New York Organization Connects Youths to Their Culture

The Filipino American Human Services, Inc. or FAHSI was New York Citys first community organization for Filipino Americans. Established in 1993, the grass root organization offers vulnerable Filipinos year round services - from immigration workshops to college preparations.

Perhaps its most valuable contribution is offering Filipino American youth the chance to discover themselves.

Now in college, Mary-Ann Ubarra became a youth participant when she was just 12. She says FAHSI has taught her many lessons.

[Mary-Ann Ubarra, FAHSI Peer Educator]:
I learnt a lot, because we had identity work shops. And they say in teenage years, the biggest issue that teenagers have is that identity vs. role confusion. I think its very important that we have identity workshops.

Board Member Brian Tan says too often, second and following generations of Filipino Americans lose their cultural identity.

[Brian Tan, FAHSI Board Member]:
As an organization, FAHSI, in addition to the human services, especially for the youth, help to keep that part of the culture alive.

Executive Director Rose-Ann Ubarra-Cunana says she discovered her identity at FAHSI.

She says FAHSIs work in the community is helping Filipino Americans understand where theyve come from.

There are also parts of history that we do. And that really gives youths and also the seniors a general idea of where they fit in and how culture, and how history has helped mold the identity of the Filipino.

All of FAHSI's projects are aimed at one goal:

[Brian Tan, FAHSI Board Member]:
FAHSIs goal was to have an educated, empowered Filipino American community, that could contribute back to society.

And it has accomplished just that. Many of the youth participants come back as volunteers to enrich the lives of younger Filipino Americans.

On Sunday, FAHSI will celebrate the year's accomplishment with its biggest fundraiser - the 7th Annual Light a Parol Event in New York City.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

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