The East Meets West Foundation (EMW) is “the foundation for learning, healing and health." EMW's work reflects the belief that every person deserves access to clean water, proper medical treatment and a solid education. Without these fundamental elements of a good life, children cannot thrive and adults cannot be fully productive members of society.

Founded in 1988, EMW has a 21-year track record of innovative and effective work in Vietnam and a vast portfolio of completed projects. EMW projects and programs are known for their high quality, long-term sustainability, emphasis on results and significant scale.

Mission Statement

The East Meets West Foundation transforms the health, education and communities of disadvantaged people in Southeast Asia by building partnerships, developing opportunities and creating sustainable solutions.

Program Areas
The East Meets West Foundation’s core programs focus on providing impoverished children and families with a good education, clean water, vital medical care and social infrastructure.

Key programs include a program to heal heart defects in children (Operation Healthy Heart), a scholarship program to prevent school dropout (SPELL), a dental program, support for people with disabilities and an innovative Clean Water Program that brings piped water to over a hundred thousand people in Vietnam.

EMW is also partnering with Atlantic Philanthropies to build key components of Vietnam’s medical and educational infrastructure, including university libraries and general hospitals.

Locations

USA : Oakland, CA
Vietnam offices: Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Thai Binh, Kon Tum, Quang Ngai

 

Executive Leadership

Dr. Peter Singer, Chairman of the Board
Eric Hemel, Treasurer of the Board
John Anner, Executive Director
Minh Chau Nguyen, Country Director
Mark Conroy, Senior Advisor
Nguyen Thi Minh Thu, Program Development Director
Ann Truong, Chief Financial Officer

 

Key Statistics*

Number of employees: approximately 100
Annual Consolidated Operating Budget for 2009: $26 million

 

Geography of Program Areas

EMW works in 90% of Vietnam's provinces, with most of the program work concentrated in central Vietnam.

Funding

EMW has a number of institutional grantors, corporate donors and individual donors which together form a unique partnership with the people of Southeast Asia.

History

East Meets West was born from one woman's dream of helping to heal the wounds of war between the United States and Vietnam. In 1988, LeLy Hayslip, whose life story was chronicled in two books she wrote and in Oliver Stone's film, Heaven and Earth, returned to her village of Ky La in Central Vietnam to plant the seeds of peace and start the process of healing she so much desired. From the cornerstones of LeLy's early projects - Mothers Love Pediatric Clinic and Peace Village Medical Center - East Meets West has grown to be a highly respected non-government organization (NGO) in Vietnam. Although LeLy is no longer with East Meets West, the people of Vietnam will always be grateful for her vision and gifts. In the early 1990's, a grant from USAID (United States Agency for International Development) allowed East Meets West to construct the Village of Hope, a safe haven for 150 at-risk children from Central Vietnam.

For more info

For more information, contact our Communications Department by email or call us at 1-800-561-3378.