Services & Programs – Koomhaum Cov Kev Pab
Translation/Interpretation Services
The Hmong American Friendship Association’s medical interpretation program was developed out of a concern that many Southeast Asians in Milwaukee do not speak or understand English well enough to have a meaningful conversation with health care personnel. The consequences of misunderstanding medical directives – such as the appropriate use of prescription drugs – can be serious and even deadly. Our interpreters accompany individuals to hospitals or clinics. We serve individuals who speak Hmong, Lao, Thai, Burmese, or Karen.
Note: Same-day appointments will not be guaranteed.
Housing Counseling / Housing Rehabilitation
Our Housing Counseling program has assisted hundreds of Hmong families in fulfilling their dreams of homeownership. We also assist homeowners with issues such as lead abatement, weatherization, code violations, and foreclosure prevention. The technical language involved in home buying, loan agreements, and city codes can be difficult for native English speakers; it is especially challenging when English is not one’s first language. Our bilingual staff walks families through every step of home buying and homeownership, as well as assists renters with landlord concerns. We also have a program to buy and rehab houses that are offered for sale by the City of Milwaukee.
Our housing counselor is here to help every step of the way to get you yours forever home. If you have any questions you can reach Lang Xiong at [email protected] or VIA phone at 414-344-6575.
Employment Services
The Hmong American Friendship Association provides a comprehensive employment program that teaches job readiness skills, places job seekers into employment, and provides follow-up with participants to ensure a successful transition into the workplace.
If you are currently looking for a job, please send your resume to Lang Xiong [email protected]
You can also follow the most current job posts on our FACEBOOK at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hafajobs
Sexual Assault Victim Services
Culturally competent services are offered to victims of sexual assault through services that include a 24-hour bilingual hotline, counseling, information and referral, and translation/interpretation services (with law enforcement or medical personnel). Support groups are also offered, using traditional activities – such as sewing or gardening – as a means to encourage conversation in nonthreatening settings.
You can reach our advocate on our hotline phone number
414-322-9522 or email:
Pang K. Yang, Lead VOCA/ Sexual Assault Victim Advocate
Jennifer Yang, South East Asian Community Advocate
Southeast Asian Food Pantry
As refugees struggle toward self-sufficiency, many need help feeding their families. The Hmong American Friendship Association’s food pantry is unique in the Milwaukee area, offering a variety of foods to low-income Hmong, Laotian, and Burmese families, including culturally appropriate items that are not generally available through other food pantries. The pantry is open two days each week – Monday mornings and Friday afternoons.
Food Pantry Hours: Tuesday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Fridays 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Youth Services
As the only community agency in Milwaukee with a specific focus on Hmong youth, the Hmong American Friendship Association offers programs that help youth successfully bridge the divide between U.S. culture and Hmong traditions. Dance and qeej (windpipe instrument) classes give Hmong children a positive cultural identity, which they share by performing at Hmong festivals and other events and celebrations in the broader community.
Often, parents of Hmong children are unable to provide adequate assistance in the English and maths skills needed in U.S. schools. We provide homework help and subject matter tutoring by Hmong high school and college students, who also serve as role models for younger youth.
Please contact Yeng Tha Vue the Youth Coordinator for more information regarding the youth programs.
[email protected] or 414- 344-6575, EXT. 230
Please follow our Facebook page to see updates on what the youth are doing. 
Assistance to the Elderly
We help older adults to access community services by providing translation/interpretation, transportation, and advocacy.