Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center

Meet Maia Erslev, Pao Arts Center’s Visual Arts Manager~ Maia’s love for cycling began when they took a bike trip with their school in 6th Grade. They grew up in Upstate NY on a surprisingly hilly place! Maia picked up cycling again during the pandemic and commutes to work by bike! "I am participating in this year’s Rodman Ride because I strongly believe in BCNC’s mission and want it to continue supporting immigrants like myself for years to come!" Maia shared. Their dream cycling destination? The Ring Road in Iceland! But more realistically for now, the Erie Canalway Trail. Help Maia meet their fundraising goal of $2,000 to support programs and services for immigrant, especially Asian, children and families here: https://lnkd.in/e2SBqgMy Rodman for Kids

Meet Ben Hires, BCNC's CEO~ Ben started commuting to work by bike in 2009. Wanting to participate in a triathlon, he bought a triathlon bike and the rest is history. "I love BCNC and I love biking! The Rodman Ride is a perfect match. BCNC provides so many wonderful programs for families, I'm excited to raise funds for the organization," Ben shared. His dream cycling destination? The Taiwan Cycle Route No.1, which is a 602 mile trip around the whole island of Taiwan. Help Ben meet his fundraising goal of $10,000 to support programs and services for immigrant, especially Asian, children and families here: https://lnkd.in/eVeQsbA9 Rodman for Kids

Last Sunday, August 18th, BCNC joined the Quincy community for the annual August Moon Festival, hosted by QARI This cherished tradition brought Quincy neighbors together for a day filled with cultural activities, performances, and delicious food. BCNC led a lantern-making session while sharing our decade-long and on-going work in Quincy, focusing on adult education, mental health services, and youth development. A big thank you to everyone who visited our booth and to QARI for organizing such a successful event! Learn more about BCNC’s programs at bcnc.net

Earlier this month, BCNC's Youth Center teen staff and kids from BCNC's Red Oak Summer Program welcomed Sean Higgins, Director of the Summer Fund to a site visit. Our teens gave Sean and the Red Oak children a mini walking tour of Chinatown, showcasing local murals and businesses. Since 1980, the Summer Fund has been a vital partner, and this year’s support will enhance Red Oak's summer programs and Youth Center activities. The funding will help design engaging curricula, field trips, and recreational activities, all aimed at fostering the mental health and development of children and youth from Asian immigrant families.

BCNC’s Acorn program turns 50 years old! Reconnect with fellow alumni, beloved teachers, and supportive parents. It's a perfect opportunity to relive cherished memories and create new ones. 🌟BCNC Acorn’s 50th Anniversary Celebration 📅Saturday, September 28, 2024 🕖10:00 AM -12:00 PM 📍 BCNC, 38 Ash Street, Boston Special Highlight: We salute Master Teacher and Assistant Director, Lai Chan, for her remarkable 43 years of dedicated service to our children. Join us in applauding her unwavering commitment and passion. Please consider making a small gift to support Acorn teachers on our $50 for 50 years of Acorn campaign: https://lnkd.in/eFp5FFwF Due to limited spots, please RSVP by September 20th, 2024: https://lnkd.in/e8HKPzRd

Introducing Dana B., our new co-chair of the Bamboo Circle, alongside Bailey Katsumata-Smith. Since joining BCNC's Young Professionals Network, Bamboo Circle in 2023, Dana has been a dedicated member and will also be showcasing her talents as a muralist at Pao Arts Center’s 2024 Experience Chinatown. We’re excited to have Dana bring her passion and creativity to this new leadership position. "The Bamboo Circle is very welcoming and like-minded, in the sense we want to support the Chinatown and immigrant communities in any way we can. So, if you're unsure, stop by for at least one meeting to see what we're about!" - shares Dana. Check out our next Bamboo Circle Meeting on Thursday, August 22nd: https://lnkd.in/ea2ejSET Also save the date for Experience Chinatown and view the murals in September and October: https://lnkd.in/eaejKbg2.

Registration is open for BCNC Quincy’s 2nd Family Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 19th! Register before Friday, Sept. 13th for early bird pricing and a race t-shirt. 📅Saturday, Oct. 19th, 2024 🕛 9:00 am 📍 The Boathouse, Merrymount Park, Quincy 📋Register: https://lnkd.in/eemJiSfZ This 5k celebrates 10 years of strengthening immigrants, especially Asians in Quincy, while raising funds to support our vital programs. All ages are welcome to run, walk, or join us virtually. All registrants will be eligible to win raffle prizes. Sponsorship opportunities and special discount for groups of 10 or more are available. Please contact events@bcnc.net Did you know 31% of the population in Quincy is Asian and 30% of Quincy residents are immigrants? Proceeds raised from this run will go to support youth leadership programs, adult English classes, and mental health support services for hundreds of local families. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ey3sw-f4 #BCNCQFFR #BCNCQuincy #BCNC #5KRun #5k #FamilyFunRun

As part of our ongoing Teen Employment Program, our students visited Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP for an inspiring and educational day. They explored the beautifully designed office, learned about iconic projects like the Shanghai Cultural Plaza, and even participated in a hands-on workshop where they designed their ideal city. A huge thank you to Beyer Blinder Belle for providing such a memorable experience and sparking our students’ interest in architecture. BCNC's Teen Employment Program provides youth workforce experience and skills year-round. Youth gain employment experience by working in BCNC departments, professional development training, and visits to area companies. Learn more here about Youth Center at bcnc.net/youth-center.

Sam Trombly is BCNC’s newest Director of the Red Oak After School and Summer Program. Prior to joining, Sam was a dedicated volunteer at BCNC. Join us in welcoming Sam! "I first came to BCNC as a volunteer. In my previous role at a social justice nonprofit, BCNC Red Oak was one of two service sites for me, and then became my exclusive site as I grew to enjoy the program more and more. When I moved from volunteer to director, it was already a program full of love and kindness." - Sam shared. Read more at https://lnkd.in/emQbKm43 Team photo credit: Mel Taing