In the midst of language barriers, cultural differences, and economic pressures, new immigrant families often face tremendous challenges. Parents struggle to make ends meet, children grapple within the education system, and the elderly find it difficult to navigate complex healthcare systems. When multiple difficulties overlap, families can often feel powerless and isolated. This is where social workers become crucial support providers, not only connecting resources but also serving as bridges of understanding and reform.
In 1967, Ng Po-ling, who immigrated from Hong Kong to New York seeking a stable future for her three children, instead found herself immersed in the field of social work within the Chinese community. Her story reflects the struggles and perseverance of generations of new immigrants.
During a time when gang activity was rampant in Chinatown, Ng Po-ling dedicated herself to youth work, helping establish Project REACH to provide after-school tutoring and wholesome activities for immigrant students to prevent them from straying into dangerous paths. However, the harsh reality hit hard when gang members opened fire in the basement during a tutoring session, resulting in multiple casualties. Witnessing it all, Ng Po-ling’s heart was deeply scarred, but she chose to stay, believing, “If we don’t do it, who will?”
Ng Po-ling has always been involved in youth work since her days at the Hong Kong Youth Association. She mentioned, “I only do what is difficult.” Reflecting on past incidents, she recalled moments of tragedy where she received phone calls from parents crying over their sons being victims of violence. She narrated heart-wrenching accounts of children being caught in the crossfire and how she tirelessly rushed to hospitals, risking her life multiple times in the process.
She recounted a moving encounter where a man in his sixties approached her during the Chinatown Community Center’s 60th-anniversary event, expressing gratitude for saving his life. This man was a former member of a youth gang and had been ordered to harm Ng which he refrained from doing, thanks to the kind words and actions of her colleague Cohen.
Ng Po-ling found solace in knowing that despite not having much, she lived a meaningful life. Having helped numerous individuals, especially youth who were on the brink of going astray, she believed that sacrificing oneself as a social worker leads to inner happiness and no regrets.
In 1974, after her husband passed away, Ng Po-ling faced the most challenging period of her life. However, she found strength in her colleague Cohen and the support of her community, which encouraged her to continue her education and professional endeavors.
After the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the U.S. in 1979, a wave of immigrants flooded into New York, bringing with them a lack of understanding about the local school system, leading to educational struggles for their children due to language barriers. Ng Po-ling seized the opportunity to participate in the Community School Board elections, despite the position being unpaid and demanding, as she felt a responsibility towards the community and her own family.
The early 1980s saw a significant lack of representation of Chinese individuals on the Board. Ng Po-ling, who had just become a widow and was single-handedly supporting her four young children, decided to run for the position with strong community support, recognizing the need to advocate for the growing Chinese student population in the district.
As the first Chinese female member of the New York City School Board with an 18-year tenure and several leadership positions, Ng Po-ling tirelessly fought for language assistance, special education resources, Chinese school principal appointments, and even hosted an educational radio program to help parents stay informed.
Even as the New York City education system transitioned from local control to mayoral control, diminishing school district authority, Ng Po-ling continued to mentor new community leaders and advocate for education even after stepping down from her position.
Ng Po-ling’s dedication spanned across three generations, from the elderly to the young. She proudly mentioned the success of the People’s Center, the first elderly facility she established, emphasizing the critical role of early recognition of community needs and direct involvement in people’s lives.
Reflecting on the current challenges faced by new immigrant families, Ng Po-ling observed recurring issues of language barriers, cultural conflicts, family dysfunction, mental isolation, and systemic marginalization. She drew parallels between past and present struggles, highlighting the shift from “latchkey kids” in the past to today’s phenomenon of “left-behind children,” both facing similar hardships due to lack of parental presence and guidance.
Ng Po-ling believes that many modern immigrant family issues stem from a lack of emotional support and guidance, as parents often focus solely on providing material resources, neglecting their nurturing responsibilities. She stresses the importance of instilling values and taking accountability within families rather than relying solely on schools, social workers, or the government for upbringing.
Having raised her four children single-handedly after her husband’s passing, balancing work and education, Ng Po-ling acknowledges the difficulties but credits her parents’ and in-laws’ support, her proactive attitude, and the subsequent success of her children as her proudest achievements. She encourages the younger generation to leverage the resources available today and strive for even greater accomplishments.
In comparison to the past, Ng Po-ling laments the lack of sincerity in modern society, pointing out the deficiencies in the education system, misuse of welfare programs, trivialization of marriage, and the growing detachment and diminished sense of responsibility within families, leading to societal deterioration. She emphasizes the need for genuine care and responsibility in addressing children’s issues, asserting that true understanding of people’s needs comes from deeply engaging in their lives.
Having embarked on a journey of service for 57 years since her initial volunteering efforts, Ng Po-ling’s vivid and profound stories have given real and concrete meanings to the realms of social work and education.