NaFFAA New York gets $1.6M grant for community center in Queens

WOODSIDE, QUEENS – In a groundbreaking development for the Filipino American community in Queens, the New York chapter of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) has been awarded a grant by the government to acquire a community center.

This center will serve as a hub of cultural and social activities for Fil-Ams in the region, marking a significant milestone as New York prepares to establish its first Filipino community center independent of the Philippine consulate-operated Philippine Center in Manhattan.

While states like Hawaii, California and Florida have long enjoyed robust Filipino community centers, this initiative brings a long-awaited opportunity for New York’s Fil-Am community to have a dedicated space they can proudly call their own.

NaFFAA-New York has received a $1.6 million grant from the government to create a new community center in Woodside.

This funding is a generous allocation from the government, approved by both Congress and the President. The center will serve as a venue where Filipino Americans can learn, celebrate their culture and access various services all in one place.

Rachelle Ocampo, the president of NaFFAA-NY, expressed her gratitude to Representative Grace Meng for her dedication and for caring about the local community. She said the new center would enable them to assist more people and unite the community.

NaFFAA New York Chapter President Rachelle Ocampo (second from right) expressed gratitude to Queens Congresswoman Grace Meng (in red dress) and President Biden for their assistance in securing the necessary funding for a community center in Woodside. Pictured are NaFFAA National Chair Brendan Flores (in gray suit), NaFFAA National President Mariela Fletcher, and Assemblymember Steven Raga. CONTRIBUTED

“We extend our sincerest gratitude to Representative Grace Meng for her commitment to the district, and empowering and enriching its residents in need,” said Ocampo. “This funding will enable us to expand our collective reach and impact, providing a dedicated space for our community to come together, celebrate our Filipino heritage, and access valuable resources.”

This grant represents the largest federal funding ever awarded to a Filipino organization in New York. The community center will not only be a venue for honoring the history and achievements of Filipino Americans but will also be a beacon of new opportunities and hope for the diverse populations in Queens, which is home to approximately 70,000 Filipinos.

Queens Congresswoman Meng, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, successfully obtained over $13 million in federal funds for various projects in Queens as part of the Community Project Funding in a recent government spending package. This funding was included in the legislation passed by the House and Senate and signed into law by President Joe Biden.

Among the 15 organizations selected to receive funding, NaFFAA-NY secured the largest amount, over $1.6 million, for a new community center in Woodside.

Congresswoman Meng said she was proud to have helped secure these funds for the Filipino American community and will continue her support in Congress.

“I am proud to secure these crucial funds and make this significant federal investment possible for the Filipino American community in Queens-New York City,” the Congresswoman said in a press statement. “The funding is essential in advancing this historic project, and I’m thrilled to help NaFFAA acquire this much-needed facility. It is an honor to represent many Filipino Americans in Queens, and I will continue advocating on their behalf.”

Assembly member Steven Raga, the first Filipino elected official in NY State, appreciated the funding, emphasizing its importance in supporting smaller community groups.

“This historic $1.6 million investment for a multicultural community center in Assembly District 30 addresses the urgent need for a venue for smaller community-based organizations to convene, collaborate and provide culturally competent services to all,” he said. “I thank Congressmember Meng for successfully fighting to secure federal funding for Queens and congratulate NaFFAA-NY on their next step in bringing our diverse district together.”

The Coalition for Asian Children and Families (CACF) is pleased that NaFFAA will have a permanent place for their activities. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Council Members Julie Won and Shekar Krishnan also congratulated NaFFAA on securing the grant for the center, which they described as an important recognition of the Filipino community’s contribution to the city.

The Filipino American National Historical Society‘s New York chapter is excited to utilize the new space to continue documenting their history. The Philippine Consulate in New York is likewise thrilled to hear the news and plans to support the center with cultural and educational resources.

“The Philippine Consulate General shares the excitement of NaFFAA regarding the forthcoming establishment of the Community Center in Woodside. We stand ready to collaborate with the Center by providing the cultural and educational resources at our disposal to support its projects,” said Consul General Senen Mangalile.

William Jourdain from Woodside on the Move believes the center will foster unity and celebrate the area’s cultural diversity. OCA-NY also extends its congratulations to NaFFAA and looks forward to partnering with them and Congresswoman Meng for a brighter future.

NaFFAA national president Mariela Fletcher and Brendan Flores, national chairman, both emphasize that this grant signifies more than just the construction of the center—it highlights the importance and expanding influence of the Filipino community in New York. They are confident that the center will become a powerful resource for everyone.

“This grant shines a light on the significant presence and ongoing growth of the Filipino community in New York, which represents the third-largest Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population in the state. It also highlights the Filipino language as one of the top five Asian languages spoken in the state, underscoring the rich cultural and linguistic diversity our community adds to this vibrant melting pot,” said Flores.

NaFFAA said their chapter is eager to continue collaborating with government officials, local organizations and the Filipino community to maximize this opportunity. In addition to Ocampo, the New York chapter is led by a team of dynamic Fil-Am leaders, including Executive Director Michelle Amor; Vice President Stevenson Van Derodar; Treasurer Alyssa Trinidad; Clifford Temprosa, director of public policy; Clare Collins, director of community relations; and Sabrina Tesalona, director of digital engagement.