Charoon struggled to get the words out in English. Originally from Bangkok,Thailand, Charoon has only recently been showing improvement in his ability to speak and understand English. After 10 years of attending ESL classes at a local over-crowded, adult school, Charoon got frustrated at how little his English had improved and finally quit. When Charoon heard about the ESL classes offered by HCHC, he immediately signed up. That was almost a year ago and today his English has improved from basic beginner’s level to strong pre-intermediate. Kim Gunby, HCHC’s ESL teacher, said, “Charoon attends classes at two different apartment buildings two days a week. He is so committed to learning English that he received two awards this year: Most Improved and Most Classes Attended at the Most Buildings. He always comes in with a big smile on his face and plenty of energy and enthusiasm to learn. He’s one of my all time favorite students.”

Charoon and his wife, Prapha, have lived at the Argyle Apartments for seven years. He worked at a Thai video store for six years until chronic health problems forced him to quit. Faced with devastating financial problems and unable to pay their rent, Charoon, Prapha, and their infant son, Golf, were forced to move. Fortunately, HCHC was there and offered them housing they could afford on just Prapha’s waitress salary. Golf, who is now eight years old, walks to school every morning with his father; his elementary school is located only two blocks away. Besides attending ESL classes, Charoon receives case management services from HCHC’s Resident Services Coordinators and legal and translation assistance from the Asian-Pacific American Legal Center. Since living at the Argyle Apartments, Charoon’s health has improved, the family’s finances have stabilized, and Golf is getting a good education. When asked what Charoon’s hope was for the future, he replied “I want Golf to grow healthy, get an education, find good work and be happy. I made only $200 a month in Thailand. Here Golf can have a much better life and has many more choices."

 

Charoon and Kim Gunby, ESL Instructor