News Releases Archive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Wendy Healy, 203-744-6367
Wendy@LDRNY.org
Chris Connell, 212-784-8900, ext. 8960
Cconnell@LSS-MNY.org

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES-METROPOLITAN NEW YORK OPENS CENTER IN CHINATOWN SECTION OF MANHATTAN TO SUPPORT FUJIANESE PEOPLE AFFECTED BY 9/11/01

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Dec. 12, 2002 – To help meet the needs of an underserved ethnic population in New York City dramatically affected by 9/11/01, Lutheran Social Services-Metropolitan New York (LSS-MNY), with funding from Lutheran Disaster Response of New York (LDRNY), today announced the opening of the New LIFE Center in the Chinatown section of Manhattan.

New LIFE Center was created to meet the needs of the Fujianese community, an ethnic group from the Fujian Province of China that speaks Fujianese. Many Fujianese who lived and worked in Chinatown were affected by the aftermath of 9/11 when either their homes or workplaces were impacted. Many lost their livelihood and couldn’t qualify for assistance because they fell outside the strict geographical guidelines set forth by many agencies.

The Fujianese are some of the most underserved people, especially in regard to 9/11 assistance, according to Chris Connell, director of LSS-MNY Disaster Relief, but also one of the fastest growing ethnic populations in the city. Compounding the problem, most 9/11 language-assistance is available in Cantonese and Chinese only, leaving the Fujianese population without adequate translation and disaster support services.

“They really have no where to turn for help in understanding and navigating through the public assistance system,” said Connell.

The Center is housed at the True Light Lutheran Church in Chinatown, a congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod that is home to many Chinese Lutherans. The church is located at 195 Worth St., between Mulberry and Mott streets. The program was created by Connell and Henry Ye, director of Asia Minor Program for LSS-MNY. LSS’ Wendy Wang, who is Fujianese, will coordinate the Center. Pastor of the church is Lenny Szeto.

Staffed with care managers who speak Fujianese, the Center will provide help and assistance in accessing public assistance, job training, immigration services and much more.

The Center was dedicated on Dec. 12. For more information, or to reach the Center, call 212-748-1754.

LDRNY is a disaster relief program to aid those affected by 9/11/02. It is a joint project of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. For more information, go to www.LDRNY.org.