Three nights a week inside the Westside Multigenerational Center in Tempe, more than 200 people come together to learn English, mastering the language for potentially better jobs, more opportunities, and a deeper connection with the community and their families.

Anne DeFrance started Ha.P.I., a school that teaches English to those who speak primarily Spanish, a city release explained. She speaks three languages, with French being her first. 

When she first came to the United States from France, many people helped her learn better English. She wanted to return their kindness by helping others, and so far, through her organization, she has paid it forward to more than 10,000 students and every eight-week session has a waiting list, the release noted.

Students range in age from 18 to senior citizens, each with their own motivations. Husbands and wives, mothers and daughters, siblings and friends come to class together.

They start the program most frequently with little to no English skills but with many common and personal goals: passing the American citizenship interview, communicating with their children’s teachers, getting better employment and overall, improving their lives, the release stated.

Several students have opened businesses since graduating from the program. Others have received promotions. The program has a positive impact on Tempe’s overall workforce, according to the release. 

Mastery of the language can also help people feel more comfortable providing valuable input into community decisions or participating in programs and services. 

“As the daughter of Cuban immigrants, I can personally understand the importance of Ha.P.I.," City Manager Rosa Inchausti stated in the release.  "When you elevate opportunities for one person, you improve our entire community. This organization has improved the lives of thousands of families and created generational prosperity. I thank Ha.P.I. for the work it does in Tempe.”