Our community members are primarily new immigrants and refugees from the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa. Like many other newcomers, they experience culture shock and confusion, and are faced with cultural, religious, and linguistic barriers that keep them marginalized and isolated from mainstream society. They are some of the fastest growing immigrant communities in the U.S., but are provided with little assistance to successfully integrate into the social, economic, and political life of the United States.
The families we serve are primarily low or modest income families from various neighborhoods in New York City who speak Arabic, Bengali, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu. Most of our families live in Astoria, Long Island City, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Woodside, Sunnyside, Flushing, Jamaica, and South Ozone Park, but we also serve some families in the Bronx and Brooklyn. They are mostly working families, trying to make a better life for their children. Without appropriate services, low education and vocational skills, limited language proficiency and information about American culture, laws, and their rights in the U.S., they are left impoverished and without access to the socio-economic opportunities that can lead them towards self-sufficiency and advancement.
The latest waves of immigrants and refugees from Arab and South Asian countries have been characterized by a highly traditional, rural, non English-speaking, and low skilled immigrant population. According to the Asian American Foundation, 15.2% of Indians, 20.9% of Pakistanis, and 31.7% of Bangladeshis in New York City live in poverty. The Asian American Foundation also reveals that 30% of Indians, 42% of Pakistanis, and 54% of Bangladeshis in New York City have limited English Language abilities. The Census 2000 Special Report concluded that 17% of Arab-Americans live in poverty, with the highest rates being in households where children reside. The 2005-2007 American Community Survey shows that over 5,000 Arabic-speaking New Yorkers speak English less than “very well” in Queens alone. (Source Census Bureau)
Our community members have tremendous strengths and resilience, demonstrating coping skills, a clear focus on goals, strong family values, a sense of loyalty, and a determination to succeed against great odds. Because neighbors and close neighborhood relationships are an integral part of their lives in their home countries, our families can successfully replace old ties with new affiliations and overcome cultural, religious, educational, and political barriers to social and economic advancement.
community
Our community members are primarily new immigrants and refugees from the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa. Like many other newcomers, they experience culture shock and confusion, and are faced with cultural, religious, and linguistic barriers that keep them marginalized and isolated from mainstream society. They are some of the fastest growing immigrant communities in the U.S., but are provided with little assistance to successfully integrate into the social, economic, and political life of the United States.
The families we serve are primarily low or modest income families from various neighborhoods in New York City who speak Arabic, Bengali, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu. Most of our families live in Astoria, Long Island City, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Woodside, Sunnyside, Flushing, Jamaica, and South Ozone Park, but we also serve some families in the Bronx and Brooklyn. They are mostly working families, trying to make a better life for their children. Without appropriate services, low education and vocational skills, limited language proficiency and information about American culture, laws, and their rights in the U.S., they are left impoverished and without access to the socio-economic opportunities that can lead them towards self-sufficiency and advancement.
The latest waves of immigrants and refugees from Arab and South Asian countries have been characterized by a highly traditional, rural, non English-speaking, and low skilled immigrant population. According to the Asian American Foundation, 15.2% of Indians, 20.9% of Pakistanis, and 31.7% of Bangladeshis in New York City live in poverty. The Asian American Foundation also reveals that 30% of Indians, 42% of Pakistanis, and 54% of Bangladeshis in New York City have limited English Language abilities. The Census 2000 Special Report concluded that 17% of Arab-Americans live in poverty, with the highest rates being in households where children reside. The 2005-2007 American Community Survey shows that over 5,000 Arabic-speaking New Yorkers speak English less than “very well” in Queens alone. (Source Census Bureau)
Our community members have tremendous strengths and resilience, demonstrating coping skills, a clear focus on goals, strong family values, a sense of loyalty, and a determination to succeed against great odds. Because neighbors and close neighborhood relationships are an integral part of their lives in their home countries, our families can successfully replace old ties with new affiliations and overcome cultural, religious, educational, and political barriers to social and economic advancement.