Our community’s greatest strength lies in its hardworking families. However, many immigrant
families, like Kunni and Karaphat, face overwhelming challenges in San Francisco’s Tenderloin
neighborhood. The Justice for Vicha Ratanapakdee Foundation (JVF) is dedicated to supporting
these families by advocating for justice, providing English language assistance, and offering
resources for social-emotional wellness.

Kunni, a Thai immigrant who arrived in San Francisco in 2008 seeking a better future. After
earning a Master’s degree in Business from Lincoln University. Today, she works tirelessly as a
bar manager while raising her 9-year-old daughter. After a traumatic hate crime incident, she
sought help from JVF for victim rights advocacy. Like Karaphat, another Thai resident who
endured multiple attacks within a year, Kunni faces barriers to justice due to language and
cultural challenges.

"Monthanus (JFV) helped me connect with the Office of Victim and Witness Rights at the
Mayor's office and guided me to the victim advocate at the District Attorney’s office. I didn’t know
how the justice system worked, and I was traumatized. At first, I didn’t want to deal with it
because I was scared. But after not receiving justice, I felt even more afraid and helpless."

Today, Kunni continues to receive trauma care and is working closely with the District Attorney's
office victim advocate to achieve her long-term goals, while also caring for her daughter’s
emotional well-being through the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims
Board (CALVCB).

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https://ethnicmediaservices.org/stop-the-hate/go-back-to-your-country-shouted-suspect-as-she-
pepper-sprayed-victim/
 

Karaphat, a queer Thai man and Tenderloin resident, also endured a traumatic hate crime
attack. While walking home, he was assaulted and subjected to racial slurs. Despite the fear
and pain, Karaphat reported the attack to authorities, emphasizing the ongoing need for
advocacy and justice for victims of hate crimes.​
 

https://ethnicmediaservices.org/stop-the-hate/queer-thai-man-punched-in-the-face-in-san-francisco-as-attacker-yelled-out-racist-slurs/
​Queer Thai Man Punched in the Face in San Francisco as Attacker Yelled Out Racist Slurs | EMS
Yutthapong, a Thai immigrant and manager at an American restaurant in Oakland, was
assaulted by a customer who refused to pay the bill and punched him in the face, leaving him
unconscious during his shift. A friend in San Francisco reached out to JFV on his behalf.
"Monthanus (JFV) helped me connect with OPD victim advocates and access legal services.
Their support has been invaluable. I am now receiving ongoing trauma care through the
California Crime of Victim Compensation Program (CalVCB) and continuing with the legal
services provided by JFV."
Kunni, Karaphat, and Yutthapong’s stories are a testament to the resilience of our community
and the urgent need for support systems that help families access justice and essential
resources.
Your support will help us continue advocating for justice and providing resources to families in
need. Together, we can foster a safer, more equitable community.
Thanks to supporters like you, inspiring stories like Kunni’s are becoming more frequent. Your
generosity drives our mission forward: fostering a healthy, thriving, and self-sufficient AANHPI
(Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) community and beyond.

Your tax-deductible gift makes a significant impact in the lives of families like Kunni’s. Donate
today and help us continue providing essential support and resources to those in need.