History
KCC was founded in 2000 under the name of Friends of Grace Seniors (FGS) as a non-profit organization by Dr. Kye-Eun Ma, who recognized the needs of the community of Korean seniors. With the needs of this community top of mind, she established FGS in Fort Lee, NJ, for Korean residents to easily access health/welfare, social, cultural, and educational services.
The organization was renamed to FGS Korean Community Center and moved to Englewood, NJ, in 2004. It has expanded quickly, providing a variety of services such as cultural/educational programs and medical/welfare services to the rapidly growing Korean-American community. In addition, by forming the Young People's Network (YPN) for second generation immigrants, it continued to build a bridge to the American Society by advancing empowerment and participation in the Korean community. and promoting the Korean cultural heritage and social identity. With this, the KCC Korean American Center opened as a place of harmony - not only for the senior community, but also for all age groups.
In 2013, KCC purchase a property in Tenafly, NJ, and started the construction of its own building. The new Korean Community Center is a modern three-story, 21,000 square foot facility. In 2015, the facility opened its new doors under the name of Korean Community Center (KCC) and encouraged the participation of young families and children with more enhanced programs for infants and children. In addition, it has begun to develop its role as a link that helps generational understanding and harmony through culture and arts education.
KCC has partnered with specialized organizations to launch a variety of new programs such as senior re-employment support programs and open learning programs to accelerate efforts to go beyond existing educational and cultural activities. In addition, by opening more in-depth programs such as initiatives for families of children with autism and free legal counseling, the organization strived to achieve financial and organizational stability in order to provide more advanced services.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, KCC expanded the scope of its social services by establishing a Pandemic Well-being Program that strengthens its health and social service areas. KCC created a community relief project and economic empowerment program which encompasses various underprivileged groups. In addition, KCC presented leadership and vision as a true community center that helps all Korean immigrants in crisis by exchanging information between local organizations and establishing closer partnerships.
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January 10, 2002: Publication and distribution of the inaugural issue of the magazine *Health & Service*.
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March 22, 2002: Hosted a 2nd Anniversary Commemorative Dinner at Daewon, featuring a fundraising drive for donations.
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August 1, 2002: Signed an official contract with the Bergen County Department of Senior Services to launch a Care Management Program for homebound seniors.
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October 1, 2002: FGS was listed in the Bergen County Department of Senior Services' "Guide to Key Services for Seniors."
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November 5, 2002: Held a fundraising dinner for senior services at Daewon; established a social welfare counseling office and installed telephones and computers.
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January 1, 2001: Expanded leased space (to 1,700 sq. ft.) to open a dedicated office and computer classroom.
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April 27, 2001: Held a fundraising dinner at Daewon to raise funds.
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July 1, 2001: Expanded program facilities to the first floor (totaling 4,000 sq. ft.), establishing an exercise classroom, a ceramics studio, and an art gallery.
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November 13, 2001: Received the first legislative grant (special state funding) of $20,000, secured through the recommendation of State Assemblywoman Rose Heck.
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December 1, 2001: Hosted the Bergen County Health Forum at the center, marking the first time the center was formally introduced to the Bergen County Department of Senior Services.
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February 16, 2000: Registered as a non-profit organization with the State of New Jersey.
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July 1, 2000: Established the Fort Lee Center (2000 Bigler St., 2nd Floor, Fort Lee). Lee, NJ 07024) — 1,000 sq. ft. space leased.
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September 6, 2000 — Recognized as an IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
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October 22, 2000 — Held the inaugural Members' Room Dinner at Daewon.