972 many Korean wives of American servicemen needed a Korean-oriented support group to help them feel at home, made up of other women who spoke their language, enjoyed their foods, shared the same culture and customs, and who could assist them in adapting to the American way of living. Domestic violence was one of the very first issues KWA had to deal with in helping many Korean wives of American servicemen.

In the early 1980s the Korean Women's Association began to expand its services to meet the needs of Asian Pacific Islander immigrants and refugees, especially those with language and cultural barriers. In the late 1980s the KWA reached out to the general public to assist the poor, elders, low-income families, disabled individuals, immigrants, refugees and persons whose English is limited or nonexistent. Today KWA offers a multifaceted program of services tailored to minority populations, yet available to all in Pierce, King Snohomish, Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Cowlitz, Clark and Pacific county residents.

The Korean Women's Association of Washington State has emerged as Pierce County's leader in innovative programs designed to enhance the quality of life for Asian Pacific Americans and other minority citizens in the Northwest. Many minorities face barriers of racism, language, poverty and vulnerability, and struggle with a limited understanding of and access to available services.KWA provides a helping hand, protection, and a pathway to inclusion and full participation in community life.

The Korean Women's Association has accomplished a tremendous amount in the past 37 years since the first group of women gathered in 1972. The association has active programs in six western Washington counties and provides referral and networking services throughout the state. Its budget has grown from nothing more than what individual women could donate, in the early days, to a current amount of $20 million annually. Most impressive, however, is the amazing 80,000 hours of service and 10,000 clients per month (documented) and still growing, for this reflects the heart of the association - care and assistance for individuals when their need is greatest.

KWA offers the best in ethnic-based programming, providing children through seniors with opportunities for socialization and integration with people of similar interest, backgrounds and languages.

KWA does not discriminate against anyone because of color, race, religion, sex, natural origin, handicap or veteran status.