The Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) stands as a vital lifeline and indispensable pillar for Asian American, immigrant, and low-income communities across New York City. With a legacy spanning nearly six decades, CPC has grown to become the nation’s largest Asian American social services organization. It is dedicated to creating positive social change and promoting the social and economic empowerment of the individuals and families it serves. Through a wide array of programs and services, CPC acts as a trusted partner, guiding community members towards achieving their goals in education, family life, community engagement, and career advancement.
CPC empowers and uplifts over 80,000 individuals and families each year. They offer more than 50 services and programs throughout New York City. Their commitment ensures community members are welcomed, cared for, and equipped with essential tools. The organization continually evolves to meet the diverse and changing needs of its constituents.
A New Era: The CPC One Headquarters
A significant milestone in CPC’s nearly 59-year history is the establishment of its first permanent home in Manhattan. This new headquarters, known as CPC One, represents a physical manifestation of the organization’s enduring presence and future commitment to the community. Located at 45 Suffolk Street in the vibrant heart of the Lower East Side, CPC One is envisioned as a comprehensive intergenerational community hub.
A Permanent Home at 45 Suffolk Street
For decades, the Chinese-American Planning Council operated from various temporary locations. Securing a permanent residence at 45 Suffolk Street marks a pivotal moment. This location places CPC One strategically in a neighborhood with deep historical ties to immigrant communities. It provides stability and a central point for accessing vital services. The development is the result of a nearly 8-year collaborative partnership. It included a complex 3-year rezoning process to bring this vision to reality.
More Than a Building: Services and Housing
CPC One is far more than just office space. It is a purpose-built facility designed to integrate critical community resources and housing. The building houses CPC’s Manhattan Community Center across three dedicated floors. It serves as the central headquarters for over 50 CPC programs that operate citywide.
Critically, CPC One addresses the pressing need for affordable housing in New York City. The development includes over 200 units of affordable housing. State Senator Brian Kavanagh specifically noted that this comprises 115 residences dedicated to senior affordable housing. Providing quality living spaces for affordable housing residents was a key priority. The project also incorporates the cultural heritage center of the Beth Hamedrash Hagodol Synagogue. This historically significant institution was tragically destroyed by fire in 2017. CPC One fosters intergenerational connections and supports diverse community needs under one roof.
Celebrating a Milestone
The grand opening of CPC One was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 12, 2024. This event brought together a host of elected officials, community leaders, partners, and sponsors. Speakers emphasized the profound significance of this achievement for both CPC and the communities it serves.
Wayne Ho, President & CEO of CPC, highlighted that CPC One signifies the organization is “one team, one organization, and one community.” He stressed that this state-of-the-art building significantly expands CPC’s capacity. It enhances its ability to deliver social, educational, and civic engagement services. Virginia Kee, a Co-founder of CPC, reinforced the message that CPC One means “we are here to stay.” She sees it as representing community progress and a promise to serve for future generations.
Vision for the Future
The leadership sees CPC One as a welcoming place for immigrant and low-income community members. It provides a central point for accessing a wide range of necessary services. It also offers a positive and supportive work environment for CPC staff. Flora Si, CPC Board Chair, called CPC One the culmination of the organization’s commitment. She described it as creating a space where diversity thrives and individuals find essential support and opportunity. Officials like Mayor Eric Adams hailed CPC as an “indispensable pillar” and a “lifeline” for the Asian American community. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer stated CPC One will greatly enhance service delivery and serve over 15,000 community members annually, while State Senator Brian Kavanagh projected it would support the needs of over 60,000 individuals and families. These statements underscore the scale of impact expected from this new facility.
Strengthening Leadership and Governance
As CPC embarks on this new chapter with its permanent headquarters, it is also fortifying its operational leadership and governance structures. Strategic appointments to key roles ensure the organization is well-positioned for continued growth and effectiveness.
Welcoming the First COO
The Chinese-American Planning Council announced the appointment of Bill Yeung as its first-ever Chief Operating Officer (COO). This inaugural role was established at a significant point in the organization’s history, coinciding with the move to CPC One. Bill Yeung’s journey with CPC is deeply personal and inspiring. He first participated in CPC programs as a child. Later, he began his employment as a seasonal staff member in 2000. He progressed through various roles, moving from youth services into operational management.
Before his COO appointment, Bill Yeung served as Director of Administrative Affairs since 2017. In this capacity, he oversaw human resources, information technology, risk management, and special projects. He previously led the agency’s digital transformation efforts as Director of Human Resources. Wayne Ho views Bill’s story as emblematic of CPC’s holistic approach and long-term impact. He stated he would rely on Bill’s knowledge and experience as CPC moves into its new headquarters and expands its footprint. Bill Yeung expressed honor in being part of an organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and elevating the community.
Expertise Joins the Board
In November 2023, CPC announced the election of two new members to its Board of Directors: Gebond (Gee) Chow and Sheridan Chu. These additions bring diverse professional backgrounds and a strong commitment to community service to the board.
Gebond (Gee) Chow is an information security leader and technology sales professional. He brings over 15 years of experience developing and implementing software solutions. Chow is also a co-founder of Sales Engineers of New York (SENY). He advocates for second-generation Asian Americans contributing to their community. His decision to join was inspired by childhood memories of CPC-like events and the dedication of CPC staff. Sheridan Chu is an attorney specializing in personal injury claims. He has prior community involvement and served on the board of CPCHAP, a CPC subsidiary. Chu views serving on the CPC board as an immense privilege and an opportunity to shape the future and empower communities. Wayne Ho stated both individuals are invaluable additions whose backgrounds align perfectly with CPC’s mission.
Enhancing CPCHAP Leadership
The Chinese-American Planning Council Home Attendant Program Inc. (CPCHAP), a subsidiary of CPC, also strengthened its board with the appointment of Benjamin Eng, MD, MA, in July 2023. CPCHAP is one of the largest non-profit home care service agencies in New York City. It serves nearly 3,000 home care recipients and employs over 6,000 home care workers.
Benjamin Eng brings extensive experience in healthcare, nonprofit leadership, and a strong focus on advancing equity. He is President of the EastBridge Foundation and serves on the board of the Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF). His background includes leadership roles across medical settings and the global pharmaceutical industry. Since 2016, he has focused on advancing health and education equity for immigrant and disadvantaged populations. Dr. Eng expressed honor in supporting CPCHAP’s mission and staff. Wayne Ho welcomed Dr. Eng, highlighting his unique blend of expertise and passion for equitable healthcare as perfect for CPCHAP’s mission of empowering immigrant and disadvantaged populations through compassionate care.
Community Impact and Support
CPC’s ability to provide essential services and support is significantly bolstered by community engagement and fundraising efforts. These initiatives help fund critical programs and recognize valuable contributions.
Investing in the Community: Lunar New Year Benefit
CPC’s 58th Annual Lunar New Year Benefit, held in February 2023, raised $380,000. As the largest annual fundraiser, the event was crucial for supporting CPC’s mission. The funds raised directly support programs empowering Asian American, immigrant, and low-income communities with essential tools and resources.
The benefit also served to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit and honor individuals and organizations for their dedication. Awards presented included:
Corporate Responsibility Award: Presented to Derek Chan, President of Greater Hudson Financial, for his leadership and support of Asian American communities.
Community Service Award: Awarded to the NYC Child Care Resource & Referral Consortium, recognizing their outstanding efforts in promoting quality early care and education. This consortium includes CPC as a key partner.
CPC Service Star Award: Honoring CPC Queens Services for Families with Special Needs for their impactful work supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
CPC leadership, including Wayne Ho and Flora Si, expressed deep gratitude for the support received. They noted the funds enable CPC to expand programs and opportunities for underserved New Yorkers. Sponsors like Gotham Organization and DoorDash were recognized for their vital contributions.
Dedication to Services
The support generated through events like the Lunar New Year Benefit directly translates into vital community services. CPC One and the ongoing work of the organization provide a centralized hub for accessing programs tailored to community needs. These include a wide range of services:
Asian Family Services
Community Health Services
Early Childhood and Wellness Services
Summer Youth Employment Program
Project Gateway (college readiness)
Adult Literacy programs
Services for Families with Special Needs (through CPC Queens)
- Home care services (through CPCHAP)
- www.cpc-nyc.org
- www.cpc-nyc.org
- www.cpc-nyc.org
- www.cpc-nyc.org
- www.cpc-nyc.org
This diverse offering underscores CPC’s comprehensive approach to supporting individuals and families across different life stages. The organization is committed to providing culturally and linguistically competent services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPC One and what resources does it provide?
CPC One is the new permanent headquarters for the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) located in Manhattan. It functions as a comprehensive intergenerational community hub. The building houses CPC’s Manhattan Community Center and serves as the main headquarters for over 50 citywide programs. Crucially, CPC One includes over 200 units of affordable housing, with 115 specifically for seniors. It also features a cultural heritage center for the Beth Hamedrash Hagodol Synagogue. It provides a central location for various services supporting Asian American, immigrant, and low-income communities.
Where is the main headquarters for the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) located in New York City?
The main headquarters for the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), known as CPC One, is located at 45 Suffolk Street in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. This is the organization’s first permanent home in Manhattan since its founding in 1965. The location serves as a central hub for CPC’s programs and services in the city.
How do recent changes in CPC’s leadership and board strengthen its community work?
Recent appointments, such as the first Chief Operating Officer Bill Yeung and new board members Gebond Chow, Sheridan Chu, and Benjamin Eng (for CPCHAP), significantly strengthen CPC’s capacity and strategic direction. Bill Yeung’s operational expertise helps streamline services and manage growth, particularly with the move to CPC One. New board members bring diverse professional skills and deep community ties, enhancing governance and oversight. For instance, Benjamin Eng’s healthcare background directly supports CPCHAP’s critical home care services. These leadership enhancements position CPC to more effectively expand programs and advocate for the communities it serves.
Building for the Future
The Chinese-American Planning Council continues its nearly six-decade mission with renewed momentum. The opening of the CPC One headquarters is a monumental step, providing a stable and expanded base for operations and services. Coupled with strategic leadership appointments and strong community support demonstrated through successful fundraising, CPC is well-equipped to navigate future challenges and opportunities. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering and uplifting Asian American, immigrant, and low-income communities, building a stronger, more equitable future for New York City. Their work ensures vital support is accessible to those who need it most.
