Discover Von Tran’s inspiring journey from Vietnamese refugee to founder of FSCofGA, the largest Vietnamese senior center in Georgia, serving the Atlanta community with comprehensive senior care services.
The Inspiring Journey of Von Tran
At just 9 years old, Von Tran escaped Vietnam hidden in the bottom of a fishing boat — a journey that would shape not only her life, but the future of thousands in the Vietnamese American community.
She spent the next year and a half in refugee camps across Malaysia and the Philippines before finally arriving in Dallas, Texas. There, she attended a Catholic all-girls school as a sponsored student, beginning a new chapter in a completely unfamiliar world.
Years later, after building a successful real estate career in Atlanta, Von Tran turned her focus back to her roots — with a mission to give back.
Why FSCofGA Was Created
Von Tran founded First Senior Center of Georgia (FSCofGA) after recognizing a critical issue: a growing disconnects between Vietnamese American seniors, their families, and caregivers.
Many elderly immigrants faced daily challenges:
- Limited English proficiency
- Cultural isolation
- Difficulty navigating healthcare and daily life in the United States
This gap wasn’t just inconvenient — it was deeply isolating. FSCofGA was built to bridge that gap.
The Largest Vietnamese Senior Center in Georgia
Since its founding in 2017, FSCofGA has rapidly grown into the largest Vietnamese senior center in Georgia — and one of the most comprehensive in the Southeast United States.
Located in Norcross, the center spans 26,000 square feet and offers:
- A full-service kitchen
- Medical clinic
- Senior daycare programs
- Transportation services
- End-of-life care support
- A food pantry — the largest serving Vietnamese Americans in the Southeast
- A 400-seat ballroom and state-of-the-art performance stage
More than a facility, FSCofGA is a cultural and community hub designed specifically for Vietnamese American seniors.
Serving Atlanta’s Growing Vietnamese Community
The impact of FSCofGA is deeply tied to the growth of the Vietnamese population in Atlanta. According to research from Pew Research Center, Atlanta ranks among the top U.S. cities with the highest Vietnamese American population.
Meanwhile, Gwinnett County — home to FSCofGA — is one of the most diverse communities in the country:
- 181 nationalities
- 108 languages spoken
- Over 30% of residents born outside the U.S.
Despite this diversity, culturally specific senior care remains rare — making FSCofGA a vital resource.
A One-of-a-Kind Senior Experience
In researching more than 50 senior centers across the Atlanta area, one thing becomes clear:
FSCofGA stands apart.
Its services go beyond traditional senior care by creating immersive cultural experiences that celebrate Vietnamese heritage — from music and dance to food and community events. For many seniors, this is more than care. It’s a return to identity, belonging, and dignity.
Bridging Generations Through Culture and Care
FSCofGA doesn’t just serve seniors — it reconnects families. By creating a space where language, culture, and shared experience are preserved, the center helps bridge generational gaps between:
- Immigrant parents
- American-raised children
- Caregivers navigating both worlds
It’s not just about support. It’s about understanding.
A Mission Rooted in Experience
Von Tran’s journey — from refugee to community leader — is not just a story of survival. It’s a story of purpose. Through FSCofGA, she has created more than a center.
She has built a lifeline for thousands of Vietnamese American seniors in Georgia — ensuring they are not forgotten, not isolated, and never alone.
