Leuth Keovongsack and his family arrived in the United States in 1990 from Laos. His first job in this country was in a factory as a production assistant. He worked 8-10 hours a day, six days a week. He felt disillusioned with his job because it didn’t provide sufficient income for his family. Mr. Keovongsach made the decision in 1999 to quit his job and move to Fresno to begin farming Asian specialty crops.
Thongsy Bandaphone is Mr. Kevongsack’s better half. Ms. Bandaphone came to the United States in 1982 and worked in a doctor’s office in Fresno as office assistant for over 10 years. The money she earned barely covered her minimal expenses each month. She couldn’t save enough money the bank and would had a difficult time purchasing books for her children’s schooling.
Ms. Bandaphone and Mr. Kevongsack decided two years ago to live together and be partners in a farming concern. At this point they applied for a micro-loan to start their farming operation. With the money, they were able to purchase the fertilizers, equipment, and seedlings required. They both continue to farm and grow Asian speciality crops and they are planning to buy their own house in the next few years that is located on a farm. |
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Koua Neng Vang is 43 yrs old Hmong refugee who came with his family to the United States in 1994. He served in the Laotian army for five years prior to coming to the United States. Mr. Vang and his wife worked in a factory prior to moving to Fresno at what time they decided to engage in a farming venture.
Mr. Vang first borrowed a micro-loan from EOC in 1997 to engage in a small farming enterprise and he completely paid it off within 2 years. In 2001, Mr. Vang again borrowed a micro-loan to invest into his farming venture. Mr. Vang was able to purchase a home for his family in December 2003. His specialty crop farm operation provided Mr. Vang and his family the financial opportunity to purchase a home and has paid off his loans.
All five of their children are still in school and the family is progressing very well up the economic self-sufficiency ladder. |
Bounthone Lokham came to the United States in 1980 as a refugee from Laos. Mr. Lokham was a rice farmer in his native country until the Vietnam War forced his family to flee to neighboring Thailand where they spent several years living in refugee camp enclosed with a barb-wired fence. Without the education and necessary job skills to obtain gainful employment in the United States, Mr. Lokham’s only option was to do what he has been doing most of his life—farming.
Mr. Lokham spent years learning from his friends and relatives before deciding to start his own small farm enterprise. Although Mr. Lokham had the desire and skills to succeed in his venture, he lacked the necessary startup and working capital. Relatives and friends referred Mr. Lokham to the EOC RMDP where he received the needed technical assistance and loan to launch his business.
Today, Mr. Lokham is one of the most successful small refugee farmers. He lives and works on his 14-acre farm as a self-sufficient and contributing member of society. This year, Mr. Lokham has reapplied for a loan to expand his farming operation to include eight greenhouses. |
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