Hmong Youth and Parents United

Hmong Youth and Parents United (HYPU) is a nonprofit organization based in North Sacramento that began in 2008 as a grassroots effort by parents seeking more cultural programming for their children. Over time, HYPU has grown into a community-driven organization dedicated to advocacy, support, and empowerment.

HYPU provides a variety of programs and services, including youth and healing circles, senior support initiatives, health equity efforts through community health workers, and cultural and performing arts programming. The organization prioritizes youth engagement, offering a platform for young people to become community leaders.

With the support of its team, Board of Directors, advisors, donors, and volunteers, HYPU is committed to breaking barriers, building connections, and linking underserved communities to vital resources to improve their overall well-being.

♦Senior Programming 

HYPU’s Senior Program provides a culturally sensitive safe space for Hmong Seniors who experience isolation and trauma; therefore, improving their social welfare. Through intentional sessions focused on mental health awareness and physical well-being, we help our elders navigate depression and the long-term effects of trauma. Your support helps us sustain these vital activities and provide regular meals, ensuring our seniors remain connected, healthy, and respected.

♦Cultural Arts and Performance 

Hmong Youth and Parents United, through innovative strategies and immersive experiences, preserves Hmong history, language, and cultural arts, creating learning opportunities for future generations. Our programs go beyond simple instruction; we offer free public classes and community events that bring our traditions to life. By bridging the gap between elders and youth, we ensure that the richness of Hmong heritage is not only remembered but actively practiced and celebrated.

♦Disparity Prevention Awareness 

Systemic disparities often go unaddressed due to cultural stigmas and complex institutional barriers. HYPU’s Disparity Prevention Program doesn’t just identify these gaps—we close them. Through a hands-on model of advocacy and resource navigation, we ensure that marginalized families aren't just "aware" of resources, but are actually empowered to access them. We provide culturally specific education that dismantles the shame often associated with seeking help for mental health or financial instability. Our team works side-by-side with community members to navigate healthcare, housing, and social services that are often gatekept by language barriers. By collaborating with local partners, we create a unified front against inequality, transforming "marginalized groups" into informed, resilient leaders.

♦Youth Program

Recognized as the 2023 Gold Winner and 2024 Silver Winner for Best Youth Development Program by the Sacramento Bee, HYPU is the premier hub for Hmong youth leadership. We don’t just offer activities; we provide a roadmap for success through mentorship, civic engagement, and cultural enrichment. Our curriculum helps youth navigate the complexities of identity while building professional skills. We empower students to become proactive contributors to society, bridging the gap between classroom learning and community leadership.

♦Scholarship

Education is the most powerful tool for community elevation, yet financial hurdles often stand in the way of Hmong students' dreams. HYPU’s Scholarship Program is dedicated to supporting resilient scholars of Hmong descent who have the talent and drive but lack the resources to pursue higher education. Many of our scholars are first-generation college students navigating the high costs of tuition, books, and housing. These scholarships recognize students who have overcome significant challenges, providing them with the "last-mile" funding needed to cross the finish line. 100% of your scholarship donation goes directly toward empowering a student to break the cycle of poverty and achieve academic excellence.