BCNC

In an interview with GBH, CEO Ben Hires highlighted the challenges faced by child care centers, particularly with an increase in children showing behavioral issues, autism, and other learning disabilities. He noted that in some classrooms, the number of children with these challenges has tripled in recent years, creating additional strain on staff. "There are some children who really need, like, one-on-one [support],” Hires said. He emphasized that while state funding programs like C3 have been vital in improving wages and stabilizing the sector, there is still a pressing need for more staff and resources to adequately address these challenges. “We’re trying to be as competitive as possible,” said Hires, who raised BCNC’s pay for child care educators with help from C3 grants. “Thinking about equity, thinking about who our teachers are — 100% women, a lot of them immigrant staff.” Hear and read more: https://lnkd.in/e2SWTXJk For over 50 years, BCNC has provided full-day, dual-language education and care in Chinese and English for children aged 15 months to 5 years, from low-income working families. Read more: bcnc.net/acorn-center

BCNC's Youth Program Director, Kelly (Lingkan) Huang joined the Community Music Center of Boston (CMCB) in conversations about youth-centered teaching and learning. The discussion covered several topics, including how organizations can support youth in civic engagement and addressing mental health challenges. BCNC Youth Programs are expanding in Quincy with a new space for youth to build connections, explore and understand their community, and put leadership skills into action. Through year-round programming focused on leadership development, education, and workforce readiness, we support youth to thrive in school and beyond. Read more about our programs at bcnc.net/youth-center

Join the Bamboo Circle for their first ever Open Mic Night! ?? Enjoy performances from local artists while connecting with young professionals dedicated to supporting the BCNC's mission of uplifting Asian and new immigrant communities in the Greater Boston Area! All event proceeds will go towards BCNC programs for children, youth, and families. Your admission ticket gives you snacks by Kaju Tofu House, drinks, as well as the chance to win incredible prizes from our sponsors: Sumiao Hunan Kitchen, Roche Bros. Supermarkets, Flour Bakery+Cafe, Nguyen Coffee Supply, ChopValue, Oishii Berry, Envision Lin and Garden Glow Tattoo. ?? Friday, March 28, 7–10PM ?? Pao Arts Center, 99 Albany Street, Boston ??? $15 Purchase tickets and sign up to perform TODAY: https://lnkd.in/eQ2zPttb Graphics by Dana Balletta.

?? You're invited to the 2025 Lantern Festival Gala on Tuesday, May 13, 2025! ??? Tickets are on sale now! We also have limited tables of 10 available. Purchase tickets or tables until Friday, April 25, 2025 here: https://lnkd.in/exy7Df9n Honorees: Selina Chow & Betty Szeto Host: Tiffany Chan, WBZ CBS Boston Join us to explore Chinatown. Sponsors will enjoy an exclusive reception at Pao Arts Center. Then guests gather outside at the iconic Chinatown Gate at Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park for cultural performances. Finally, guests are escorted to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious 10-course Chinese banquet and to hear inspiring stories of immigrants. While policies may change, bringing uncertainty to our communities, our commitment remains steadfast. Your support helps BCNC remain a beacon of hope for those who need it most. Your donation will: - Strengthen the Mental Health of Families - Prepare Immigrant Adults and Youth for the Workforce - Provide High-Quality Care for Children #BCNC #BCNCLanternFestivalGala

Kevin Thai, thank you for generously supporting Asian immigrant families! You captured the joy and strength of these families.

Last week, the BCNC Board of Directors and Executive Team came together for an all-day retreat to discuss how to respond to current community needs as well as set a long-term vision for improving the mental health of Asian immigrant families. Thank you to our Board members, Eugene Mahr, Paul Bi, CPCU, Ellen Xi De Wang, San San Lee, Ada Chu, Bartholomew Jae, Shari Narva, Betty Szeto, Terri Mock, Selina Chow, Patrick Cahill, Angela Gee, for their leadership!

Meet Team BCNC runner Hannah Say, who will be running the 129th Boston Marathon to support BCNC’s immigrant families. Growing up in San Francisco surrounded by a vibrant Asian American community, Hannah searched for a similar community when she started attending Boston College. She later connected with BCNC through a Boston College culture organization’s field trip to Pao Arts Center As a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines, Hannah is passionate about helping Asian and immigrant children and families thrive. Where is Hannah’s dream running destination? Boston Marathon 2025! Dreams do come true! Does Hannah have any race day superstitions? She will never buy a t-shirt at a race expo the day before that says “Finisher” on it! Help her reach her fundraising goal of $12,000 to support BCNC’s programs and services by donating here: https://lnkd.in/e2wsJjdT Read more about BCNC’s Boston Marathon Team runners here: https://lnkd.in/eH7yQnFN

Sign up for Boston Citizenship day to receive free legal help with your citizenship application ??Saturday, April 12th, 2025, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM ??Location: Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Boston ??Contact [email protected] or call (617) 433-7144 to sign-up or with questions. ??Eligibility Requirements: - You need to be at least 18th years old - Must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for 5 years and have lived in the U.S. during that time - OR Must be married to a US Citizen for 3 years and you must have lived in the U.S. for that time - You must meet with a BCNC staff member in advance for the event.

A huge thank you to Bain Capital and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for sponsoring care packages for our adult immigrant ESL students! Your support is helping empower their journey toward success in work, school, and life. Partner with BCNC to make a difference—sponsor care packages and help strengthen Asian and immigrant communities. Engage with your colleagues in a fun, hands-on group volunteering opportunity and team-builder to make a meaningful impact to children, youth, and families. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Last month, professionals from Deloitte provided an informative career exploration workshop for 30 youth in Boston and Quincy. They introduced students to the field of accounting and working in an accounting firm. In addition to accounting, the Deloitte team also shared insights into other career opportunities such as in law, consulting, and software support. Youth shared that hearing directly from someone in the field helped them better understand an accountant’s job and inspired them to think about their own futures. A big thank you to Jimmy Chow and the Deloitte MADE initiative for volunteering and engaging our youth at BCNC! Jimmy Chow attended the Youth Program when he was in high school and BCNC is where he received academic support and found community. Special thanks to Jimmy for organizing this new partnership and giving back! The BCNC Youth Program provides opportunities for youth to build connections, explore and understand their community, and put leadership skills into action to support youth to thrive in school and beyond. Read more about our year-round programming focused on leadership development, education, and workforce readiness in both Boston and Quincy: https://lnkd.in/epcvRM8c