April Monthly Members Meeting

Last April 16, Damayan members attended the April 2022 Monthly Members Meeting at The People’s Forum in NYC to learn about NYC Care, share their experiences with anti-Asian hate crime, and discuss how to protect themselves individually and as a community. 

Assistant Director of MetroPlus Health Gabriela Mayorga gave an engaging presentation about NYC Care, a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify or cannot afford health insurance regardless of immigration status. The presentation was well-received by the members, providing insight to the Filipino migrant workers’ plight and the need for affordable quality health care. 

Damayan then proceeded with a much-needed discussion about the recent spate of anti-Asian hate crimes in the US, especially in NYC. The participants, mainly older Filipino women migrant workers, expressed anxiety and fear and shared their personal struggles. 

The participants also did break-out groups to talk about the impact of anti-Asian hate crimes on them individually and as a community, and what Damayan can do to help. 

“I learned that awareness, mindfulness, as well as presence of mind are important in battling anti-Asian hate crimes. We need to unite with our fellow Filipinos, and keep connected with Damayan for prevention information and solutions,” Damayan member Evelyn Balansay shared. 

If you or someone you know has been a recent victim of anti-Asian hate crime, would like to sign up for upcoming safety and self-defense trainings, or would like to volunteer, please contact Damayan at 212-564-6057 or contact@damayanmigrants.org.