A new nonprofit organization in Southeast Queens is making strides to support the local Haitian community by addressing essential needs through mutual aid and community engagement. Founded in 2022, Frè Ak Sè, translating to “Brothers and Sisters” in Haitian Creole, aims to provide a range of services including health programs, financial education, and food assistance while fostering connections among residents. The founders, many of whom have a long history of advocacy in the area, emphasize the importance of “konbit,” a term for mutual aid that represents their approach to community support.
Community Roots and Current Challenges
The inception of Frè Ak Sè can be traced back to the collective experiences of its founders at the Sacred Heart Church in Southeast Queens during the 1970s and 1980s, a cultural hub for the Haitian community at that time. As many Haitians fled political turmoil at home under the Duvalier dictatorship, community organizations emerged to facilitate support for new arrivals, providing resources on housing, healthcare, and employment.
Decades later, amidst a changing socio-political landscape, Solomon and his fellow cofounders are committed to addressing contemporary challenges faced by the local Haitian population. Solomon, who serves as president, notes that residents are facing heightened fears, largely due to changing immigration policies that threaten vulnerable populations. The termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians has left over 5,400 individuals in New York City at risk of deportation, compounding existing barriers such as mental health issues and food insecurity.
Frè Ak Sè’s initial undertaking was organizing a health fair that involved local healthcare professionals offering services and guidance to community members. The need for culturally relevant health education was also highlighted by cofounder Celifie-Aime, who pointed out how changes in diet and lack of access to fresh foods have serious health implications for new arrivals. Cultural connections remain vital, and Celifie-Aime emphasized that community engagement through food-related events strengthens these bonds.
Since relocating to a dedicated space on Hollis Avenue, Frè Ak Sè has expanded its offerings. Community members are encouraged to engage in intake surveys during visits to assess their needs, leading to connections with various resource partners such as Haitian Americans United for Progress (HAUP) for legal assistance. Recent initiatives include thrift events to help fund additional programming, showcasing the organization’s commitment to sustainable community development.
Overall, Frè Ak Sè is leveraging the expertise of its cofounders, who have backgrounds in social work, finance, and healthcare, to provide essential services tailored to their community. As they confront the challenges of financial literacy and ongoing immigration fears, they strive not only to aid those in need but also to build a resilient network for future generations.
**Why It Matters:** Frè Ak Sè serves as a vital resource for the Haitian community in Southeast Queens, addressing pressing issues while reinforcing the importance of collective support. By promoting mutual aid and culturally relevant services, the organization plays a pivotal role in ensuring community members have access to essential resources during a time of uncertainty.
