Helping Link, a Renton nonprofit, is making a positive impact on the lives of young volunteers. The organization, which offers free support services and community programs to the Vietnamese population, has helped students build confidence and achieve their goals through volunteer work.

Student Success Stories

Six student volunteers, including Lindbergh High School graduate Khiem Tu, have graduated this year from either high school or college. Tu, who came to the United States from Vietnam in 2019, did not know any English at the time. However, with the help of Helping Link’s tutoring program, he was able to learn English and catch up with his classmates.

Tu began volunteering at Helping Link in 8th grade and has since accumulated over 800 volunteer hours. He has also been involved with the Civil Air Patrol, a program where he learned about leadership, aerospace, and emergency services. Tu’s academic excellence and extracurricular achievements earned him acceptance into the University of Washington to study engineering.

Tu’s story is a testament to the impact of Helping Link’s programs. Executive Director Minh-Duc Nguyen said, "He sits in class, helps the instructor, just to help translate as well as bridge the gap of the language barrier." Nguyen also praised Tu’s determination, saying, "He was able to overcome that challenge and work really hard knowing that unless he has the language skill, he’s not gonna make it."

Helping Link is always in need of more volunteers to help out in any way possible, especially for the board of directors. To learn more, visit helpinglink.org.

Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.