NAVIGATING IMMIGRATION ANXIETIES

QCH is a community-focused organization dedicated to building inclusive and welcoming neighborhoods throughout Queens. QCH prioritizes the safety and well-being of all participants, regardless of background or immigration status. With announced changes in federal policies and procedures, our Immigration Services staff have been hosting a series of "Know Your Rights" workshops to provide current information to community members about immigration enforcement. Participants learned about the roles of federal agencies such as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the distinction between local police (NYPD) and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The workshop specifically addressed how ICE identifies individuals for deportation and outlined the rights of individuals during encounters with ICE in various settings, including on the street, at home, and in the workplace. Attendees also received practical guidance on how to respond effectively during such encounters.

TEENS LEAD INTERGENERATIONAL CELEBRATION

As a settlement house, we aim to provide opportunities and spaces for people of all ages to interact with each other. On February 18, our students from Queens Satellite High School for Opportunity orchestrated a heartwarming celebration at the Jamaica Older Adult Center. The South Asian Student Alliance, a student club under our program at Queens Satellite, took the lead, transforming the entire space and creating an atmosphere of joy. Teens and older adults shared laughter, danced together, played games, and forged meaningful connections over a shared meal.

YOUNG WOMEN PONDER A FUTURE IN FINANCE

What does a career in finance really look like and how does one go about charting a path in that career direction? Our Access For Young Women participants found out firsthand at Goldman Sachs's Career Development Day on February 18. 15 young women had the opportunity to engage with female executives at the corporation, explore the trading floor's energy, and ask questions over lunch. Partnering with Goldman Sachs for this event provided a vital connection between young women in Queens with successful women in the field, underscoring the importance of representation.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: JARREN ISAIAH JOSEPH

In this special edition of Meet Your Neighbor, we hear from Jarren Isaiah Joseph, a student from our afterschool program at MS 217Q.

"I’m 13 years old and grew up in Briarwood. What I love about Queens is that there are so many different people I am able to meet and learn from, especially at QCH's afterschool program. I've been here since I was a 1st grader. I love that I’m able to make friends and spend time with them here. I also learned how to become more sociable.

I appreciate the conversations I have with my group leaders, who give me great guidance whenever I share any problems I'm dealing with.

I love gym because I get to learn about new sports and play with my friends. QCH had a fun event with the New York Islanders, and it was great because I had the opportunity to meet real pros and play with them. It was so cool, and they were so good, which made me want to play my hardest."

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