Design 21: Social Design Network

FACT: Three-quarters (75 percent, or 281,800) of New York City’s Chinese population is foreign-born – more than twice the proportion of immigrants among all city residents (36 percent).

FACT: Of the city’s total Chinese adult population (259,702), 42 percent (109,587) have not graduated from high school, compared with 28 percent of adults city-wide.

FACT: New York City’s Chinese residents have higher rates of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) than their city counterparts in 2000.

The Greater Chinatown Community Association (GCCA) promotes the well-being of the New York City Chinese community, in particular the immigrant and elderly, through unique, individualized program services. Established in 1972, GCCA has long since been a pioneer and innovator in the provision of resources and assistance. The following lists some of our on-going programs and services:

ADULT EDUCATION: GCCA provides English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) education, computer training, and civics/government classes to help participants prepare for the U. S. citizenship interview as well as to help refine their English language skills. Many of our clients take our computer training courses to upgrade their job qualifications.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE: GCCA operates a free medical office three days per week. The service targets those uninsured and/or dependent on Medicaid or Medicare, Acupuncture/ Massage Therapy and Chinese slow-motion Tai-chi exercise are offered to individuals with chronic illness and pain.

RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES: GCCA sponsors special events during: Chinese New Year, Senior Citizen Recognition Month, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Christmas. We also organize on-going events such as: daily TV movie shows, monthly Birthday Parties, monthly Tea Parties, a Thanksgiving Food Drive, a yearly visit to the GCCA-owned group cemetery in New Jersey, and a holiday meal distribution drive on Christmas and Mother's Day.

CONSULTATION AND AID: GCCA provides information, applications, referral, and advocacy to help adults and seniors obtain public benefits and social services. These include: Social Security Information, food stamps, Medicaid, housing, tax refund, translation and emergency fund assistance.

All FACTS by: Asian American Federation of New York Census Information Center, 2000