Flowers of Hope NY

Empowering Rosedale, Queens NY through fitness of the mind, body and soul.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer March Sunday October 27, 2024

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About Us

Flowers of Hope NY is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2016 by clinical social worker Gina Vasquez who envisioned a happier and healthier community with physical fitness being at the center of community development.

Since its inception, Flowers of Hope NY has delivered FREE Health and Wellness activities along with special events to hundreds of NYC residents. This included free dance classes, mental health education, cancer survivor support groups, and community social events.

With a focus on grassroots development, our network of community business owners, locally-elected representatives and clinicians has steadily grown to include partnerships and collaborations with many organizations. This includes NYC Parks and Recreation, American Cancer Society, Saint Clare’s Catholic Church, Kate Spade Foundation, NY State Assembly, New York State Senate, the Queens Borough President, and many more.

What We Offer

DANCE AND YOGA CLASSES

Group dance and yoga classes are held at Brookville park twice weekly, open to all residents. (Please check online facebook event calendar for latest times and dates.)

ANNUAL BREAST CANCER WALK

#MakingStrides Breast Cancer march in partnership with the American Cancer Society is held each year in October. Event includes ceremonial ribbon-cutting, live music and performances. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink to the event.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING & American Red Cross Resources

Members have access to Mental Health First Aid online resources and training, including first aid mental health response certification. Flowers of Hope NY also collaborates with American Red Cross to promote household safety awareness, and has partnered with local fire department to promote fire safety in the community.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Workshops and support groups for cancer survivors are offered to select members. These workshops are often smaller and require invitation. These events target cancer survivors, their immediate family, and friends for mental health support.

Our Board

Gina Vasquez

Gina Vasquez is a clinical social worker who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of families, children, the elderly as well as victims of trauma and abuse. In addition, Gina is a professional dance artist and a fitness Instructor. Ms. Vasquez has volunteered since 2016, and is recognized for her effective singing and dance programs that began at Margaret Tietz Nursing Care to help the residents stimulate memory, refine fine motor skills and entertain. Eventually, Ms. Vasquez was hired to deliver the programs at the Alzheimer’s Unit at Veterans Affairs (VA) of Saint Albans, Queens, Hospice Care of New York, Wartburg Adult Day program and many other institutions. Due to her passion to improving and brighten peoples lives, Ms. Vasquez combined her skills as a social worker, dancer and fitness instructor to create Flowers of Hope NY, a community 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the fitness of the mind, body and soul for the residents of Queens, NY.

Julio R. Demera

Treasurer. I’m a plastic artist and I give clay classes for flower of Hope

Allison Attong-Rogers

I am a retired Cancer Program Manager who worked with many major medical institutions in NYC.
I attend board meetings and advise on major decisions regarding the running of the organization.

Juan Rengel

Juan Rengel, a seasoned New Yorker with over four decades of experience, possesses exceptional skills in planning, scheduling, and expanding event participation and project scope. His invaluable contribution was instrumental in the success of Flowers of Hope NY’s most recent Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in October 2023.

Marie Sharpe

My name is Marie Sharpe and I am the Cancer Support group Social Worker. I have been working with
Flowers of Hope for a few years. During the support group, it is a warm atmosphere where love and
support is offered to each member to as they learn to cope and thrive daily. I am a licensed Social
Worker who enjoys facilitating groups that will encourage and build up everyone who attends.

Jerry Rengel

Jerry Rengel, a native of Queens, NY, is passionate about grassroots activism and community organizations focused on physical and mental health. He is not only an osteosarcoma cancer survivor, but also someone whose personal journey to recovery has motivated him to identify areas of potential development within his community. Through Flower of Hope NY, Jerry aims to share the inspiring stories of the exceptional individuals who contribute to physical and mental health awareness to the community. He holds a degree in International Affairs from the New School University, in addition to a B.A. in Government from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. His motto is “Why not start here? Together we have everything we need.”

Brenda Superfine

I have been with Flowers of Hope for the past decade performing various activities. Presently, I am the mental health coordinator responsible for programming and coordination of community wellness .

I am a television producer and a Certified Art Therapist. Use of images and color help me to better harness the therapeutic, healing power of art. My work in television enables me to promote positive connections for personal growth within the community.

Zoila Nester

I was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador. I have been a member of Flowers of Hope since 2019. I joined this organization because I enjoy helping people and contributing to the community. I have worked part-time at the Diana Jones Senior Center in Brooklyn for many years. My hobbies are traveling, dancing, and cooking.