LGBTQ+ YOUTH SERVICES FOR PRIDE

Our LGBTQ+ Youth Services is committed to supporting the wellbeing and development of queer youth, offering a drop-in space for young people to thrive as well as providing training for hundreds of school social workers, teachers, and parent coordinators around the needs of LGBTQ+ youth. On June 2, our youth helped lead the QCH community march during the Queens Pride Parade in Jackson Heights, marching alongside our Queens Center for Gay Seniors members.

On June 13, our LGBTQ+ Youth Services staff (above) were honored by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards at the annual Pride celebration at Queens Borough Hall. Other inspiring honorees included Love Wins Food Pantry, Caribbean Equality Project, Jim Burke, Roxanne Raquel Cajigas, and Brian Martinez.

Click here for a short video of QCH celebrating Queens Pride!

CELEBRATING CULTURE THROUGH FASHION

Queens is a mosaic of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct cultural flavor. That diversity is beautifully reflected by the neighbors who come to our Forest Hills Older Adult Center every day. As part of our commitment to providing a culturally rich environment for older adults, we hosted our first-ever Flag Fashion Show on June 14.

The event coincided with Flag Day, a national holiday honoring the American flag. It was a fantastic opportunity for our older adults to showcase their patriotism and heritage through the creative expressions of fashion, as well as art, food, and dance. The event was a joyous celebration of the over 20 different countries our participants call home.

TULA'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

While the Rego Park Older Adult Center celebrated its impressive 45th anniversary last June, the festivities for longevity continued this year. We were thrilled to honor Tula Trewin, who reached the incredible milestone of 100 years old.

Tula, a cherished member of the Center for over two decades, was surrounded by friends who showered her with love. "This Center has been a constant source of joy for me," Tula said. "I hold dear the connections I've made with everyone here since the day I first walked through the doors."

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: NEVAEH MICHAEL

Our alternative high schools are designed to help older youth, who have struggled in traditional high schools, to attain high school diplomas and to go on to succeed in college and employment. In this special edition of our Meet Your Neighbor series, hear from Nevaeh Michael, who graduated from Voyages South High School on June 25.

“Before transferring to QCH at Voyages South High School, it was difficult for me to go to school every day due to my anxiety. A really big school with so many people always made me nervous. I wasn't able to stay focused in my classes so I struggled, and as time went on, I wasn't attending them as much. When I transferred to Voyages South in January 2023, I felt more at ease because the school was smaller, and there were students of different cultures I was able to learn from. The environment helped me become more social. My teachers taught me so much. My QCH counselor was so supportive of me and my mom throughout my time there. She helped me calm down when I had panic attacks. This school really supports young adults who deal with different struggles.

Graduating earlier this week felt great. I didn't get to have a graduation ceremony for middle school because of covid, so my last graduation was 5th grade. I'm really proud of myself. This fall, I'm going to Long Island University to study nursing."

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