All of the resources below have been carefully selected by Apex staff to provide trusted information and support. If you notice any errors or have additional resources to recommend, please contact marketing@apexforyouth.org.
Please remember that no matter what you’re going through, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. This page is here to connect you with trusted resources to support your mental health, relationships, education, safety, and more.
This section offers education support resources, including guidance on school advocacy, understanding FERPA laws, and accessing IEP/504 accommodations. You’ll also find information on youth employment, internships, and scholarships to help you succeed academically and prepare for your future.
Navigating the school system can be especially challenging for immigrant youth and families—but knowing your rights is the first step to advocating effectively. FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) protects the privacy of student education records and gives parents and eligible students the right to access and control that information. In New York City, additional resources and legal protections ensure families can engage fully in their child’s education, regardless of immigration status.
U.S. Department of Education – Student Privacy
Comprehensive federal guidance on FERPA, including parent/student rights, FAQs, and complaint procedures.
Parent Guide to FERPA (U.S. DOE)
Easy-to-understand guide for parents explaining their rights under FERPA.
Advocates for Children of New York
Offers individual case support and resources on navigating school systems, special education, and student rights.
Understanding your child’s rights in school is essential—especially when it comes to accessing special education services and accommodations. IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and 504 plans are tools that help students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in the classroom. Whether you’re seeking an evaluation, navigating meetings, or ensuring services are followed, there are free resources and advocacy organizations in New York City to guide you through the process.
Chinese-American Planning Council
The Chinese-American Planning Council’s Asian Family Services program offers bilingual support to help families navigate the IEP and special education process. Services include counseling, advocacy, and workshops to empower parents in securing the right resources for their children’s learning needs.
Advocates for Children of New York
Advocates for Children of New York (AFC) provides free legal assistance and advocacy to help families secure appropriate special education services, including IEPs and 504 plans, for students with disabilities. Through their Parent Center and Project Thrive, AFC offers multilingual workshops, individualized support, and resources to empower families in navigating the NYC school system.
NYC Department of Education – Special Education
Information on how to request an evaluation, understand the IEP process, and access support in multiple languages.
U.S. Department of Education – IEP and 504 Resources
Overview of the rights of students with disabilities under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Section 504.
Wrightslaw: Special Education Law and Advocacy
Clear, parent-friendly explanations of IEPs, 504 plans, and legal rights. Includes sample letters and advocacy tips.
INCLUDEnyc
A leading NYC nonprofit offering free workshops, 1:1 guidance, and multilingual resources to help families understand IEPs, 504 plans, and navigate the special education system.
Understood.org
Offers family guides, explainer videos, and tools for navigating special education and getting accommodations at school.
College and career dreams should never be out of reach because of finances or immigration status. For immigrant youth and families in our community, there are scholarships and resources created with you in mind—offering support, recognition, and hope. Whether you’re undocumented, hold DACA, or are the first in your family to pursue higher education, you are not alone. Below are trusted programs that honor your journey and help make your goals possible. And of course, you can always apply for a scholarship through Apex for Youth.
TheDream.US National Scholarship
Provides up to $39,000 for tuition and fees at partner colleges, including CUNY schools. Open to undocumented students who arrived in the U.S. before age 16. Applications typically open in November and close in late February.
Ascend Educational Fund (AEF)
Offers scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 to immigrant students and children of immigrants graduating from NYC high schools, regardless of immigration status.
NYS DREAM Act
Allows undocumented and other eligible students to apply for New York State financial aid, including TAP and Excelsior Scholarships.
Immigrants Rising Scholarship List
A comprehensive, searchable database of scholarships open to undocumented students nationwide.
NYSYLC Scholarships and Fellowships
The New York State Youth Leadership Council offers scholarships and fellowships open to students regardless of immigration status, age, race/ethnicity, and GPA.
This section offers mental health and wellbeing resources on topics like depression, anxiety, grief, abuse, bullying, identity, and stress. You’ll also find support for relationship violence, sexual abuse, and online safety.
Important: If you have questions or concerns about your mental health, you can always talk to your Apex mentor or a member of the Apex mental health team. If you’re able to speak with your family, this resource from the Jed Foundation offers guidance on how to talk about mental health with AAPI parents or relatives.
If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, know that you are not alone and help is available. This section offers immediate crisis resources, including 24/7 hotlines and text lines, as well as educational tools to understand warning signs, build safety plans, and find trusted support.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
Call or text 988, or chat here; counselors are available 24/7.
Crisis Text Line:
Text HOME or HOLA to 741741, message on Whatsapp, or chat here; volunteer crisis counselors are available 24/7.
NAMI Teen and Young Adult HelpLine:
Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or text FRIEND to 62640; trained volunteers are available from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday through Friday.
NAMI NYC Metro Helpline For Teens 14-17:
Call 212-684-3264; near peers are available 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Friday. They also offer weekly online support groups for teens 14-18 facing mental health challenges that are led by near peers.
YouthLine
Call 877-968-8491, text TEEN2TEEN to 839863, or chat here; teen listeners available 10 p.m.–1 a.m. Monday through Friday and adult listeners are available 24/7.
TeenLine:
Call 1-800-852-8336; teen listeners are available 9 p.m.–1 a.m. every night. You can also text TEEN to 839863; teen texters are available 9 p.m.–12 p.m. every night.
Learn more about what anxiety is, how it shows up in daily life, and what you can do to manage it. This section includes educational resources, coping tools, and ways to get support — whether you’re experiencing occasional stress or ongoing anxiety.
NAMI:
This nonprofit is a good place to find authoritative information about mental illness, including anxiety disorders.
Jed Foundation:
This nonprofit’s resource center covers what anxiety is and isn’t, getting help with anxiety, managing anxiety, and real-life stories.
Active Minds:
This nonprofit explains the difference between anxiety and stress and different kinds of anxiety (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorders) and provides tips and tools.
This section offers information and support for navigating body image concerns and eating disorders. Learn how appearance pressures can impact mental health, explore tools for building self-esteem, and find pathways to recovery. If you need immediate help, confidential hotlines are available 24/7 to offer support and connect you to care.
National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline
Call 866-662-1235; licensed therapists specialized in eating disorders are available 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
ANAD Eating Disorders Helpline
Call 888-375-7767; peer counselors are available 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday through Friday. The nonprofit’s website also contains useful information about types of eating disorders, warning signs, and body image issues.
Our Minds Matter
Our Minds Matter helps students challenge harmful norms around body image and diet culture through peer-led discussions and mental health education. Their tools promote self-acceptance, media literacy, and support for those struggling with disordered eating. It’s a powerful resource for teens pushing back against unrealistic beauty standards.
The Jed Foundation
The Jed Foundation’s Body Image and Eating Disorders resource hub offers comprehensive, youth-friendly guidance on understanding body image issues, recognizing signs of eating disorders, and finding support. It addresses the impact of social media, cultural pressures, and perfectionism, providing tools for body positivity, neutrality, and recovery.
LEAP for Asians
LEAP (Listen, Empathize, Advocate, and Provide) is dedicated to raising awareness about eating disorders in the Asian community. They offer culturally sensitive resources, including educational materials and a directory of AAPI-informed providers.
Thick Dumpling Skin
Co-founded by Lisa Lee and actress Lynn Chen, this blog addresses body image issues within the Asian-American community. It provides a platform for individuals to share personal stories and challenges societal stereotypes about Asian body types.
Asian Mental Health Collective
Features blog posts, community stories, and therapist directories that often address the intersection of culture, body shame, perfectionism, and mental health in AAPI communities.
This section offers support and guidance if you’re experiencing bullying—whether it’s at school, online, or in your community. Learn how to recognize different forms of bullying, protect your wellbeing, and find help through trusted hotlines, peer support, and reporting tools.
BRAVEline
If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying in an NYC public school, call 917-727-1908, text BRAVE to 43961, or chat here; counselors are available 2:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
PACER Center’s Teens Against Bullying
This website, which was created by teens for teens, offers information and advice about bullying and cyberbullying; the PACER Kids Against Bullying site has helpful content for elementary school kids about bullying.
Act to Change
A national nonprofit dedicated to ending bullying against AAPI youth. They offer toolkits, webinars, peer stories, and the Day Against Bullying + Hate campaign. Great for youth empowerment and advocacy.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Bystander Intervention Trainings
Free training sessions that teach you how to safely respond when witnessing harassment or bullying, especially in AAPI contexts.
Find resources to help you navigate grief and loss, whether you’re mourning a loved one, a major life change, or something harder to name. These tools and support services are here to remind you that you’re not alone in what you’re feeling.
Bo’s Place
Call 713-942-8339 for information and support; clinicians are available 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Friday.
Dougy Center
This nonprofit contains useful grief support resources for kids, teens and young adults.
Foundry BC
This Canadian website has thoughtful info and advice for young people on how to deal with grief and loss.
Our Minds Matter
This nonprofit has a good section about understanding grief and loss.
This section offers resources for LGBTQIA+ youth seeking support, community, and affirmation. Whether you’re exploring your identity, facing discrimination, or looking for safe spaces, you’ll find trusted hotlines, mental health tools, and organizations that center queer and trans experiences—especially those of AAPI youth.
Trevor Project Helpline
Call 866-488-7836, text START to 678-678, chat here; trained crisis counselors are available 24/7. You can also join a moderated online global community, or you can find information and advice about specific topics in the nonprofit’s comprehensive resource center.
LGBT National Youth Talkline
Call 800-246-7743 or chat here; trained support volunteers are available 2 p.m.–11 p.m Monday through Friday and 12 p.m. –5 p.m. on Saturday. You can also join a LGBTQ Teens chatroom here from 7 p.m.–10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday or a Trans Teens chatroom here from 7 p.m.–10 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
Trans Lifeline
Call 877-565-8860; trans peer counselors are available 1 p.m.–9 p.m. Monday through Friday. This nonprofit also has a good resource library.
National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA)
A national federation of LGBTQ AAPI organizations offering advocacy, community organizing, and resources for queer and trans AAPIs.
Asian Pride Project
Powerful stories from AAPI LGBTQIA+ individuals and families, with multilingual videos and resources that promote love, acceptance, and cultural understanding.
This section provides resources to help you understand, navigate, and respond to racism and microaggressions. Learn how these experiences affect mental health, explore strategies for self-advocacy and healing, and find support from organizations that center AAPI voices and resilience.
The Jed Foundation
This nonprofit has helpful content about how to manage the mental health effects of anti-Asian racism and violence and how to manage feeling not Asian enough.
Stop AAPI Hate
This nonprofit provides safety tips for those experiencing or witnessing hate; the tips can also be downloaded in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Japanese, Thai, Hmong, Bengali, Hindi, Punjabi, Nepali, Tongan, Marshallese and Samoan.
This section offers resources to help you understand and cope with sadness and depression. Whether you’re feeling down, overwhelmed, or unsure of what you’re experiencing, you’ll find tools to make sense of your emotions, support options, and guidance on when and how to seek help.
Jed Foundation
This nonprofit has good resources telling you what you need to know about sadness and depression and how to get help.
Dealing with Depression Workbook for Teens
This helpful PDF was created by a team of Canadian mental health professionals specifically for teens, and it’s full of information, advice and worksheets.
This section explores how stress and perfectionism can affect your mental health, especially under academic, family, or cultural pressures. Find resources to manage overwhelm, build healthier habits, and let go of unrealistic expectations—while still showing up for yourself and your goals.
Jed Foundation
This nonprofit’s stress 101 section addresses stress managing stress, academic stress, and financial stress.
Centre for Clinical Interventions
This Australian psychological service has useful material about perfectionism, procrastination and worrying, complete with a workbook and worksheets.
Our Minds Matter
This nonprofit offers stress strategies and relaxation exercises; there’s also a self-care bingo card for those of us who are better at playing games than taking care of ourselves.
Greater Good in Action
This nonprofit has many science-based practices to cultivate beneficial qualities, including happiness, optimism, connection and stress resilience.
Chayn
This British nonprofit has a helpful relaxation hub, with suggestions for mood-lifting music, podcasts, food, and more.
Apex for Youth
Your favorite nonprofit has created this self-compassion toolkit to boost your kindness towards yourself.
If you’re experiencing abuse—whether it’s emotional, physical, sexual, or online—know that you are not alone and support is available. This section offers trusted resources, hotlines, and organizations that can help you stay safe, understand your rights, and begin healing at your own pace.
Love is Respect Hotline
Call 866-331-9474 or 800-787-3224, text LOVEIS to 22522, or chat here; trained advocates available 24/7. The nonprofit also has comprehensive information about dating basics, healthy relationships, warning signs of abuse, and more.
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
Call 800-656-HOPE (4673), or chat here; trained support specialists are available 24/7.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or go here to chat; trained advocates available 24/7.
CCRI Image Abuse Helpline
If you are a victim or survivor of image-based sexual abuse, call 844-878-2274; counselors are available 24/7.
One Love Foundation
This nonprofit has useful lists — 10 signs of a healthy relationship and 10 signs of an unhealthy relationship — and practical advice about how you can help a friend.
ReachOut
This Australian site has a good information hub covering common relationship questions and challenges, like cultivating communication skills, meeting new people, and supporting friends.
Foundry BC
This Canadian site addresses everyday relationship concerns, such as building better social connections, managing relationships with your family, dealing with peer pressure, and more.
If you’re experiencing abuse—whether it’s emotional, physical, sexual, or online—know that you are not alone and support is available. This section offers trusted resources, hotlines, and organizations that can help you stay safe, understand your rights, and begin healing at your own pace.
Childhelp Hotline
Call 800-422-4453, text HELP to 800-422-4453, or chat here; counselors are available 24/7. This nonprofit also offers extensive information and advice for teens including coping skills, grounding techniques, gaslighting, toxic stress, and the mind-body connection, as well as answers to FAQs about abuse.
Love is Respect Hotline
Call 866-331-9474 or 800-787-3224, text LOVEIS to 22522, or chat here; trained advocates available 24/7. The nonprofit also has comprehensive information about dating basics, healthy relationships, warning signs of abuse, and more.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or go here to chat; trained advocates available 24/7.
Womankind
This organization offers crisis counseling, safety planning, and details about residential and community services for those experiencing gender-based violence. You can call their 24/7 multilingual helpline at 1-888-888-7702 to speak with a helpline advocate. They also have resources for safety planning, wellness groups, emergency housing, and supportive counseling for survivors of gender-based violence.
KAFSC
This organization provides culturally sensitive support to immigrant survivors of domestic violence, relationship abuse, and sexual assault through services like a 24/7 bilingual hotline, emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, counseling, and youth programs.
Sanctuary for Families
This organization provides services for victims or survivors of domestic violence from an intimate partner or family member, teen dating violence, and other forms of gender-based violence.
This section provides information and support for those affected by sexual abuse. Learn how to recognize abuse, understand your rights, and access confidential hotlines, counseling, and legal resources. You’re not alone—help is available to support your safety, healing, and recovery.
Love is Respect Hotline
Call 866-331-9474 or 800-787-3224, text LOVEIS to 22522, or chat here; trained advocates available 24/7. The nonprofit also has comprehensive information about dating basics, healthy relationships, warning signs of abuse, and more.
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
Call 800-656-HOPE (4673), or chat here; trained support specialists are available 24/7.
CCRI Image Abuse Helpline
If you are a victim or survivor of image-based sexual abuse, call 844-878-2274; counselors are available 24/7.
KAFSC
This organization provides culturally sensitive support to immigrant survivors of domestic violence, relationship abuse, and sexual assault through services like a 24/7 bilingual hotline, emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, counseling, and youth programs.
This section provides information and support for those affected by sexual abuse. Learn how to recognize abuse, understand your rights, and access confidential hotlines, counseling, and legal resources. You’re not alone—help is available to support your safety, healing, and recovery.
Surveillance Self-Defense (from the Electronic Frontier Foundation)
Surveillance Self-Defense (SSD) is a comprehensive guide by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) designed to help individuals protect themselves from digital surveillance. It offers step-by-step tutorials on using privacy-enhancing tools, creating strong passwords, and understanding encryption. SSD also provides tailored advice for various scenarios, such as attending protests or safeguarding personal data on social networks.
Thorn’s NoFiltr Youth Hub
A youth-focused site that covers online safety, digital boundaries, and how to respond to sextortion and inappropriate content.
Common Sense Media: Digital Citizenship
Offers educational resources on managing your digital footprint, privacy, and cyberbullying for students, families, and educators.
ConnectSafely
Provides easy-to-understand guides for safe social media use, password security, and dealing with online threats.
This section connects you to family and child services that offer support with housing, food, healthcare, child care, and more. Whether you’re navigating challenges at home or looking for stability and care, these resources are here to help you and your loved ones feel safe, supported, and seen.
Access to safe, stable housing is a fundamental need—but it can be especially challenging for immigrant youth and families navigating complex systems in New York City. Whether you’re facing a housing crisis, need help finding affordable housing, or are at risk of eviction, there are trusted resources available to support you. Many programs offer multilingual assistance, legal support, and emergency services regardless of immigration status.
AAFE
This organization provides multilingual community services, including housing counseling, healthcare access, immigration assistance, youth programs, and senior support.
LESFU
This organization offers culturally sensitive, multilingual programs including family support, treatment for mental health and substance use, and short-term assistance. Short-term assistance covers housing needs, food and clothing resources, securing vital documents, and summer camp registration.
Coalition for the Homeless
Offers crisis intervention, emergency shelter referrals, and transitional housing support.
Ali Forney Center
Provides emergency and transitional housing specifically for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
Urban Justice Center: Safety Net Project
Offers legal services and advocacy for low-income and homeless New Yorkers, including immigrants, focusing on housing rights and eviction prevention.
Make the Road New York
Provides housing advocacy, tenant rights education, and legal support for immigrant communities.
Food insecurity affects many immigrant youth and families in New York City, but there are free and accessible resources available across the five boroughs. Whether you need groceries, hot meals, or help applying for SNAP benefits, these programs provide support regardless of immigration status. Many services are available in multiple languages and tailored to meet cultural and dietary needs. Below is a list of trusted food assistance programs and organizations across NYC.
Access NYC
Access NYC is a free digital platform that helps New Yorkers check eligibility and apply for over 30 city, state, and federal benefit programs—including SNAP and emergency food assistance. The site is available in multiple languages and can be used regardless of immigration status.
Food Help NYC Map
The Food Help NYC Map allows users to find free food resources like food pantries and community kitchens across the five boroughs. It is maintained by the NYC Department of Social Services and includes details like hours, language services, and eligibility.
NYC Love Kitchen
NYC Love Kitchen provides free hot meals and groceries to migrant and immigrant families across New York City. They partner with mutual aid groups and serve meals at shelters, churches, and community centers.
City Harvest
City Harvest is NYC’s largest food rescue organization, delivering millions of pounds of nutritious food annually to food pantries, soup kitchens, and community programs. Their work supports over a million food-insecure New Yorkers, including immigrants and low-income families.
Urban Outreach Center NYC
Urban Outreach Center offers a dignified food pantry where individuals can select groceries that meet their needs, along with essentials like clothing and hygiene products. They focus on serving underserved and immigrant populations with compassion and dignity.
Queens Community House
QCH operates food pantries and community centers throughout Queens, offering free groceries, youth programs, and family support services. They serve diverse immigrant communities with wraparound resources that promote long-term stability.
Childcare is a critical need for immigrant youth and families in New York City, and there are several programs and organizations dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and culturally responsive care. Whether you’re seeking full-day childcare, early education, or after-school programs, these resources are designed to support families regardless of immigration status. Many services are available in multiple languages and tailored to meet the diverse needs of NYC’s communities. Below is a list of trusted childcare assistance programs and organizations across the city.
The Chinatown YMCA
The Chinatown YMCA in Lower Manhattan offers a wide range of programs and facilities—including a fitness center, indoor pool, group classes, youth and teen programs, summer camps, family activities, and immigrant support services.
Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC)
CPC offers a range of childcare services, including early childhood centers and after-school programs, primarily serving immigrant families in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. They also participate in Promise NYC to assist undocumented families.
Immigrant Social Services (ISS)
ISS provides after-school programs in Chinatown and the Lower East Side, focusing on the needs of immigrant children and families. Programs are designed to support academic achievement and cultural enrichment.
Accessing healthcare in New York City can be challenging for immigrant youth and families, but there are numerous programs and organizations dedicated to providing affordable, culturally sensitive, and inclusive medical services. Whether you need routine checkups, mental health care, or support navigating insurance options, these resources are available regardless of immigration status.
Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF)
Visit https://www.cacf.org/health-insurance-coverage to speak with a navigator about free enrollment assistance for health insurance.
Access HRA
Visit ACCESS HRA to apply for Medicaid and manage other benefits such as SNAP and Fair Fares
New York State of Health Marketplace
Visit New York State of Health Marketplace to apply for health insurance (for those under the age of 64).
Child Health Plus
Child Health Plus is New York State’s health insurance plan for children under 19, offering free or low-cost coverage regardless of immigration status. It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more.
NYC Care
NYC Care is a healthcare access program that provides low-cost or no-cost services through NYC Health + Hospitals for New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. Services include primary care, mental health support, and prescription medications, with no membership fees or premiums.
Community Healthcare Network (CHN)
CHN operates multiple health centers across NYC, offering primary care, mental health services, and social support. They serve all patients regardless of ability to pay or immigration status.
CIANA (Center for the Integration and Advancement of New Americans)
CIANA offers health access assistance, including information on NYC Care and other health programs, to immigrant communities in NYC.
Institute for Family Health
The Institute for Family Health provides comprehensive healthcare services, including primary care, mental health, and dental services, at various locations in NYC. They accept all patients, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
Community Health Advocates
Community Health Advocates (CHA) is a trusted nonprofit that helps New Yorkers navigate the healthcare system—whether you’re uninsured, dealing with medical bills, or need help understanding your coverage. They offer free, one-on-one assistance in multiple languages, including Mandarin and Bengali, ensuring that language is never a barrier to getting the care you need.
Here’s a list of trusted resources to help you understand your rights as an immigrant and navigate the U.S. immigration system. Because things are constantly changing, we recommend checking the National Immigration Law Center and the ACLU for the most up-to-date information.
This section offers legal and immigration support resources for individuals and families navigating issues like immigration status, discrimination, and more. Find trusted organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help, know-your-rights information, and support for AAPI and immigrant communities.
What to Know If ICE Approaches You At Home or At Work or If You’re Detained or Arrested (NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs):
This downloadable booklet tells you what to do, and it’s available in English, Bengali, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Urdu.
What to Know If A Friend or Family Member Is Detained by ICE (NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs):
This downloadable booklet answers FAQs, and it’s available in English, Bengali, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Urdu.
What to Know about Sanctuary City Laws in NYC (NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs):
This downloadable booklet answers FAQs about NYC’s and is available in English, Bengali, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Urdu.
What to Know When Entering or Leaving the US (ACLU):
This info page answers FAQs about immigration encounters at the airport or other ports of entry, and it’s in English; the information is also available for download in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Urdu and Hindi.
What to Know About Your Rights As Immigrants at Protests (National Immigration Law Center):
This information page answers FAQs; it’s in English and is also available as a download.
Immigrant Rights Wallet Cards (NY Immigrant Coalition):
These wallet cards have a quick summary of every person’s Constitutional rights and protections in the US, regardless of immigration status. The cards can be printed out and handed to ICE and immigration personnel, and they’re available in English, Simplified Chinese, Bengali, Nepali and Urdu. Here are similar cards (from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center) in Hmong, Khmer, Korean, Punjabi, Tagalog and Vietnamese.
Whether you’re facing a legal challenge or just need to understand your rights, these organizations provide free or low-cost guidance to help you navigate the system with confidence.
Immigrant Rights Toolkit (from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund)
AALDEF’s Immigrant Rights Toolkit offers accessible, multilingual resources on everything from ICE encounters to public benefits. Whether you’re undocumented, have DACA, or are supporting a loved one, this guide helps you stay informed and prepared.
Family Safety Plan (from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, ILRC)
Every Family should have a Family Preparedness Plan, which includes making a childcare plan, and finding out about your immigration options. Family Safety Plan (Disponsible en Espanol)
Center for Family Representation
This organization provides free, holistic legal and social services to low-income families in New York City, aiming to prevent family separation by offering interdisciplinary defense teams, early intervention during child welfare investigations, and support in criminal, immigration, housing, and public benefits matters.
Asian American Bar Association NY (AABNY)
This organization offers a monthly walk-in legal clinic in Manhattan; you can also contact AABNY to find a pre-screened lawyer who speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese or Korean.
NYC Legal Support Centers
Operated through the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, these centers can provide legal help if you are a NYC resident whose income is 200% of the Federal Poverty level.
NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Legal Support Hotline
This hotline can answer immigration policy questions and tell you where to find free immigration help; call 800-354-0365 (or call 311 and say “Immigration Legal”) between 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Southern California
This nonprofit has legal helplines available in English (888-349-9695), Chinese (800-520-2356), Korean (800-867-3640), Khmer (800-367-3126), Tagalog (855-300-2552), Hindi (855-971-2552), Thai (800-914-9583) and Vietnamese (714-477-2958).
Safe Passage
This nonprofit provides free legal help for immigrant and undocumented youth who are under the age of 21 in NYC and Long Island and who are being deported.
The Door
This nonprofit offers free legal help for New Yorkers who are aged 12-24 (you must have a free Door membership).
Sunnyside Community Services
This nonprofit offers free immigration consultations and assistance in understanding immigration benefits. Call 929-602-9822, or email immigrantrelief@scsny.org
ActionNYC and Immigrant Justice Corps
These nonrprofit groups offer immigration consultations, legal services and information sessions through the Brooklyn Public Library. To schedule a consultation, call 800-354-0365 (or call 311 and say “ActionNYC”) between 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday to Friday.
The National Domestic Workers Alliance and Immigration Advocates Network
These nonprofits have searchable databases to help you locate free or low-cost nonprofit legal assistance.
Whether you need assistance understanding documents, communicating with service providers, or accessing information in your preferred language, these resources are here to support you.
SLC Volunteer Translation Services
If you need free translation services (including Chinese) you can reach out to SLC Volunteer Translation Services: slctranslationservices@gmail.com
USAHello – Free Translation Help
A nonprofit helping immigrants and refugees with resources on translation, immigration, and daily life in the U.S.
Tarjimly – Real-Time Volunteer Interpreters
A free app that matches you with live volunteer interpreters in 120+ languages. Ideal for healthcare, legal help, and everyday needs.
NYC Health + Hospitals – Language Services
Free interpretation in over 200 languages at all NYC public hospitals and clinics (in person, phone, video).
NYC Department of Health – Language Services
Free interpretation at all city health clinics and services in your preferred language.
NYC Public Schools – Translation & Interpretation
Parents and guardians can request free interpretation during meetings and receive school documents in their home language.
New York State Courts – Interpreter Services
Free interpreters for limited English speakers during court proceedings across NY State.
These resources offer job training, career readiness, and financial support for youth, immigrants, and underserved communities in NYC. These programs are designed to build long-term economic stability and opportunity. Many are free and culturally responsive.
CMP
This organization provides employment services including job readiness workshops, vocational skills training programs, and job placement assistance. It also has ESL, educational, and literacy programs as well as entrepreneurial assistance, including small business consulting, entrepreneurial education, and referral to legal, finance, and legal resources.
Asian American Federation (AAF)
The Asian American Federation (AAF) is a key organization supporting the economic empowerment of Asian American communities in New York City. AAF collaborates with member organizations to provide job training, employment services, and small business support, thereby strengthening the economic foundation of Asian American communities.
Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT)
OBT offers job training and educational programs for young adults, including high school equivalency classes, vocational training, and internship opportunities to prepare participants for the workforce.
Whether you need assistance understanding documents, communicating with service providers, or accessing information in your preferred language, these resources are here to support you.
COOP Careers
This organization helps low-income BIPOC recent graduates land their first job in the career tracks of digital marketing, data analysis, and financial services.
Online Learning with Coursera
The New York State Department of Labor, in partnership with Coursera, offers unemployed and underemployed New Yorkers (over the age of 18) free access to online courses and professional certificates.
CMP
This organization provides employment services including job readiness workshops, vocational skills training programs, and job placement assistance. It also has ESL, educational, and literacy programs as well as entrepreneurial assistance, including small business consulting, entrepreneurial education, and referral to legal, finance, and legal resources.
