Flowers of Hope NY
Empowering Rosedale residents through free wellness classes, mental health support, and community events.
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About Us
Since 2016, Flowers of Hope NY, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has strengthened the lives of New York City residents through free health and wellness programs and community events.
Founded by clinical social worker Gina Vasquez after her son’s childhood cancer diagnosis and recovery, the organization was born from a vision of a healthier, more connected Rosedale. We offer dance classes, mental health workshops, cancer support groups, and gatherings that bring families and neighbors together.
Like flowers reaching for light, communities thrive with care and connection. Through partnerships with NYC Parks, the American Cancer Society, Saint Clare’s Catholic Church, the Kate Spade Foundation, and leaders across New York State, Flowers of Hope NY continues to cultivate a community rooted in resilience, well-being, and hope.
What We Offer
ANNUAL BREAST CANCER WALK
The #MakingStrides Breast Cancer March, held each October in partnership with the American Cancer Society, brings the community together in strength and solidarity.
The event features a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, live music, and performances, honoring cancer survivors and those working to expand health and wellness access in Rosedale. Guests are invited to wear pink in support.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING & American Red Cross Resources
Members have access to vital mental health resources, including Mental Health First Aid training and certification.
Flowers of Hope NY partners with the American Red Cross to promote household safety and works closely with our local fire department to advance fire safety awareness throughout the community.
DANCE AND YOGA CLASSES
Group dance and yoga classes take place twice weekly at Brookville Park, gathering at the Conselyeas Pond area. All residents are welcome. Please check our Facebook event calendar for the latest times and updates.
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
We offer intimate workshops and support groups for cancer survivors, designed to provide meaningful mental health support. These small, invitation-based gatherings welcome survivors, along with close family and friends.
Here, survivors are given space to speak openly, be heard, and find strength in shared understanding.
Fitness Education and Fundraisers
Community members are invited to represent Flowers of Hope NY at key citywide events, including Dance Parade NY, local marathons, and community 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
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Getting Involved
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Step1: Go to the mobile banking application, select “Send Money with Zelle©”
Step 2: Enter “Flowers Of Hope” as the recipient
516-348-4025
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Flowers of Hope NY
141-37 253rd street
Rosedale, NY
11422
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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