press releases & policy statements
Learn the latest on CACF's initiatives!
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.
Click here to view our response and the list of undersigned organizations.
Help new yorkers get health coverage!
Urgent action is needed!
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).
Deadline to sign-on is
FRIDAY, August 5th, 12pm.
Please click on this link
for the letter and to sign-on.
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.
Click here to view the letter.
*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.
Click here for the
New York City FY12 Adopted Budget Summary
CACF Honors Flushing Parent Leaders
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.
View the NY Times article here.
View a pdf of the article here.
Youth leadership
year end community briefing
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.
Click here to learn more about ASAP.
CACF Launches 25th Anniversary Campaign
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.
Click here to support our 25th Anniversary Fund.
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.
Click here to learn more about Project CHARGE.
View our State advocacy agenda here.
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.
12% and Growing Coalition Statement on FY 2012 NYC Executive budget
FY 2012 Executive Budget Will Hurt Vulnerable
Asian Pacific American Community Members
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.
CACF Advocates for
improved child welfare system
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.
For more information, visit
www.WhoCares-IDo.org.
CACF advocates for
fair new yOrk state budget
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.
12% and Growing Coalition responds to state and city budget cuts
On March 25, 2011, the 12% and Growing Coalition, a group of over 40 Asian led or serving community based organizations, hosted a press conference at Chinatown Manpower Project to respond to the proposed State and City budgets and explain the negative impacts of the proposed budget cuts on the Asian Pacific American community. This press conference is in support of the Human Services Council's "Who Cares? I Do" campaign to protect human services from 1) the steep $400 million in funding cuts proposed by the Governor in the State budget (to be enacted by March 31, 2011) and 2) the significant cuts to human services proposed by the Mayor in the City's Preliminary Budget.
12% and growing coalition hosts budget briefing for new york city council
On March 7, 2011, the 12% and Growing Coalition, a group of over 40 Asian led or serving community based organizations, hosted a briefing on the FY 2012 City Budget to discuss the impacts of the Mayor's Preliminary Budget on the Asian Pacific American Community. Representatives from Asians American for Equalitym, Asian & Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV & AIDS, Inc., Chinatown Manpower Project, CACF, and MinKwon Center for Community Action presented testimony advocating for budget restorations for vital services to protect our most vulnerable populations.
CACF ASAP Youth Speaks at
National Youth Summit
on Education policy panel
Youth Leader Carmen Lin, of the Asian Pacific American Student Advocacy Project, spoke at the first-ever National Youth Summit at Washington D.C., on the Education Policy Panel.
View the video of the panel here.
12% and Growing coalition calls for
fair, equitable funding
in FY2011-2012 Budgets
On February 16, 2011, the 12% and Growing Coalition, a group of over 40 Asian led or serving community based organizations, held a press conference to announce their campaign to seek fair, equitable funding for the Asian Pacific American community and called on our Mayor and City Council to protect the most vulnerable in our community - recent immigrants, low-income, seniors, women, and young people - by avoiding damaging cuts to education and health and human services.
CACF WElcomes Sheebani Patel
CACF is proud to welcome Sheebani Patel as our Policy Coordinator. She will be responsible for leading CACF's New York State and City budget advocacy campaigns to increase public funding and improve equity for Asian Pacific American children and families. She will collaborate with the MinKwon Center for Community Action to co-lead the 12% and Growing Coalition, and coordinate CACF's advocacy agenda to improve child welfare policies, funding, and services.
View the press release here.
Learn more about Sheebani here.
CACF STatement on Mayor's Proposed FY 2011-2012 BUdget
CACF statement on governor's proposed FY2011-12 budget
CACF is working with our member organizations through the 12% and Growing Coalition to advocate for more fairness and equity in the State and City budgets, so please see below for our initial analysis on the proposed State budget.
CACF Deputy Director appointed to citywide council on
english language learners
The Public Advocate, Bill de Blasio, has appointed Vanessa Leung to the Citywide Council on English Language Learners (CCELL). The position entails a two-year term during which she will have the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to improvements in New York City's services and programs to support English Language Learners. Vanessa will work with other members of the CCELL to develop policy recommendations and work closely with the staff of the Department of Education and Public Advocate's office to ensure ELL issues are addressed.
CACF Letter to
GOvernor Andrew cuomo
CACF sent the following letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo which identifies key issues facing Asian Pacific American children and families in the areas of education, health, and child welfare and which provides recommendations to address these issues.
Asian Pacific American Community-Based Organizations Form New Collaborative to Address
Healthy Eating and Active Living
CACF is pleased to announce Asian Pacific Americans Healthy Eating and Active Living In our Neighborhoods (APA HEALIN'). APA HEALIN' is a new collaborative that aims to reduce chronic disease and poor health outcomes in the diverse Asian Pacific American community in New York City by increasing healthy eating and physical activity through structural and policy changes.
Project charge statement on passage of the patient protection and affordable care act (hr 3590)
Coalition of Asian American organizations applauds passage of historic health reform legislation
New York, NY – Project CHARGE (Coalition for Health Access to Reach Greater Equity) applauds President Obama, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and the House of Representatives for their incredible leadership to make health reform a reality. On March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590), a historic health care reform legislation which will increase access to care for approximately 32 million Americans. Project CHARGE now looks to the Senate to make additional improvements to our nation's health care system by quickly passing the House-passed Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872).
Click here to read the full statement.