Queens Community House

“I have been coming to Queens Community House’s Rego Park Older Adult Center for about 20 years. I immigrated to the United States from Uzbekistan 36 years ago and settled in Queens. Before I became a participant at the Center, I worked as a home attendant supporting older adults. Through my work, I learned about senior centers and the opportunities they offered. After spending years helping others access services and community, I eventually decided to come to the Rego Park Older Adult Center myself—and I’ve been coming ever since. I come to the Center almost every day. It’s only about a 10- to 15-minute walk from my home, and I enjoy being here. What I love most are the people. I enjoy the atmosphere, the friendships, the music, the food, and being surrounded by people from many different backgrounds and cultures. It feels welcoming and lively. Over the years, the staff at Queens Community House have helped me with many things, including Medicare questions, passport renewal, case assistance, and other important services. Whenever I needed support, they were there to help me navigate the process. I am very grateful for everything they have done for me. One of my favorite things about the Center is the special celebrations and events. Recently, I attended the Center’s celebration honoring America’s 250th anniversary and the Center’s 48th birthday, and it was a very meaningful experience for me. Even after living in the United States for more than three decades, it was the first time I felt part of an American celebration like that. People from different countries and cultures came together to dance, share food, and celebrate as one community. It made me feel special, happy, and truly connected. The Center is also important to my family. I live with my brother, and I often bring lunch home for him after visiting the Center. For me, the Rego Park Older Adult Center is a place where I find friendship, support, and community. After so many years, it still feels like home.” —Linda Pinkhasova #QCHMeetYourNeighbor #QueensNY #NYC #Nonprofit #Community #OlderAdults

We’re excited to share that Queens Community House was featured on NY1 for our partnership with Forest Hills Stadium and the launch of “Making Cents for Queens”! 🎶❤️ https://lnkd.in/eMx7Ed3y Through this initiative, $0.25 from every beer and cocktail sold at Forest Hills Stadium concerts will help support QCH programs and services that strengthen neighborhoods across Queens. From youth development and workforce programs to food access, housing support, older adult services, and immigrant support, every concert now helps invest in local communities and the people who call Queens home. Thank you to Roger Clark + NY1 News for highlighting our exciting partnership with Forest Hills Stadium and the power of local institutions working together to create lasting community impact. ✨ #QueensCommunityHouse #ForestHillsStadium #MakingCentsForQueens #SummerConcerts #NYC #QueensNY #Community #Entertainment #Music #Fundraising #Nonprofit

"My parents actually met while volunteering at a community event, so being involved in the community has always felt natural to me. In high school, I coordinated volunteer opportunities for other students and spent my own time volunteering in a hospital and nursing home. Later, I realized I wanted to focus not only on helping individuals, but also on addressing the larger systems that create barriers in people’s lives. That path led me to Hunter College’s Community Organizing program—and, unexpectedly, to Queens Community House. My very first class at Hunter in 2007 was Community Organizing 101, taught by Irma Rodriguez herself. Receiving an award that bears her name nearly two decades later feels incredibly meaningful. Today, I serve as the Senior Community School Director at PS 14Q in Corona. Every day is different, which is one of the things I love most about the work. I help connect students and families to resources, support school-wide initiatives, build partnerships, and create opportunities that help our community thrive. To me, being a community builder means taking the time to listen to people, understand their stories, and build trust. I love connecting people with one another and helping create opportunities for support and collaboration. I’ve learned that people are craving community and connection, and when given the chance, they genuinely want to help and care for one another. One partnership that has been especially meaningful is our collaboration with QCH’s Queens Childcare Network. Since 2021, they have been a trusted resource for the families we serve through parent workshops, referrals, and educational programs. Knowing I can connect a family to their team and trust they will be treated with care and compassion makes an enormous difference. As both a community school director and a parent of a Queens public school student, I see every day how much schools matter. They can be places of learning, but also centers of connection, support, and opportunity. That’s what continues to inspire me about this work and about Queens itself—a borough filled with resilience, diversity, and neighbors who care deeply about one another." —Allison Brown, Recipient of the 2026 Irma Rodriguez Queens Community Builder Award The 2nd photo shows Allison with Irma at QCH’s Garden Party last week, where Allison received her award! #QCHMeetYourNeighbor #QCHGardenParty #Nonprofit #Community #QueensNY #NYC #Leaders #Education

📣 We showed the City Council our power in the streets. Now let’s show it in their inboxes! Last month, 2,000 advocates rallied to demand wage equity for nonprofit human services workers. Together, we raised our voices for Int 0452 (Wage Equity Legislation), which would help close the 30% pay gap between nonprofit and City human services workers. It’s time to follow up. Email your City Council Member to demand that they co-sponsor Int 0452 and support wage equity for nonprofit human services workers: https://lnkd.in/e5iQv_Vh

Recently, our partners at Turner Construction Company volunteered their time and talents to paint the recreational room at our Pomonok Community Center. Their efforts helped transform the space, giving it a fresh, bright new look that will be enjoyed by community members for years to come. We are grateful for Turner Construction's continued partnership and commitment to creating welcoming spaces for the communities we serve.

What a beautiful evening celebrating community, connection, and local heroes. 🌿✨ Last night, supporters, neighbors, partners, and friends gathered on the newly renovated patio of our Forest Hills Community Center for our Garden Party: Celebrating Local Heroes. Together, we celebrated the people and organizations who help make Queens stronger every day. We were proud to honor Ridgewood Savings Bank for its longstanding commitment to our communities and present the Irma E. Rodriguez Community Builder Award to Allison Brown, whose dedication to children, families, and neighborhoods continues to make a lasting impact. From tours of the Center and meaningful conversations to laughter, raffles, and new connections, the evening was a reminder of what is possible when a community comes together. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and supported this special event. A special thank you to our lead sponsors: Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld LLP, TD, and the Tieu Long Family. We are also grateful for the support of Apple Bank, MetroPlusHealth, Ponce Bank, Provident Bank, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, and Ridgewood Savings Bank. Your support helps create opportunities, strengthen neighborhoods, and ensure Queens residents have access to the resources they need to thrive. #QCHGardenParty #QueensNY #NYC #Nonprofit #Community

🌈 Happy Pride Month, Queens! Queens Community House has proudly marched in Queens Pride since the 1990s, continuing a long tradition of building community, connection, and pride for LGBTQ+ Queens residents of all ages. We remain committed to creating welcoming spaces where LGBTQ+ neighbors can connect, be celebrated, and thrive. We’re excited to once again proudly march in the Queens Pride Parade on Sunday, June 7 in Jackson Heights—and we’d love for you to join us! Come march alongside us as we celebrate love, authenticity, and the vibrant LGBTQ+ community that makes Queens stronger. 🌈💜 📍 37-06 77th St. in Jackson Heights 🗓 Sunday, June 7 ⏰ 10AM Meetup #PrideMonth #QueensNY #nycpride #lgbtq #nonprofit #community #queenspride

“When I first walked into a QCH event in November 2023, I had no idea it would lead me to such a meaningful community. A friend invited me to a volunteer appreciation dinner at the Kew Gardens Community Center, and through that experience, I met staff members who introduced me to volunteer opportunities across QCH. I started by helping at the Queens Center for Gay Seniors during holiday events and birthday celebrations, serving meals and spending time with older adults. Over time, I became involved with programs across different QCH sites, including Neighbors in Action and eBasics at Beacon 149, where I help older adults with technology. What keeps me volunteering is the sense of community. QCH brings together people from so many different cultures and backgrounds, and everyone is welcomed for who they are. I’ve built meaningful connections with both older adults and young people, and I’ve learned so much from them along the way— not only did I learn the vast diversity of my community, but also how to unite, embrace and practice inclusion throughout all different cultures and breaking through superficial barriers. One of my favorite memories is learning how to play Rummikub from older adults at the Queens Center for Gay Seniors. Now it’s one of my favorite games, and I always look forward to playing with them. Before volunteering with QCH, I was going through personal struggles in life and had stepped away from work for a time. Volunteering helped me stay motivated, gain confidence, and grow as a person. I learned leadership skills, how to take initiative, and how to better support others. What motivates me to continue volunteering is the kindness and appreciation I feel here. QCH became more than a place to volunteer — it became a community where I truly feel I belong.” —Shabana Khan #QCHMeetYourNeighbor #QueensNY #NYC #Nonprofit #Community #Advocacy #Volunteer

🎓✨ Celebrating the Class of 2026 at QCH’s JHS 157 After School Program! Our graduating seniors came together for a beautiful Senior Dinner filled with creativity, reflection, and joy. From decorating graduation caps to sharing memories and milestones, the evening was a celebration of how far they’ve come and all that lies ahead. We are so proud of the growth and friendships built throughout their time in the program. Here’s to the next chapter — hearts full, caps shining, and futures bright. ❤️🎉 #ClassOf2026 #Afterschool #QueensYouth #Graduation #QueensNY #Education #Youth #NYC

QCH was outside City Hall today with Human Services Council of New York and many nonprofits! 🗣️ It’s simple: equal work deserves equal wages. Despite this, nonprofit human services workers earn 30% less than City workers — for the same job. 📣That’s why we’re rallying to support Int 0452 (Wage Equity Legislation), which would help close the pay gap and advance #JustPay for our workers. By creating a new wage requirement system that aligns nonprofit and City salaries, Int 0452 goes beyond short-term fixes. It creates an entirely new system that supports wage equity for the long-haul. We’re calling on Mayor Mamdani and the New York City Council to pass Int 0452 now! #queensny #nyc #nonprofit #community #advocacy