KOREAN NET

The Korean Community Services (KCS) of Metropolitan New York began to provide a variety of service to more Korean Americans by extending its scope of activities to New Jersey from New York. The KCS is known to be the largest Korean American community in the northeastern part of the U.S.

Founded in New York in 1973, the KCS is a non-profit organization providing extensive services related to economic revival and volunteer works, welfare, and health in New York metro area (i.e. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut). Kim Myeong-mi serves as the current president of the KCS, who was sworn in last Mar. 7 after serving as a vice president of the KCS. Her predecessor was Council Member Linda Lee of New York City Council. Currently with some 200 full-time staff members employed, the KCS is acknowledged as a non-profit Korean American organization in New York.

KCS members take a group photo during a golf outing in 2022 (source : KCS Facebook)

KCS President Kim Myeong-mi delivers a congratulatory speech

Currently, the KCS's main hall is located in Bayside, New York. The location became a central spot that covers all of populated area of Korean Americans as the KCS expanded its operation to New Jersey. Cherishing its long history and service scope, the KCS operates a variety of programs designed to help Korean Americans.

Opening ceremony

Senior Center
The senior center was built for senior citizens 60 and older. The center serves meals from Monday to Friday and provides counseling service on government benefits, healthcare, and housing to those who lacks English proficiency. Furthermore, classes are provided in various fields from the arts (Korean paintings, calligraphy, line dance, Korean traditional dance, Korean music, K-pop, literature) to digital literacy (computer and smartphone) and foreign language (English and Chinese) as well as physical exercise (table tennis and other sports).

Education Center 
The education center is designed for people who need support on documentation applying for permanent residency and citizenship. In addition, those who want to get help on property matters, crime related issues, and employment issues, they can call or visit the center.

Immigration Center 
The immigration center is designed for people who need support on documentation applying for permanent residency and citizenship. In addition, those who want to get help on property matters, crime related issues, and employment issues, they can call or visit the center.

Mental Health Center 
Many immigrants suffer from difficulties mentally from cultural differences. Apart from other non-profit organizations, the KCS recognizes mental health problem as one of serious social issues and currently arranging cure programs. In particular, for those having stress coming from unsettled matters in their families, the center is preparing for programs related to psychological treatment and art therapy. The center holds English-speaking experts who can deal with both the first and the second generation immigrants in an effort to resolve conflicts stem from generation and cultural differences.

KCS Community Center (source: KCS Facebook)

Public Health and Research Center
Medical expenses account for large portion when living in the U.S. Professionals with expertise on medical insurance in the center helps people to select the proper medical service. Since states in U.S. differ in medical services, experts in the center recommends good medical services in line with the state's policy. It also shares know-hows on coping with overcharge for medical services.

Job Training Center
The job training center provides information on reemployment to senior citizens 55 and older. It also share information on unemployment allowances for those who lost jobs.

Similar to other non-profit organizations, the KCS is financed by government subsidies and donations. Operation of organizations involved in supporting immigrants in New York are relatively stable compared to that of in other states, but still more interest and support are needed. Also volunteers' support is desperately required.

The KCS holds many annual events in a bid to secure external support and provide services from fundraising gala and scholarship presentation to golf outings and the New York City Marathon. There are also internship programs for Korean students during school vacation.

After achieving a professional career at the KCS, many staff members get scouted by much larger social volunteer groups.

Commissioner Mary Amoroso of Bergen County delivers a congratulatory speech

"Sooner or later, the population of Korean Americans in New Jersey will surpass that of New York. This is why we have been mulling for a long time over opening a new center in New Jersey," Kim said. "It is an honor to start KCS programs here in Palisades Park, a major Koreatown in New Jersey."

Local politicians and leaders of Korean American communities in New York and New Jersey joined and congratulated the opening ceremony of the KCS.

Local politicians and leaders of Korean American communities take part in ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the KCS

Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York (KCS)
Address : 203-05 32nd Ave. Bayside NY 11361

Website : www.kcsny.org