Our History
In the 17th century, Flushing, NY, was settled by Dutch colonists, marking the beginning of its diverse demographic history. By the 19th century, Flushing had become home to European immigrants from Germany and Ireland. The mid-20th century brought a new wave of immigration, and during the 1960s and 1970s, an influx of immigrants from China, Korea, and Japan transformed Flushing into one of the largest Asian communities in New York City, often referred to as the "Asian Capital of America."
By the 1990s, Asian American entrepreneurs had established numerous businesses, fostering a vibrant cultural and community-oriented society. As the immigrant population continued to grow, the first-generation children of these immigrants faced unique challenges, often navigating different cultural backgrounds from their American peers.
In response to these needs, the Grayson Culture & Youth Foundation was established in 2022 by Asian Americans. The foundation aims to unite the Asian community, instilling pride in their heritage and providing essential resources to support the youth in achieving their American dreams. By addressing the distinct challenges faced by Asian American youth, the foundation strives to empower the next generation, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities necessary for success.
By the 1990s, Asian American entrepreneurs had established numerous businesses, fostering a vibrant cultural and community-oriented society. As the immigrant population continued to grow, the first-generation children of these immigrants faced unique challenges, often navigating different cultural backgrounds from their American peers.
In response to these needs, the Grayson Culture & Youth Foundation was established in 2022 by Asian Americans. The foundation aims to unite the Asian community, instilling pride in their heritage and providing essential resources to support the youth in achieving their American dreams. By addressing the distinct challenges faced by Asian American youth, the foundation strives to empower the next generation, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities necessary for success.
GCY Today
Over the past few years, the Grayson Culture & Youth Foundation (GCY) has become one of Flushing's unique youth organizations. While initially dedicated to serving children and youth from the Asian American community, GCY has evolved and grown into an organization that annually serves young people from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.
Through a comprehensive range of services, GCY programs support children and youth from the time they start pre-school until they are ready to transition to college. In addition to providing direct services, GCY has organized and continues to lead some of the largest and most impactful youth collaborations in Flushing, NY. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, GCY empowers young people to achieve their full potential and contribute positively to their communities.
Through a comprehensive range of services, GCY programs support children and youth from the time they start pre-school until they are ready to transition to college. In addition to providing direct services, GCY has organized and continues to lead some of the largest and most impactful youth collaborations in Flushing, NY. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, GCY empowers young people to achieve their full potential and contribute positively to their communities.