Two Korean American community organizations based in northeast Queens welcomed Dr. Ann Marie T. Sullivan, commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health, for a daylong visit focused on expanding mental health resources and support for immigrant communities.
The visit on Wednesday, April 23, was coordinated by Assembly Member Nily Rozic’s office and included stops at Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York (KCS) in Bayside and the Korean American Family Service Center (KAFSC) in Flushing. At both locations, Sullivan met with organizational leaders to discuss the availability of state mental health resources and how they can further support ongoing programming.
Sullivan also commended both organizations for their continued work in providing culturally responsive mental health and social services for Korean American residents in Queens.
During the visit, KCS and KAFSC leaders shared insights into their comprehensive offerings, which include mental health counseling, domestic violence prevention programs, senior services, and youth development initiatives. Conversations highlighted the importance of culturally competent care and emphasized the need for stronger partnerships with the state to address the growing mental health needs of Korean American and other underserved immigrant populations.
“KCS and KAFSC are doing extraordinary work to ensure that Korean American families have access to services that are effective and respectful of their culture and language,” said Sullivan. “It’s vital that we continue building partnerships with trusted community organizations like these to break down stigma, expand access, and bring mental health resources to every corner of New York.”
Myoungmi Kim, executive director of KCS, emphasized how important it is for Korean Americans to receive access to culturally competent mental health services.
Jeehae Fischer, executive director of KAFSC, echoed Kim’s point.“At KAFSC, we know that healing begins with safety, trust, and cultural understanding. This visit marks an important step in deepening state-community collaboration to support trauma survivors and create long-term pathways to wellness,” he said.
Rozic and Assembly Member Ron Kim, who presided over the communities in which KAFSC and KCS are located, praised the organizations for their dedication to their community members.
“Community-based organizations like KCS and KAFSC are lifelines for immigrant families navigating mental health challenges and trauma,” said Rozic. “Bringing Commissioner Sullivan directly into the community ensures that culturally competent voices are shaping the future of our mental health system. I’m proud to have helped facilitate this important dialogue.”
“We must build systems of care that meet people where they are—especially in immigrant communities that often go unseen,” said Kim. “KCS and KAFSC exemplify what grassroots, culturally informed care looks like, and I thank Commissioner Sullivan for recognizing their work.”
