The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF), the nation's
only pan-Asian children's advocacy organization, aims to improve the health
and well-being of Asian Pacific American children and families in New York
City.
mayor's preliminary budget hurts asian pacific american children and families
"We understand that difficult budgetary decisions must be made to ensure New York City can continue to weather the ongoing economic downturn. While we agree with Mayor Bloomberg that the education is a priority because our children are the 'future of our world, city, and country,' we cannot accept the continued irrational cuts to agencies that provide services that support these same children," says Wayne Ho, Executive Director of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, "In the Asian Pacific American Community, where 1 out of every 2 children is born into poverty, and 1 out of 4 children do not graduate high school on time at all, the slashing of child care and after school programs, which provide vital support for working families, will have both severe and disproportionate ramifications to already struggling communities. Additionally, in a community where 1 out of 8 Asian Pacific Americans do not have health insurance, the well-being of families is put at futher risk with near-elimination of the Early Intervention Program. We urge the Mayor and City Council to work together to restore these budget priorities in the Mayor's Executive Budget for New York City's fastest growing community, and to pass a budget that is not balanced on the backs of vulberable New Yorkers."
For a link to Mayor Bloomberg's Preliminary Budget, click here.
CACF statement on governor's executive fy 2012-13 budget
"The nation's eyes are on New York State to be a leader in sustainable and progressive budget policy. We are pleased that Governor Cuomo makes the education of our youth a priority, but we disagree that the 4% increase in funding to municipalities, especially to those in need, is being tied to his education reform agenda. In New York City, where 1 out of every 4 Asian Pacific American student does not graduate, we cannot simply hold back much needed funding and must ensure increased funding goes to English Language Learner services," says Wayne Ho, Executive Director of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF). "We agree with Governor Cuomo that the Health Insurance Benefit Exchange legislation must be passed, which will increase coverage for underserved New Yorkers and bring federal dollars to the State. Because 1 out of every 8 Asian Pacific American does not have health insurance, we urge the Governor and Legislature to also ensure language access to the Exchange and to prioritize the Asian Pacific American community in patient navigator and outreach/education initiatives. Finally, we urge the Governor and Legislature to fully fund the State's uncapped match of 65%/35% for child welfare preventative services. Without linguistically appropriate and culturally competent preventive services, many immigrant families will be unable to access the supports they need to keep their children safely at home. Cutting preventive services in the short-term will lead to more families being involved in the costlier foster care system in the long-term. We look forward to working with Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature on a Fiscal Year 2012-13 Budget that is fair to all New Yorkers."
CACF Statement on 2012 state of the city
Mayor Bloomberg's agenda for New York City focuses on education and other supports for New York City's youth, but changes must factor in the needs of Asian Pacific American children and families
Wayne Ho, CACF Executive Director, says, "We salute Mayor Bloomberg for laying out a plan for New York City with a strong focus on education and commitment to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families. We agree that New York City must work together to find solutions to improve our education system, attract the best teachers, and ensure all of our students have the opportunity to succeed. We know that to do this, there is a lot of work ahead, so we urge the Mayor and City Council to work on reforms that address the needs of the diverse Asian Pacific American (APA) community, where 1 out of 5 APA students is an English Language Learner (ELL); 1 out of 4 students does not graduate high school on time or at all; and out of those who do graduate, 1 out of 3 are not academically prepared for college coursework or careers. We were excited to hear about the Mayor's steadfast support for immigrant students with his promise for New York City to lead the charge for the New York State DREAM Act, which would allow many students in the APA community to afford a college education. Finally, we thank Mayor Bloomberg for planning to increase opportunities for youth through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), which has been a critical support to teenagers around New York City to provide services while gaining leadersip and creating expanded capacity at many community based organizations in the APA community. We thank Mayor Bloomberg for all of his hard work, and look forward to working together to support the success of New York City's youth.
To see the full text of the Mayor's speech, click here.
CACF statement on governor cuomo's "state of the State" address
Governor Cuomo's agenda for New York State addresses the needs of vulnerable children and families, but steps must be taken to ensure that the Asian Pacific American community's needs are met.
Vanessa Leung, CACF Deputy Director, says, "We applaud Governor Cuomo on presenting an agenda to push New York State forward as a progressive leader and as a state that prioritizes the needs of vulnerable children and families in tough economic times. We are elated that the Governor stood strong on the need for the Health Care Exchange to be implemented this year. 1 out of 8 Asian Pacific Americans does not have health insurance, and the Health Care Exchange is essential in creating a system that has historically forgotten so many. We urge the Governor to work with the State Legislature to ensure that the Health Care Exchange has adequate interpretation and translation services, prioritizes the Asian Pacific American community in patient navigator and outreach/education initiatives, and improves the collection and reporting of demographic data for Asian Pacific Americans within the exchange. Additionally, we commend the Governor's plan to increase the amount of children who should receive food stamps. In the Asian Pacific American community, where 1 out of 2 children are born into poverty, supports such as these are critical to the very basic well being of families. We also agree with Governor Cuomo that serious education reform must occur, and we look forward to working with the bipartisan education commission in the State Legislature to identify ways that the needs of the Asian Pacific American students can be better met. Finally, we urge the Governor to ensure that the Tax Reform and Fairness Commission identify ways to increase revenue in New York State without further cuts to already tattered human services programs. Asian Pacific Americans are, by percentage, the fastest growing population in America, nearly doubling in size every decade. The success of New York State and our community are inextricably linked. We are excited to work closely with Governor Cuomo, the state legislature, and our State Agencies for a brighter future for all New Yorkers.
CACF Member agencies meet with new acs commissioner ron richter
On Tuesday, December 13, 2011, 13 CACF member agencies met with Administration for Children's Services (ACS) Commissioner Ron Richter. The meeting was an opportunity to hear from the newly-appointed commissioner regarding his plans for ACS, and for CACF members to advocate for stronger support and improved services for APA children and families in the child welfare system. Commissioner Richter expressed his ongoing committment to ensure that all children and families in New York have access to the services and support they need.
CAcf statement on tax reform deal
Governor Cuomo's plan a step in the right direction, but more has to be done to prevent future cuts to Asian Pacific American children and families.
Vanessa Leung, Deputy Director of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, says "We would like to congratulate Governer Cuomo and the State Legislature for coming together and reaching a very important compromise around changing current tax rates so that more wealthy New Yorkers pay their fair share. This is a step forward in balancing the budget on both sides by bringing in $1.9 billion in revenue to New York State. We agree with the Governor that a "cuts-only" approach would continue to chip away at already eroded services. The Asian Pacific American community is the fastest growing community in New York City, and 26% of the population lives in poverty. Continued cuts to safety net services for children and families would be devastating to our community. However, we also understand that this is not enough money to address New York State's fiscal problem. In order to close the $3.5 billion dollar budget gap, it is crucial that more revenue is raised. We urge the Governor and State Legislature to ensure that the new comission will reform the tax code so our state is no longer the seat of the highest income inequality in the country, and that our budget is not balanced on the backs of vulnerable New Yorkers.
CaCF Statement on mayor's november plan
Budget Modification will dramatically cut services to children and families.
Vanessa Leung, Deputy Director of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, says "The Mayor's November plan paints a bleak picture of New York City's future with the drastic cuts to agencies that provide critical services to children and families. Furthermore, immigrant communities such as the Asian Pacific American Community will be even harder hit. 1 out of every 2 Asian Pacific American children in New York City is born into poverty, and the population of Asian Pacific Americans is set to double every decade. The slashing of afterschool programs, health care programs, and early education will eradicate existing supports to Asian Pacific American communities, and have harsh consequences as the community grows in size. We urge the Mayor to reconsider these cuts and work with us and other advocates to identify ways to preserve these services, improve the lives of childre and families, and make way for a better New York City."
For more information on the Mayor's November Plan, click here.
CACF Statement on HHS Data Standards and MRT Health Disparities Proposals
This has been a tremendous week at the state and federal level in advancing efforts to reduce health disparities. On behalf of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, we applaud HHS and the MRT for putting forth a series of standards and proposals that will improve the health for millions of individuals and leads us towards greater health equity for all.
On October 31, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its final standards for collecting and reporting data on race, ethnicity, sex, primary language, and disability status. These standards implement Section 4302 of the Affordable Care Act, and set the minimum for the collection of demographic data in federally-sponsored surveys.
On November 1, 2011, Governor Andrew Cuomo's Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) voted yes on a comprehensive list of proposals to reduce health disparities and improve access for the diverse communities in New York State, including immigrants, people of color, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ populations.
CACf Raises Over $275,000 at
25th anniversary gala
On Wednesday, October 5, 2011 CACF Celebrated its 25th Anniversary Caring for Children Awards Gala at Bridgewaters in NYC. Rocky Chin, Civil Rights Attorney and Community Activist/Organizer, Jeremy Kohomban, Ph.D., President and CEO, The Children's Village, and Suki Terada Ports, Founder and Executive Director, Family Health Project were honored with Caring for Children Awards for their dedication to improving the lives of Asian Pacific American children and families. CACF highlighted our 25th Anniversary Campaign- INVESTING IN EVERY ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN CHILD'S FUTURE. Over 480 guests attended the gala, raising over $275,000 in support of the organization's policy advocacy initiatives and making the 25th Anniversary Gala its largest netting event ever.
13% & Growing coalition hosts
city council budget briefing and
Announces new name
On Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 13% & Growing Coalition hosted a City Council Budget Briefing at City Hall to discuss the analysis of the FY 2012 budget, outstanding needs of the Asian Pacific American community in New York City, and next steps for the Coalition. The Coalition announced its new name - 13% & Growing Coalition - which reflects the increase in Asian Pacific Americans as stated in the 2010 Census data (Asian Pacific Americans are now 13% of New York City's population). Over 24 City Council Members and staff were in attendance, as well as many community partners. Speakers included:
Ayaz Ahmed, South Asian Council for Social Services; Steven Choi, MinKwon Center for Community Action; Wayne Ho, CACF; Linda Lee, Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc.; Sheebani Patel, CACF; and
Udai Tambar, South Asian Youth Action
CACF Meets President Obama
On June 22, 2011, CACF attended the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration at the White House, where Executive Director Wayne Ho had the honor of being among 10 individuals who met President Barack Obama. Board Member Robert Teranishi, Health Policy Manager Noilyn Abesamis-Mendoza, and Wayne Ho were among 70 people invited to a briefing on the economy, budget, education, and immigration, which was hosted by the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. They then joined about 250 people at the White House for the celebration, which included community leaders from around the country, the Cabinet, and celebrities, including Kal Penn and John Cho. The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders recognized CACF for its work and leadership in the Asian Pacific American community with this great opportunity.
CACF selected to serve on
medicaid redesign taskforce
Noilyn Abesamis-Mendoza, Health Policy Manager, was selected in August 2011 to serve on New York State's Medicaid Redesign Taskforce (MRT) - Health Disparities Work Group. The MRT was created by Governor Andrew Cuomo earlier this year to develop recommendations to reduce costs and increase quality and efficiency in New York's Medicaid Program. The Health Disparities Work Group will advise the State Department of Health on initiatives related to culturally competent care, language access, access to care for people with disabilities, charity care, and the uninsured.
CACF Comments on how reductions in out-of-school time programs affect the apa community
On July 29, 2011, CACF responded to NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Out-of-School Time (OST) Concept Paper. As 25,000 existing OST elementary and middle school-aged youth slots are being cut, CACF urges DYCD to consider how these reductions will disproportionately impact immigrant children and families, specifically those in the Asian Pacific American Community.
Please contact Sheebani Patel at spatel@cacf.org for additional information.
On June 23, 2011, the Assembly passed the Governor's Program Bill, the New York State Health Benefit Exchange Act (A.8514), which would establish the infrastructure for the state's health insurance exchange. However, the legislative session ended without a vote from the State Senate on the companion version (S.5849).
CACF is asking our members, partners, and supporters to sign-on to a letter asking state senators to return in the next few weeks for a special session and to vote YES on the New York State Health Benefit Exchange Act (S.5849).
CACF Recommends preventive slots be allocated to APA Community
On July 6, 2011, CACF, along with member agencies*, sent a statement to the NYC Administration for Children's Services' Commissioner, John Mattingly, making recommendations on how to consider allocation of the 2,900 child welfare preventive slots that were baselined in the City budget for fiscal year 2012.
*Arab American Family Support Center of New York, Center for Family Life in Sunset Park, Center for Integration and Advancement of New Americans, Chinatown YMCA, The Child Center of New York, Chinese-American Planning Council, and South Asian Council on Social Services.
CACF hosts inaugural
"Bowl for youth" competition
On Saturday, July 16, 2011, CACF hosted its inaugural bowling competition, "Bowl for Youth!" at Frames Bowling Lounge. Six teams competed to win trophies and prizes while raising funds for CACF. Over 60 people attended, and teams raised over $7,000.
We would like to thank all of our team captains and bowlers for their dedication and support of CACF. We would also like to thank Frames Lounge and Chelsea Piers for generously donating great prizes to our winning teams:
Team Collegebound - Highest Score
Team Lucky Strikes - Best Fundraisers
CACF speaks at 12% and growing coalition press conference
On July 12, 2011, 12% and Growing Coalition hosted a press conference to discuss initial findings on the final New York City Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 budget, and highlight the needs of the Asian Pacific American community as final decisions on City Council Initiative funding were being made. Speakers included Therese Rodriguez, Asian & Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS; Wayne Ho, CACF; Steve Choi, MinKwon Center for Community Development; and Sethu Nair, SAKHI for South Asian Women.
CACF speaks at national capacd convention
On June 22, 2011, Wayne Ho, CACF Executive Director, discussed how to connect local and national advocacy campaigns during the closing plenary session of the annual convention of the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD) in Washington, DC. Other panelists included Robin Danner, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement President; Lisa Hasegawa, National CAPACD Executive Director; and Annetta Seecharran, National CAPACD Board Member. The convention brought together over 250 participants, including federal officials and community leaders, to strategize on meeting the economic and community development needs of the Asian Pacific American community during these tough times. For more information, visit www.nationalcapacd.org.
CACF Receives $30,111 in discretionary funding from city council members
The New York City FY 2012 Budget was adopted on June 29th, and in a tough budget year for the City, CACF has received $30,111 in discretionary funding from City Council Members. This funding will support our youth and parent mobilizing programs (ASAP, POWER, and Project Collegebound). We are receiving funding from Council Members Margaret Chin, Daniel Dromm, Julissa Ferreras, Peter Koo, and Mark Weprin as well as the City Council's Manhattan Delegation.
CACF successfully advocates for $51.4 million restoration of critical services in city budget
On June 29, 2011, the Mayor and City Council adopted a $66 billion budget for FY 2012. CACF is pleased to announce that dues to the advocacy efforts of the 12% and Growing Coalition (co-led by CACF and the MinKwon Center for Community Action) and partner advocacy organizations, $51.4 million in proposed cuts were restored, including services for children, immigrants, women, seniors, and low-income individuals.
On June 14, 2011, CACF honored our Project Collegebound parent leaders. Launched in 2009, Project Collegebound, based at Flushing High School and Flushing International High School, aims to help new immigrant English Language Learner students and their families overcome structural barriers and to strengthen college readiness cultures.
New York Times features
12% and growing Coalition
The article features the 12% & Growing Coalition, focusing on CACF's collaborative efforts to advocate for a fair share of the City's resources for vulnerable Asian Pacific American communities.
On Friday, June 3, 2011, CACF honored the seventh cohort of the Asian American Student Advocacy Project (ASAP) youth leaders at their Year End Community Briefing. Over 50 people were in attendance, including educators, press, funders, parents, and CACF supporters. ASAP youth leaders present on their education advocacy campaign, focused on college and career readiness.
On May 26, 2011, CACF hosted our 25th Anniversary Launch Event at Starck Park in New York City. Over 35 people were in attendance, including current and former CACF Board, Action Council, and staff members, funders, partners, volunteers, and youth leaders. The Launch was an opportunity for CACF to connect supporters to our 25th Anniversary Campaign to invest in every Asian Pacific American child's future. Wine selection provided from the Artisan Collection.
Second annual asian pacific american state advocacy day
On May 25, 2011, CACF and Project CHARGE organized over 60 advocates, providers, researchers, and community members to join Assemblywoman Grace Meng for New York State's 2nd Annual Asian Pacific American Legislative Advocacy Day in Albany. Advocacy Day began with a celebration in the Well of the Legislative Office Building, included a policy briefing for state legislative leaders, and consisted of meetings with over 30 key state legislators. Project CHARGE also gave very specific recommendations on how the State can effectively implement federal health care reform.
manhattan borough president
scott M. stringer presents cacf with community justice award
On May 18, 2011, CACF was presented with a Community Justice Award from Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer at his Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration. Korean American Family Service Center, a long-standing partner of CACF, was also honored at the event.
Asian pacific american groups hold largest-ever rally
The 12% and Growing Coalition, co-led by the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families and the MinKwon Center for Community Action, gathered more than 300 community members, advocates and allies today at City Hall for the largest ever Asian Pacific American (APA) City Advocacy Day in the city's history to protest the Mayor's proposed budget cuts, demand funding equity, and call for progressive revenue options. The event started with a major rally and press conference featuring Coalition members, City Council Members Margaret Chin and Daniel Dromm, and community members affected by the sharp budget cuts. Coalition members then participated in 15 legislative visits to 1) protest budget cuts, 2) demand more fairness in funding for the APA community, and 3) call for the City to consider progressive revenue options to close the budget gap.
CACF organizes community briefing with white house officials
On April 7, 2011, CACF organized a community briefing with representatives from the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI) at Chinatown YMCA/University Settlement to share recommendations and feedback on federal policies and their impact on the Asian Pacific American community. Over 75 people were in attendance, representing federal agencies, community based organizations, and community leaders.
On April 3, 2011, CACF and seven member agencies met with the NYC Administration for Children's Services (ACS) Commissioner John Mattingly and Deputy Commissioner for Family Support Services Charles Barrios to discuss recommendations for improving the capacity of the child welfare system to better serve Asian Pacific American children and families.
CACF joins "Who Cares? i do." Campaign
In early 2011, CACF joined the "Who Cares? I Do." campaign being organized by the Human Services Council (HSC). This is a grassroots campaign supported by individuals organizations, businesses, policymakers, philanthropists, and many others who recognize how critical human services are and who want to protect the well-being of people in our communities by preserving these services. We have joined New Yorkers from diverse sectors at meetings with State and City policymakers, hearings with the City Council, as well as press conferences and rallies.
On March 28, 2011, Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature enacted the FY 2012 New York State Budget. This Budget garnered attention nationwide with a record $10 billion reduction in spending, much of which will have a severe impact on human services. In our advocacy efforts, CACF continues to focus on ensuring that the needs of New York City's Asian Pacific American community are met in the FY 2012 New York City Budget.
CACF urges city Council to protect vulnerable children and families
On March 21, 2011, Vanessa Leung, Deputy Director, testified to Chair Domenic Recchia and members of the New York City Council Finance Committee at the FY 2012 Preliminary Budget Hearing. CACF demands our fair share in the City Budget to ensure that our community does not get left behind and asked the Council to protect our most vulnerable New Yorkers during these tough financial times.
On March 24, 2011, Wayne Ho, Executive Director, testified to Chair Annabel Palma and members of the New York City Council General Welfare Committee at the FY 2012 Preliminary Budget Hearing. Key recommendations ask for restoration of $11.7 million to child welfare preventive slots and urges the City to address both the revenue and expense sides of the budget.
On April 8, 2011, Elizabeth Lee, Program Coordinator, testified to Chair Domenic Recchia and Chair Robert Jackson and members of the New York City Council Finance and Education Committees at the FY 2012 Preliminary Budget Hearing. CACF urges the Council to work closely with the Mayor and key State legislators to advocate for and secure the City's fair share in state education dollars.
Noilyn Abesamis-Mendoza, Health Policy Manager, was selected in August 2011 to serve on New York State's Medicaid Redesign Taskforce (MRT) - Health Disparities Work Group. The MRT was created by Governor Andrew Cuomo earlier this year to develop recommendations to reduce costs and increase quality and efficiency in New York's Medicaid Program. The Health Disparities Work Group will advise the State Department of Health on initiatives related to culturally competent care, language access, access to care for people with disabilities, charity care, and the uninsured. 
