Stop Asian Hate
 
In the recent events of the shootings in Atlanta and with the dramatic increase of violence against Asian Americans within the last year, we would like to strongly express our support to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and stand with you during these unsettling and fearful times. The latest, unreasonable attacks and targeted hate towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders only highlights the alarming theme of prejudice and racism in the U.S.
 

On behalf of BPC, I can say that we acknowledge the pain, fear, anxiety, and frustration that is unfortunately growing everywhere in the world. We pride ourselves on employing a diverse workforce inclusive of the AAPI community and we hope our services can offer our AAPI NY community and allies a safe space to process these feelings and provide you the mental health care that you seek. We are always here to listen to your ideas for change and strive for effective solutions. BPC will continue our promise as providers and as a community organization to challenge and denounce hate; actively promote diversity and be willing and open to learn how else to support those affected.
 
Below are resources available in support of this issue and we hope this will also educate those interested as well:

• https://www.stopaapihate.org
• https://standagainsthatred.org
• Asian Mental Health Collective – https://www.asianmhc.org
• National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) – https://www.nqapia.org

 
In solidarity,
 

Lora (De Guzman) Shapiro
 
 

Black Lives Matter

Dear BPC Community,

 
As the leader of BPC, please know that BPC condemns the horrific and senseless murder of Mr. George Floyd and victims of racially tinged police and vigilante violence. We also completely support the need and imperative for further changes in a system that allows such callous actions that are too often protected by a bystanding brotherhood. The subsequent protests and responses show that voices are being heard and unprecedented change is underway. 

As a long-standing provider of inclusive community services, BPC has always sought to be a safe space for all. Now more than ever during this historic time we reiterate our commitment to supporting the needs and feelings of all. We certainly stand in unity with the hundreds of peaceful protests and campaigns across our nation. We wish that all members of our Black community felt safe to interact with the police and others. We extend that hope to members of our LGBTQ community and any community members ostracized or targeted.

BPC is committed to conversations about racial inequities and safe suggestions to do whatever we can to bring about enduring change. I have encouraged our staff to have the tough conversations about these issues. These conversations may be uncomfortable but in sum they can be impactful. We proudly say that Black Lives Matter and condemn outright racism and prejudices that threaten our community. While we know this is a generational issue and that solutions are complex, we stand in solidarity and will humbly utilize our position as a community partner to set an example and use our voice to address racial, social, and gender disparities.

Whether it is legislative advocacy, donation, public announcements, staff education, collaboration with our local police, or other means of promoting support and peaceful change, we are here to listen and to promote ideas and safe solutions. Though we should never need reminding about our beliefs, these moments in our history propel us to take more active measures.

Accordingly, we are committed to the following actions:

• BPC Donation to Campaign Zero https://www.joincampaignzero.org
• Establishment of a relevant BPC donation matching program for our staff contributions
• Provision of resources and access to cultural and trauma sensitivity training for our staff
• A continued commitment to a diverse workforce

Thank you for taking the time to read this and getting to know us, and though we may not solve it ourselves, it is our pledge to meaningfully engage and contribute to a world free of so many injustices.

In safety and togetherness,

Steven Helfand
Executive Director