Volunteer Spotlight: Mr. Howard Kim
HANA’s Smartphone & Computer Classes are one of our most popular programs. Designed for Korean seniors with limited English, the classes offer a rare, hands-on opportunity to build digital skills in the language they feel most comfortable in.
The program’s success is also in part thanks to volunteers who dedicate their time to helping students retain those skills.
Howard Kim ssn (ssn is the shortened English word for 선생님, the Korean honorific for teacher) has volunteered with the classes since August 2025. After immigrating to the U.S., he became acquainted with Korean American organizations, including HANA’s predecessor organizations KRCC and KACS. But it wasn’t until the Taste of Korea festival in Niles on August 10, 2025 that he discovered HANA Center. He stopped by our table to ask about volunteer opportunities and was connected with the Smartphone & Computer Classes.
Serving the community has long been part of Howard ssn’s life. He founded a Korean School at YMCA and has worked as a Census Enumerator and an Election Judge for the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, helping connect people with limited English to the wider community. He has also owned and managed Garden Village restaurant in downtown Chicago and later worked as an accountant, careers built on serving people and paying close attention to detail.
Now, he brings that experience to the HANA classroom. Because it’s difficult for the instructor to give individual attention to every student, Howard ssn steps in to fill the gap. When a student is struggling with a lesson or task, he offers help during class and even provides 1:1 tutoring for students who need extra support. Students appreciate his patient, calm approach to solving problems.
“His kindness and dedication have become such an important part of our classes. Howard is more than a volunteer to us—he is someone our students and our team can truly count on. We feel very lucky to have him as part of our HANA Center family. ”
HANA’s Community Education Team Lead, Sunyoung Pierce has had the pleasure of working closely with him and seeing firsthand how much care and heart he brings to every class.
“Teaching a computer class is not something a teacher can easily do alone. Every student learns differently, and many need extra one-on-one help along the way. Having a volunteer like Howard makes such a difference. It’s honestly hard to imagine our classes without him.
Howard is always on time, dependable, and ready to help. What I appreciate most, though, is his patience and genuine desire to support our students. He understands how much they want to learn and never makes anyone feel uncomfortable when they struggle, even with something small. He takes the time to explain things again, encourage them, and make sure they feel comfortable.
His kindness and dedication have become such an important part of our classes. Howard is more than a volunteer to us—he is someone our students and our team can truly count on. We feel very lucky to have him as part of our HANA Center family.”
Howard ssn also sees glimpses of the students’ lives beyond the classroom: “Looking at the faces of the students and the hands holding the mouse, most of the students' hands and fingers are rough and bent, making one guess how hard they must have struggled and endured as immigrants in this society.”
He enjoys learning new things as a volunteer and watching the students’ progress, which continue to inspire him. “When I see students discover things they didn't know about through the class and feel proud and happy when they solve problems on their own, I also feel pleased and happy, which makes me want to volunteer again and again.”
Howard ssn hopes more people will consider volunteering with organizations like HANA Center, no matter their background or experience: “Even if you feel your background is not technical enough, if you can help the local community even a little, develop your own interests and inner values, and allow others to benefit and grow because of you, I hope you will not hesitate to contribute your abilities.”
To learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved at HANA Center, visit our Volunteer page.