On October 19th, the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new location in Bensonhurst. This event was marked by the presence of numerous elected officials and community members, all coming together to congratulate and participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The new center, the fourth established by the association, is located at the corner of Bay 34th Street and Benson Avenue. To make the occasion even more festive, dragon and lion dance teams performed for attendees. Association President Ming-Hsien Deng expressed that since its inception in 2003, the organization has registered over 4,000 members. Over the past 21 years, it has become an essential service provider for the Chinese community in Brooklyn, with daily consultations serving nearly a hundred people.

Deng noted that the new center has received partial funding from the state government and aims to offer comprehensive services to the community, including food vouchers, affordable housing assistance, Social Security benefits, energy subsidies, tax assistance, and healthcare programs. The new site will also host a variety of classes and activities, such as English language learning, Chinese ink painting, and technology workshops. Moreover, a basement equipped with ping pong tables will provide a space for community members to gather and engage in friendly matches.

In light of the increasing Chinese population in Bensonhurst, Deng highlighted the association’s commitment to ensuring residents can access welfare and medical services close to home. He revealed that the two-story center spans 1,500 square feet and can accommodate 40 individuals at a time while separating social services from recreational areas for easier access to needed resources.

State Senator Julia Salazar, Assemblymember William Colton, and City Councilmember Sandra Ung were among those who attended the event, joining President Deng in the ribbon-cutting celebration. Salazar expressed her gratitude for the association’s services, noting that the enthusiasm and dedication of community organizations inspired her to advocate for $30 million in funding from the state legislature to support and expand community services.

In addition to the new location, the association also operates centers at 1787 Stillwell Avenue, 2111 Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay, and 8407 15th Avenue in Dyker Heights.