Flowers of Hope NY

 

Our Mission: to grow Rosedale, Queens NYC to its full potential through fitness of the mind, body and soul.

Rosedale's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer March (Sunday October 12, 2025)

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About Us

 Since 2016, Flowers of Hope NY, a distinguished 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has improved the lives of countless New York City residents through free health and wellness classes and thoughtfully curated events.

Established by Gina Vasquez, a clinical social worker and therapist, the organization emerged after her son’s personal childhood bone cancer diagnosis and recovery, inspiring her vision of a thriving, healthier Rosedale with physical vitality and emotional well-being at its center. Our offerings include dynamic dance classes, insightful mental health workshops, supportive cancer survivor groups, and lively gatherings that strengthen family ties and community spirit.
 
Like flowers reaching for sunlight, communities flourish with opportunity and connection. Flowers of Hope NY nurtures this growth by fostering a network of Rosedale’s business leaders, elected officials, and clinicians.

Through meaningful partnerships with esteemed organizations such as NYC Parks and Recreation, the American Cancer Society, Saint Clare’s Catholic Church, the Kate Spade Foundation, the New York State Assembly, the New York State Senate, and the Queens Borough President, among others, we continue to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem dedicated to uplifting and empowering our community.

What We Offer

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. The event honors cancer survivors and members of the community dedicated to improving the quality of health and health access to Rosedale. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink to the event.

 

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING & American Red Cross Resources

Members have access to mental health resources, including first aid mental health response training and certification. Flowers of Hope NY collaborates with American Red Cross to promote household safety awareness, and with our local fire department to promote fire safety.

 

DANCE AND YOGA CLASSES

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

 

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Workshops and support groups for cancer survivors are offered to select members. These workshops are often smaller and require invitation. We facilitate survivors, their immediate family, and friends for mental health support. Cancer survivors need a voice, and our group gives them a space to talk through what they are going through.

 

Fitness Education and Fundraisers

Community members are encouraged to join Flowers of Hope NY in representing the organization at keystone events in the city, including Dance Parade NY and local marathons and fundraisers 

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 an artist and I also give clay classes for Flowers 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 New Yorker with over four decades of experience, possesses exceptional skills in planning and staging events. His success in supporting Flowers of Hope NY’s most recent Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in October 2023 & 2024 are just some examples of his organizational leadership.

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.

 Upcoming Events 2025

Media

Please visit our Facebook Page for the latest media

https://www.facebook.com/FlowersofHopeNY/

Getting Involved

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Disclaimer and helpful resources

Flowers of Hope NY is not a hospital, but we do care about our community. For medical emergencies, please call 911. For mental health support, call or text 988. We’re here to uplift our community—you are not alone.

Contact

flowersofhopeny@gmail.com