Greater Chinatown Community Association–new york, ny

Just as Western Union connects families with loved ones around the world, the Foundation, too, underscores these vital connections by supporting the needs of immigrants, as well as their families back home.  This “Diaspora” paradigm is an increasingly important part of the Foundation’s mission, and nicely reflected by our engagement with the Greater Chinatown Community Association. 

Located in downtown Chinatown, New York City, the Greater Chinatown Community Association (GCCA) was founded in 1972 to promote the well-being of low-income Chinese immigrants and Chinese-American adults and seniors citywide.  The organization provides a range of social services to nearly 1,000 target individuals.  New York City’s Chinatown is often the first stop and residence for many Chinese immigrants.  But it is also a place with a high concentration of poverty and illiteracy, making the demands of the community great. 

The Western Union Foundation’s grant made it possible to enroll 40 new participants in English language training and citizenship courses as part of GCCA’s Immigration/Refugee Program.  Classes are offered in bilingual English and Chinese to ensure understanding.  The goal is to help those new to the U.S., as well as seniors, better integrate by improving their basic conversational, reading and writing abilities, and skills with resolving language problems in daily life.

At the same time the Foundation made life easier for Chinese immigrants in the U.S., it also provided funds to build two schools in the poverty-stricken Liaoning Province of China.  Click here to see what a difference our gift has made for The China Youth Development Foundation.