Dignity Living CEO: We Are Cambodian American and the Time to Change Our Survivor Status Is Now

For decades, the Cambodian American community has carried the weight of its past—a history defined by survival against unimaginable odds. But today, Jeff Lam, CEO of Dignity Living and a prominent community mentor, is urging a transformation—a true shift in mindset that goes far beyond charity or nostalgic remembrance.

“We are not Cambodian. We are not simply Americans. We are the Cambodian American community,” Lam asserts, encapsulating the dual identity that he believes should drive the future.

“We’re on the cusp of great change,” Lam says. “But it’s up to us to shape what that change looks like. Will we remain stuck in a cycle of blame and victimhood? Or will we honor the resilience of our ancestors by shifting our mindset toward one of success, ownership, and contribution to this country?”

While the Cambodian American community has its share of success stories, many of those who achieve personal success leave, creating a void in the very places that need them most. This absence of role models reinforces a cycle where young people struggle to envision a future beyond poverty, low-income jobs, and government assistance.

Lam understands this firsthand. He once distanced himself from his Cambodian roots, driven by a desire to escape the struggles he saw growing up. But as he built his career and engaged in mentorship, he began to see the impact of staying connected. “The day I looked back to my community—the day I mentored just one person—it changed everything for me. Seeing someone from my community thrive because of the support I could offer made me realize I could never just focus on myself again,” he states.

Lam has since committed to expanding mentorship efforts, creating opportunities for young Cambodian Americans to connect with successful individuals who can guide them. His vision becomes clearer every day, with one thing in mind: the community must build itself up from within rather than waiting for outside intervention.

The Cambodian American community is not the only one that has struggled; many other immigrant communities have faced similar challenges in the past. However, Lam has seen a clear distinction in how different groups have responded with resilience-driven success. “Look at communities that have faced hardship. They came together, helped each other, built businesses, and created generational wealth. They didn’t let their history define them; they used it as fuel,” he says.

For Cambodian Americans, the struggle has often been compounded by systemic barriers. Despite being categorized as Asian Americans—a demographic that statistically overperforms in income and education—the reality is completely different for Cambodians. Many remain in low-income neighborhoods, dependent on welfare programs, and caught in cycles of financial stagnation. For some, the fear of losing government assistance discourages them from pursuing better opportunities. If earning an extra few hundred dollars means losing food stamps or subsidized housing, the incentive to push forward weakens.

Lam describes a common trap: “If someone is getting $800 a month in welfare but working a full-time job only brings in $1,200, the immediate thought is, ‘Why should I work?’ That short-term mindset ignores the long-term growth opportunity that could come from building a career, gaining skills, and increasing income over time.”

Then there’s the influence of fast money. In many Cambodian American communities, the most visible success stories are not doctors or entrepreneurs but individuals who have made quick money. “When the guy who made his money through illegal means has a flashy car and expensive jewelry, while the hardworking student can barely afford bus fare, what message does that send to our youth?” asks Lam.

 For him, the solution is clear: mentorship, community reinvestment, and an unwavering commitment to changing the way Cambodian Americans see themselves. “We survived unimaginable horrors,” Lam says. “No food, no water, forced labor, torture. If we apply that same survival instinct to the opportunities in front of us today, we will be unstoppable. Through this, we could all live the true American Dream.” His goal is to connect successful Cambodian Americans with those still finding their way, ensuring that the next generation has tangible role models to look up to.

 As Cambodian Americans enter their third generation in the U.S., Lam offers a reminder: “To disregard what it means to be American is to disrespect the country that gave us a future. But to erase our heritage is to dishonor the sacrifices of our ancestors. The only way forward is to embrace both identities and build something even stronger. We are Cambodian Americans, and the time to move beyond our survivor status is now.”

About Dignify Living

Founded by Cambodian American Jeff Lam, Dignity Living provides a high-quality Level 4 residential setting for developmentally disabled men and women with physical or behavioral challenges. We offer a warm, nurturing environment where individuals feel safe and supported as they develop self-help skills, independent living abilities, behavioral control, and healthy habits. For more information, visit https://www.dignity-living.com.