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East-West School of International Studies Hodori Program

Free SONYC Summer Rising program serving grades 5-8 in Flushing, Queens, run by Korean American Family Service Center with academic, emotional, behavioral, and social support

Hodori (Little Tigers in Korean) Summer Rising provides students with comprehensive support including academic assistance, emotional, behavioral, and social guidance in a safe and healthy environment designed to enrich developmental growth. The program is operated by Korean American Family Service Center, which holds a School-Age Child Care license from NYS Office of Children and Family Service and has extensive experience serving children from lower socioeconomic status families, currently serving students from 5th grade and up.

DetailInformation
Address46-21 Colden Street, Flushing, NY 11355
BoroughQueens (Flushing)
ProviderThe Korean American Family Service Center, Inc.
Websitekafsc.org
Phone(718) 460-3800

Cost

Free

Age Range

Ages 11-14 (Grades 5-8)

Program Type

School’s Out New York City (SONYC)

Category

Youth Development

East-West School Hodori program offers comprehensive Summer Rising programming including:

  • Academic Assistance: Summer learning to prevent educational loss
  • Emotional Support: Social-emotional learning and counseling
  • Behavioral Guidance: Positive behavior supports and skill building
  • Social Development: Building healthy relationships and communication skills
  • Safe Environment: Nurturing space for growth and exploration
  • Enrichment Activities: Arts, recreation, and creative programming
  • Developmental Growth: Age-appropriate activities supporting maturation
  • Culturally Responsive Care: Programming that honors diverse backgrounds
  • Licensed Care: NYS-licensed School-Age Child Care program

Korean American Family Service Center (KAFSC) has been serving New York’s Korean American and Asian American communities since 1973, making it one of the oldest and most trusted Asian social service organizations in the United States. For over 50 years, KAFSC has been committed to empowering individuals and families through comprehensive, culturally sensitive services.

Mission: KAFSC works to enhance the overall quality of life for Korean Americans, Asian Americans, and all New Yorkers by providing social, educational, and mental health services. The organization believes in building strong communities through culturally responsive programming that honors heritage while supporting integration.

History & Impact: Founded in 1973 by a group of concerned community members, KAFSC began as a volunteer-run hotline helping Korean immigrants navigate life in New York. The organization has grown into a comprehensive social services agency serving over 10,000 individuals annually across multiple programs and locations.

Core Services:

  • Youth Development: Afterschool, summer programs, and teen services
  • Mental Health: Counseling, therapy, and crisis intervention in multiple languages
  • Senior Services: Case management, socialization, and support for older adults
  • Family Support: Parenting education, domestic violence services, and family counseling
  • Immigration Services: Legal assistance and citizenship support
  • Community Programs: Cultural events, education, and advocacy

Culturally Responsive Approach: KAFSC is known for its culturally competent services that address:

  • Language Access: Staff fluent in Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese, and other Asian languages
  • Cultural Understanding: Programs designed with cultural values and traditions in mind
  • Immigration Challenges: Support for navigating new systems and expectations
  • Intergenerational Dynamics: Addressing cultural gaps between immigrant parents and American-born children
  • Community Building: Creating spaces where families maintain cultural identity while integrating

Hodori Program Philosophy: The name “Hodori” (Little Tigers) reflects the program’s goals:

  • Courage: Building confidence and bravery like young tigers
  • Growth: Supporting developmental progress and learning
  • Community: Creating a supportive “den” where young people thrive
  • Excellence: High expectations and quality programming

KAFSC’s Summer Rising program at East-West School brings decades of experience serving diverse communities, with particular expertise supporting immigrant families and children navigating multiple cultural contexts.

  1. Check Eligibility Confirm your child is enrolled in grades 5-8 at East-West School of International Studies.

  2. Contact KAFSC Reach out to Korean American Family Service Center or school coordinators about the Hodori program.

  3. Complete Application Fill out enrollment forms with student and family information.

  4. Submit Documentation Provide required documents including proof of age, school enrollment, and medical forms.

  5. Language Support Request interpretation services if needed (Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese available).

  6. Attend Orientation Participate in family orientation to meet staff and learn about summer programming.

  7. Start Summer Program Begin attending Summer Rising sessions.

  • Directoryenrollment-packet/
    • KAFSC enrollment form
    • Student information sheet
    • Emergency contact information
    • Medical information and consent forms
    • School enrollment verification
    • Immunization records
    • Photo/media release form
    • Code of conduct agreement
    • Language preference form (if applicable)

East-West School of International Studies is accessible via multiple transit options:

  • Subway: 7 train to Flushing-Main Street (10-minute walk) or Mets-Willets Point
  • Bus: Q12, Q13, Q15, Q16, Q17, Q20A/B, Q25, Q34, Q44 serve the Flushing area
  • Located in central Flushing with excellent transit connectivity

Flushing Meadows Park

Massive park with playgrounds, sports facilities, museums, and the Unisphere nearby

Library

Flushing Library at 41-17 Main Street is one of NYC’s busiest libraries with extensive Asian language collections

Cultural Diversity

Flushing’s vibrant Asian community offers diverse dining, shopping, and cultural experiences

Healthcare

NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and numerous community health centers serve the area


Last Updated: November 25, 2025