The New York State Assembly’s Asian Pacific American Task Force on Nov. 13 announced a major boost for the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association, unveiling $920,000 in state funding to support the organization’s expanding network of services for Chinese American and immigrant families in south Brooklyn.
The allocation is part of a wider $30 million investment for Asian American and Pacific Islander New Yorkers in the 2025–26 state budget, the third year in a row that the APA Task Force has secured this level of statewide support.
Task Force Chair Assemblymember Grace Lee said the sustained funding marks a continued effort to strengthen resources for Asian American communities at a moment when federal programs face political pressure.
“As Republicans in Washington are defunding SNAP benefits and healthcare and attacking our immigrant communities, it is even more important than ever that in New York, we fight to make sure Asian American communities get support and resources," said Lee.
She noted that this year’s grant ensures BCA can continue serving south Brooklyn’s growing Chinese American population.
Assemblymember William Colton, who represents many of the residents served by BCA, called the nonprofit a critical link for immigrant families and seniors. He said the grant will help sustain programs that span education, childcare and senior support.
The BCA operates after-school programs for more than 1,600 students across six public schools and serves more than 700 seniors daily.
BCA President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Mak said state support in recent years has allowed the organization to significantly scale its work, especially in the wake of COVID-19 and rising anti-Asian incidents.
The nonprofit expanded a 24-hour crime-prevention hotline, distributed more than 85,000 grab-and-go meals, checked in on over 4,000 homebound seniors and connected roughly 2,300 residents with case managers to navigate benefits and services.
“Since its founding, BCA has proven itself to be an important organization that delivers crucial services to residents across southwest Brooklyn,” said Colton.
The group also hosted around 70 health and youth-development workshops reaching more than 8,500 participants.
“As a mother and an immigrant myself, I know how important it is to have trusted community organizations that understand our families’ needs,” said Council Member Susan Zhuang.
