Dear Editor:
Thank you for the recent article recognizing the kickoff of summer youth programming at the Hmong American Friendship Association (HAFA). Programs such as this one highlight the importance of collaboration that is necessary for successful community endeavors. I want to thank the Fighting Back organization for providing a grant to educate Hmong youth about the dangers of alcohol, drug, and tobacco use. I also want to thank AT&T and the AT&T Pioneers for the donating dictionaries to our youth. Importantly, I want to thank State Representative Tamara Grigsby, a long-time champion of low-income families and a strong supporter of programs for youth and families. State Rep. Grigsby spoke to Hmong youth and gave them hope and inspiration. Rep. Grigsby reminded Hmong youth that someday they would be leaders in decisionmaking positions in the community. She is a role model that youth in our community can look up to. Organizations such as ours could not provide high quality services in our community without the partnership between government, private companies and supportive not-for-profit organizations. We are grateful to all of our partners for their support to the Hmong American Friendship Association and the important role they play in the community.
Sincerely,
Lo Neng Kiatoukaysy
Executive Director
Hmong American Friendship Association
