RIBBON CUTTING OF OUR FOREST HILLS COMMUNITY CENTER

On May 9, more than a hundred supporters joined us as we cut the ribbon for the renovation of our Forest Hills Community Center! Included in the celebration were Queens Borough President Richards, DASNY CEO Robert Rodriguez, Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi, Senator Joseph Addabbo, Council Members James Gennaro and Lynn Schulman, and former Council Members Daniel Dromm and Karen Koslowitz. Upgrades to the space will allow for enhanced programs and services, including a teen center, free English classes, immigration services, home-delivered meals for older adults, afterschool and summer programs for children, youth workforce initiatives, and homelessness prevention services. "No matter what your socioeconomic status is, no matter what your zip code is, this place has always been open to everyone," said BP Richards. We look forward to serving the communities of central Queens at our Center for decades to come.

25TH ANNUAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

25 years of showcasing future women leaders in Queens! On May 18, Queens neighbors went to the Forest Hills Community Center to support Access For Young Women's 25th Annual Youth Leadership Conference. We were proud to see more than 100 teens attend the conference, in addition to families and friends. AFYW students led informative and engaging workshops addressing a wide range of issues that were important to them. Workshops covered financial burdens associated with being a woman in society, homelessness in NYC, amplifying queer and trans voices, the impact of human activity on animals, and more. Menstruation Access & Action, an interactive workshop led by some of AFYW's middle school students, brought teen attendees together to make menstrual kits for Sanctuary for Families in Queens, a drop-in service center for victims of domestic violence.

Click here to watch our video on the AFYW program!

UPCOMING QCH EVENTS

This Sunday, June 2, Queens Pride will be celebrated in Jackson Heights, the heart of the borough's LGBTQ+ community. QCH’s LGBTQ+ Youth Services, Queens Center for Gay Seniors (QCGS), and Beacon Community Center at PS 149Q will be hosting the QCH community celebration and leading our march! Join us as we march (and trolley) with friends, families, and neighbors for Pride Month! Meet us outside QCGS at 37-06 77th Street on Sunday 10am to 11am for free breakfast and t-shirts, and then we’ll start marching at noon (37th Avenue & 89th Street).

On June 7 from 6:30pm to 8pm, join us at the Forest Hills Community Center (108-25 62nd Drive) for a celebration of Environmental Justice from local artists as well as from our Beacon youth and members of our Older Adult Centers. The Intergenerational Art Exhibition is in partnership with Council Member James Gennaro. Don't miss this opportunity to experience art that bridges generations and champions climate justice! Click here to RSVP.

SPRING EVENT AT FOREST HILLS STADIUM

Please join us for our Celebrating Local Heroes event at Forest Hills Stadium on June 12 at 6pm! Enjoy an engaging evening at this historic venue, which has hosted legends like Frank Sinatra and Bob Dylan, while honoring two of Queens' trailblazers. The event will feature artwork from our Older Adult Centers, a cocktail reception, a silent auction, and unique raffles. This is a chance to connect with community members and experience Forest Hills Stadium like never before. Click here to secure your ticket!

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: AFRA HAQUE

Our Access For Young Women program has demonstrated proven results in increasing girls' self-esteem, academic performance, and leadership skills. In this special edition of our Meet Your Neighbor series, hear from Afra Haque, Access For Young Women participant.

"I was initially introduced to QCH through positive feedback from peers at my school who had participated in the program and shared their experiences. Witnessing their enthusiasm and satisfaction with the program motivated me to enroll and become actively involved in QCH. Coming from a girls' leadership school, discovering another community dedicated to empowering young girls and fostering inspiration was particularly rewarding. Through Access For Young Women, we were provided with a platform for networking and connecting with accomplished women across various professional fields, allowing us to gain valuable insights from their personal journeys. Engaging in such experiences proved both empowering and enlightening. Collaborating with fellow participants on presentations not only deepened our understanding of social injustices but also enabled us to raise awareness and educate audiences on pertinent issues."

Queens Community House provides individuals and families with the tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities.