On October 12, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited QCH's Forest Hills Community Center. QCH Executive Director Ben Thomases provided a tour of the newly renovated space to Pelosi and other elected officials, followed by a roundtable discussion on the Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed by Congress and signed into law in August. 

“It was such a pleasure hosting House Speaker Pelosi and showing her why community centers are so essential to the work we do for our neighbors,” said Thomases. “Families, immigrants, older adults, teens, and children from all different backgrounds and walks of life come here to improve their lives and that of their families, to interact with their neighbors, and make a difference in their communities.” 

“Ben, thank you for your leadership and for making this a place so welcoming and respectful, meeting the needs of the people of the community,” said Pelosi. “It truly is a model for the nation.” 

Other elected officials in attendance included Representative Grace Meng, State Senators Jessica Ramos and Leroy Comrie, Assemblymember Nily Rozic, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

The roundtable discussion featured Thomases, Speaker Pelosi, Rep. Meng, Marcelle Dinnall of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, and Joanna Solmonsohn and Rose Green of the NYS Nurses Association. “Across the nation, House Democrats are holding a Day of Action to highlight how our Inflation Reduction Act is slashing prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries, while locking in lower insurance premiums for America's working families,” said Speaker Pelosi. 

“We appreciate having elected officials here who are truly invested in how community-based organizations reach individuals and families in need because that’s how we can make services like Medicare more accessible to the diverse communities in Queens,” said Thomases. 

QCH honored Kenneth Adams, President of LaGuardia Community College, and Meyhem Lauren, rapper and former QCH participant and staff member at our annual Strengthening Neighborhoods Inspiring Change Gala at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria on October 12. Close to 200 people were in attendance to support QCH.

“QCH’s annual dala is dedicated to celebrating the changemakers who have done so much to support Queens through the years, and Kenneth Adams and Meyhem Lauren are certainly deserving of this honor for the work they’ve done and continue to do for the community,” said Thomases.

Earlier this year, LaGuardia launched the NYC Accelerated Workforce Recovery Hub, an initiative to help low-income communities in Queens and The Bronx that were upended by the pandemic. “The Hub is preparing youth and adults who have lost their livelihoods because of COVID-19 for careers in high-demand sectors, and QCH is proud to be one of two Queens service providers with whom LaGuardia chose to partner in this effort,” said Ivonne Torres, QCH Associate Executive Director for Young Adult Services, who introduced Adams. LaGuardia is also a partner in QCH's College Access and Success program.

Last Thanksgiving, Meyhem Lauren arranged for Timberland's support of QCH families through an event that districted free turkeys and Timberland boots to hundred of families and youth living in NYCHA's Pomonok Houses. Patrick Pinchinat, QCH Director of the Pomonok Community Center, used to be Lauren's supervisor and presented him with his award. “Meyhem Lauren has always been such a selfless and caring individual, so it wasn’t a surprise when he reached out to make that event happen for Pomonok residents,” he said.

“QCH helped raise me,” responded Lauren. “It provided me with a place to hang out, to play ball, to stay off the street, to stay positive, and was a place of employment in my late teens.”

QCH exceed its fundraising goal of $500,000 for the event. Proceeds will support QCH’s 55 programs in 15 Queens neighborhoods.

QCH partnered with Council Member Francisco Moya and Empanadas Café for our first-ever Hispanic Heritage Fiesta in Corona on October 15.

Close to 500 people were in attendance for the event outside Moya’s office off Corona Avenue. Families and individuals of all ages gathered for live performances, dancing, food, games, and activities.

“We closed out Hispanic Heritage Month with a fiesta in the streets,” said Council Member Moya. “Thank you to QCH for helping to make this an event to remember.”

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was also in attendance and spoke in support of QCH’s programs and services. “We know that when kids have an education, when there are plentiful employment opportunities, when there are community events that our neighbors can go to, that we can be a safe community,” said Ocasio-Cortez.

“It was great seeing so many Queens neighbors of all ages and backgrounds celebrating Hispanic Heritage together,” said Ivonne Torres, QCH Associate Executive Director. “It speaks volumes about Queens as a borough that embraces diversity and inclusivity.”