KCCD Announces Findings from its
White House Report on
"Korean American Churches as Partners in Community Development: The Untold Story"



KCCD is pleased to announce its findings from its White House Research Report on "Korean American Churches as Partners in Community Development: The Untold Story." A modified version of this report was presented at the White House "Innovations in Compassion" Conference in June 2008.untold story

Hyepin Im, KCCD President, stated, "KCCD is pleased to share the findings of this study to the community and doubly honored that the White House  selected this important study to be presented at the White House Innovations on Compassion Conference. We're excited and hopeful that as more stakeholders become aware of the work and potential of Korean American churches as partners in community development, more opportunities will rise for great partnership opportunities to serve the community. "
 
Jin Kim, Executive Director, stated, "We like to recognize Jim Carr and the Fannie Mae Foundation who recognized the importance of such a study and sponsored the research as well as Dr. Stephanie Boddie for her collaboration in the preparation of this report. We also want to say how pleased we are to have  endorsements for this report from so many leaders -from elected officials, government agencies, corporate partners, economic development and community agencies and faith leaders for this report."

Click here for a copy of the report



Endorsers
(Actual Quotes are Presented Below).

Rudy Pamintuan, Chairman, US Asia Center
Former-Chairman, President's Advisory Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islanders

Mark Farr, Senior Director, Faith Engagement, the Points of Light Institute, and President of the Institute for Progressive Christianity

Doris W. Koo, President and CEO, Enterprise Community Partners Inc.

First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell, Los Angeles Police Department

CA State Assemblymemeber Ted W. Lieu, 53rd Assembly District Chair, Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus

Mike Eng, California State Assemblyman

Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas, 26th Senate District Chair, California Legislative Black Caucus

David McAllister-Wilson President, Wesley Theological Seminary

Senator Paul Shin, Washington State Senator

John Hope Bryant, Operation HOPE, Founder, Chairman and CEO Vice Chair, President's Advisory Council for Financial Literacy, & Chair, Subcommittee for the Undeserved

Bill Imada, Chairman and Cheif Executive Officer IW Group, Inc.

David Caprara, Director, Brookings Initiative on International Volunteering and Service, Former National Director of VISTA

Dr. Stanley Carlson-Thies, Director of Faith-Based Policy Studies, Center for Public Justice

John Moon, Sr. Community Affairs Analyst, Board of Governers of the Federal Reserve System

Elise Buik, President & CEO, United Way of Greater Los Angeles

Rev. Cecil L. Murray, Pastor Retired at First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Los Angeles, Tanzy Chair of Christian Ethics, the Center for Religion, the University of Southern California

Rev. Andy Bales, CEO Union Rescue Mission

Dr. Kay Song, Senior Advisor to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

Cheryl Evans, Citi Community Relations-Western REgion Director

Richard R. Ramos, President & CEO, Latino Coalition for Faith & Community Initiatives

Dr. Manuel Tigerino, Founder/President Latin University of Theology, Chairman Community Mentorship Connection

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, Chicago Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church

Dr. Helene Slessarev-Jamir, Mildred M. Hutchinson Professor of Urban Ministries at the Claremont School of Theology

Bishop Grant Hagiya, Resident Bishop of the Seattle Area, and Former District Superintendent of the Los Angeles District

Rev. Leonard B. Jackson, Senior Advisor to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

Michael Manigault, Community Impact Manager, Bank of America

Tom Steers, Founder and Co-director of Asian American Ministries, The Navigators

Jeremey White, President RestoreHope Consulting, Former Director for Outreach, White House Office Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

Byron K. Reed, Senior Vice President, Community Development Manager, Los Angeles Metropolitan Region, Wells Fargo Bank

Bishop Edward R. Turner, Power of Love Christian Fellowship, Founder & Senior Pastor



Financial Strength of Korean American Churches
Seven Mega-Churches - $123 Million Budget- $39 Million Construction Budget


7 churches
 
4000 Korean-American Churches
 
Source of Human, Financial, Social and Physical Capital

"There are currently over 4,000 Korean American churches within the United States and 1,100 in Southern California. whose work in community development has yet to be highlighted or recognized."

7 Mega-Churches Each with 5000 - 8000 Members

"The top 7 Korean American mega churches in the greater Los Angeles area have from 5,000 - 8,000 members attending services every Sunday."

$52 Million Annual Offerings

"According to a survey done in 2001 by the Korea Times, the collected offerings of the top 16 Korean American mega-churches in the Los Angeles metropolitan area exceeded $52 million annually."

$1 Million for 9/11 Relief

"64 percent of the churches surveyed provided support to the victims of the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 by raising over $1 million."

$70,000 for Tsunami Relief by One Church

"One of the top mega churches in Los Angeles raised alone $70,000 for Tsunami relief efforts. Such results are consistent with many Korean-American churches."

Korean American Population: Over 1.3 Million Strong

"Since the beginning of immigration to the U.S., the Korean American population has exploded from 102 people in 1903 to an estimated 1.3 million. (2000 U.S. Census)."

"Major metropolitan centers are located in Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C. and Chicago as well as within the states of Florida, Michigan, Washington, and Hawaii."

Power of Church

"Korean immigrants who come to the U.S. know that they should seek out a Korean church regardless of whether they are Christian or not, because they know that's where they will get help."


90% of Korean After School Programs Run by Korean Churches
 

Korean-American churches operate over 90 percent of the 1,000 Hangul Schools, which are expanded after-school programs that teach language, culture, art, sports and discipline."


Korean American Church:
 
Hub of Korean American Community 

"The Korean American church is not only a religious place of worship, but is a cultural, political and economic hub of the Korean American community."

70 - 75% of Korean-Americans attend church
 

"The Korean-American churches, having 70 to 75 percent of Korean Americans as members, enjoy one of the largest pools of volunteers and human capital, significant financial strength, transnational church networks, active small business connections, and increasing physical assets."

A Tradition of Community Service and Development 

16 Churches, 45 Types of Services

"In our study of 16 Korean-American churches, faith leaders reported a total of over 45 different types of social and community services...services included child care, healthcare clinics and fairs, after-school programs, tutoring, scholarship programs, job training, crime prevention, domestic violence support and shelters, and programs for the homeless programs."

Global Impact of Korean American Churches

Supporting Work in 86 Countries

"Our study also documented that 149 Korean-American churches who participated
in a survey supported missions work such as building schools and hospitals in 86 countries."

4000 Korean American Churches

Center of the Korean American Community

"There are approximately 4000 Korean American churches providing counseling, job assistance, and programs for after school activities, learning the Korean language, and helping at-risk youth, senior citizens and newly arrived immigrants."

Community Development

$2 Million in Available Scholarships Funds

"Young Nak Church has also established a $2 million scholarship fund and awards up to $150,000 of the fund annually to Latino students. They also have an innovative grants program which has awarded sub-grants totaling $600,000 to over 112 grassroots organizations."

Serving Beyond Their Congregation

"Many congregations have invested in spacious gymnasiums and as much as 160 acres of land with the intent to serve youth and share their resources with the greater community."

"Korean-American congregations serves diverse communities that include African Americans and Latinos and other immigrants."

"77 percent of Korean Amerucan churches reported that their services target both congregation and community members."

"45 percent reported that their services are used by community members."

"21 percent reported that the community members served was not Korean Americans. These community members were primarily African American, Chinese, Hmong, Japanese, and Latino."
Potential Partnerships for Broader Reach & Greater Impact

"Many Korean-American churches are generously serving the community but because of their understanding of Christian humility, many congregations hesitate to publicize their work in the community...many Korean-American churches are starting to realize that such beliefs and practices limit their opportunity to partner with others."

Korean and Asian-Americans lack  experience in Government Funding

"Most Korean and Asian-American faith communities have yet to fully understand and participate in the expanding government-funded social and community service programs."

"73 Percent of the congregations recognized the potential for Korean-American churches to expand their efforts through community-based employment, housing, business development, and other asset building projects."

Churches express interest in multi-ethnic community development

"Several churches also expressed interest in developing a long-term plan to organize these interests into a comprehensive, multi-ethnic community
development initiative similar to community development models of African-American churches."

"In addition, 77 percent of the Korean-American faith leaders expressed a need for more information and skills on grant writing and program development. In addition, they expressed a need for paid staff with experience navigating the government and private sector grant application and contracting process."
Bringing Korean-American Church Community Development Work to Scale

As Federal Faith-Based and Community Initiative expands and Korean-American churches engage more in community development efforts, the guidance and support of an intermediary adds great value for increasing the capacity, networks and funding, as well as visibility, credibility, and effectiveness to their work.

Faith-Based and Community Initiative serves as a catalyst for Korean Americans

"Much like the 1992 LA riot, the Faith-Based and Community Initiative has served as a catalyst for Korean-American community leaders to reexamine their interactions with the broader community and to explore new models for community service and partnership."

"Korean and Asian-American churches would benefit from the development of culturally and linguistically specific technical assistance, capacity building training and other tools including start-up funds to assist faith leaders to re-prioritize their local community development efforts and establish new strategic and programmatic plans."
CHART 1 UNTOLD STORYExecutive Summary

"Although the history and contribution of Korean Americans and of Korean American Churches is rich and diverse with over hundred years in the U.S., the 1992 Los Angeles Riot and the media's one-sided and biased portrayal of Korean Americans devastated the community destroying over 2,000 businesses and tarnishing the image of Koreans as being rude, greedy, and selfish.

Despite such negative images, the report presents another story - the untold story of Korean Americans and of Korean American churches as partners in community development whose efforts and generosity to rebuild neighborhoods and to give hope and assistance to those in need locally and internationally have yet to be recognized. More importantly, this report presents the community's desire to serve in greater ways in partnership with government and other public and private entities as well as with other ethnic communities including African American and Latino neighbors.  However, they are only limited by their language barrier and limited knowledge of navigating the system.  If given the proper assistance that is culturally and linguistically sensitive, the Korean American community and the Korean American churches have a wealth of untapped resources and assets ready to be leveraged further to serve the greater community. "

The full report covers the following topics
  • Unrecognized Partners: A Tradition of Community Service and Development
  • Unleveraged Resources: Human, Financial, Social and Physical Capital
  • Untapped Opportunities: Potential Partnerships for Broader Reach and Greater Impact
  • Bringing Korean-American Church Community Development Work to Scale
The Appendices also contains several key charts, tables and maps.




Endorsements

"Faith based organizations have been strong foundation within the Korean American community - helping the community during the most difficult periods and offering assistance during the most challenging times.  This paper will offer historical insight on how Korean American faith based organizations have addressed the need for community development - the successes of the past and the current needs. "
 
-Rudy Pamintuan, Chairman, US Asia Center
Former-Chairman, President's Advisory Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islanders
 
"This timely and credible study shows exactly why there is such a pressing need to engage Korean American congregations as partners in the faith and service field.  The fact is, their congregations are already on the ground in growing and powerful numbers, believing, and praying, and working for better communities.  It is we who have thus far missed their invaluable contributions.  It is past time the enormous and growing contribution of these groups is recognized.  This paper is a road map for Korean American inclusion in mainstream non-profit and faith based efforts. And if you want to engage this group, don't miss the wonderful treasure trove in the appendices!  I commend Im and Boddie for highlighting such an important topic."
 
-Mark Farr,Senior Director, Faith Engagement, the Points of Light Institute, and President of the Institute for Progressive Christianity
 
"Building diverse, sustainable communities demands participation from every sector of society. As this White House report shows, Korean American congregations have a vital role to play in the kind of community building that can create stronger local economies, a more unified nation and a healthier planet. "
 
-Doris W. Koo, President and CEO, Enterprise Community Partners, Inc.

"Leaders in local law enforcement understand that we cannot effectively police our society without the support and collaboration of public and private community organizations, most particularly those of faith-based entities.  This report describes in detail the outstanding partnership between Korean American Churches and their communities that has developed over the years, and it is a reflection of the Church's altruistic dedication and perseverance to achieve a safer and better existence for all."
 
-First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell, Los Angeles Police Department
 
"Korean American Churches have always been a strong force in building relationships with the community.  KCCD has created many community outreach events and admirable programs such as their Foreclosure Prevention and Home Ownership programs.  It is the outstanding leadership of CEO/President, Hyepin Im and her board that enables KCCD to be a resilient voice in the faith-based and API community.  This report is a great example of KCCD's exemplary work and efforts in bringing light towards faith-based organizations and the need to have more resources for capacity building.  I support KCCD's report to help continue its dedication to their cause."
 
-CA State Assemblymember Ted W. Lieu, 53rd Assembly District
Chair, Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus
 
 "This well documented paper reflects the significant but little known story around the exceptional resources and contributions of Korean - American faith-based institutions within the United States.  It chronicles the financial resources and human capital Korean-American churches have provided over the years and continue to provide in multi-ethnic neighborhoods. I know personally of the positive spirit that comes out of the Korean-American faith based community, as we worked closely together in the days, months and years following the Rodney King Riots of 1992 in Los Angeles to create new bridges of hope for a once divided city. Well, Los Angeles is divided no more in this way, between African-Americans and Korean-Americans, and the Korean-American faith based community's leadership is partial reason for it. I was even honored to receive an award from the Korean community in the time following the riots. This is a model for the nation. Bringing this important story to light will help policymakers and other key stakeholders recognize Korean Churches as viable partners in community development - giving people a hand up and not just a hand out, it is what Operation HOPE calls "silver rights".
 
-John Hope Bryant , Operation HOPE, Founder, Chairman  & CEO Vice Chair, President's Advisory Council for Financial Literacy, & Chair, Subcommittee for the Underserved
 
"The growing influence of the Korean-American community can be traced in part to the rise of Korean-American churches in this country.  This report is appropriately entitled, "The Untold Story," and is a cogent account of the positive impact that Korean-American churches, clergy and parishioners has had in strengthening all communities of all faiths and denominations.  The Korean faith-based community has clearly demonstrated that they can address the myriad of challenges that have impacted the Korean-American community over the years.  Their proactive, solutions oriented initiatives serve as shining examples of how faith and activism can overcome obstacles to progress surrounding community development."
 
-Bill Imada, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
IW Group, Inc.
 
"As an at-risk youth who was greatly enriched by faith-based organizations, I am strongly in favor of the efforts of KCCD.  Organizations like KCCD that have a history of service to youth, seniors, and families are often best positioned to advocate for and actually meet basic needs of our communities.  As a state legislator, I welcome KCCD at a time when elected officials, non-profits, and the business community are showing real leadership when the needs are rapidly outpacing our resources."
 
-Mike Eng, California State Assemblyman
 
"This report is just another shining example of why KCCD's reputation as a leader in the pantheon of faith-based community empowerment organizations is spreading beyond the local community and the State of California to the national level.  KCCD's growing portfolio of excellent community development manuscripts, projects, and programs continue to foster a higher standard of living in the communities it serves. From first-time homebuyer and foreclosure prevention fairs, to marriage enrichment programs, KCCD has something for everyone.  I am proud of our longstanding partnership in service to these communities."
 
-Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas, 26th Senate District
Chair, California Legislative Black Caucus
 
"Observers of American civic life since DeToqueville have recognized the central role churches play to make democracy work.  The KCCD report demonstrates something I have already discovered.  The Korean immigrant church and its people have formed a new matrix of economic development, community stability and compassion for the poor to reinvigorate America."
 
-David McAllister-Wilson
President, Wesley Theological Seminary
 
"Korean Americans have one of the highest rates of church-going among all immigrant groups to the United States.  I know this paper expands our knowledge of Korean American churches and their importance in the fabric of American society."
 
-Paul Shin, Washington State Senator
"KCCD is a leading exemplar and innovator in the field of national and community service.  Hyepin Im, Jin Kim and their wide foundation of volunteer partners are contributing greatly to the growing body of evidence of faith-based volunteering and its promising impacts across our society."  
 
-David Caprara
Director, Brookings Initiative on International Volunteering and Service Former National Director of VISTA
 
"This is an illuminating snapshot of an immigrant faith community in transition, showing how its extensive community-building assets are used both internally and to help the broader society.  It shows well how a savvy intermediary can play a vital role in building up those assets and in connecting the faith community to the wider society, including government."
 
-Dr. Stanley Carlson-Thies
Director of Faith-Based Policy Studies, Center for Public Justice

"This important study highlights the central role that Korean American churches fill within the community.  Korean American churches are poised to be an important component of a developing social services and community development infrastructure due to their extensive reach at the most local level - to individuals.  This was recently demonstrated through KCCD's use of its Korean church network to outreach and deliver much needed foreclosure counseling to Korean American individuals. " 
 
-John Moon,
Sr. Community Affairs Analyst
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
 
"Just as the Korean-American Community is an indispensable part of the fabric of our society, KCDD has immerged as an indispensable element of the movement in Los Angeles to create pathways out of poverty for all households in Los Angeles. The untold story demonstrates the reliability, depth, and breadth of the Korean Faith-Based network in mobilizing resources for the common good of all Angelinos."
 
-Elise Buik
President & CEO
United Way of Greater Los Angeles

 
"The fires of 1992 heated the diatribe of African Americans and Korean Americans as islands set apart. The report being presented at the White House shows that the diatribe is now dialectic--we are islands in language and culture, but there is no limit to how many bridges we can build between us."
 
-Rev. Cecil L. Murray
Pastor Retired at First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Los Angeles, Tanzy Chair of Christian Ethics, the Center for Religion, the University of Southern California
 
"I have been honored to see first hand, the positive impact of Korean American Churches on our community in Southern California.  Their partnership in care for our homeless friends, their efforts to strengthen families and mitigate the foreclosure crisis have been powerful and much appreciated.  I look forward to future collaborations as we bolster God's Kingdom on earth."
 
-Rev. Andy Bales, CEO Union Rescue Mission

"Korean churches have been very active in the Los Angeles community and their broadly reaching community development work is demonstrated in this report.  They have filled community service shortfalls and are committed to improving the quality of life for the Korean American community in Los Angeles. "
 
-Dr. Kay Song
Senior Advisor to Los Angles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa
 
"KCCD has evolved into a national leader advocating for a stronger role for Asian-American churches in community economic development. Through its leadership, KCCD is addressing key issues facing the Korean-American community, including homeownership and foreclosure concerns. Citi is a proud supporter."
 
-Cheryl Evans, Citi Community Relations - Western Region Director


"Korean Americans have always played a vital role in community building wherever they have settled . Much like the plight of the Latino people, the Korean contribution to the local economy and faith-based community services have largely gone unnoticed as a significant piece of the American social fabric.   I applaud you Hyepin!  It's about time someone told the wonderful story of the industriousness, generosity, faith and family values that are so important to the American Korean legacy." 
 
-Richard R. Ramos, President & CEO
Latino Coalition for Faith & Community Initiatives
 
"The KCCD's in-depth report is a must read for anyone who is interested in forging functional and productive relationships with the Korean American Churches and with faith based organizations at large."
 
-Dr. Manuel Tigerino, Founder/President Latin University of Theology, Chairman Community Mentorship Connection

 

"As a Bishop in the United Methodist Church, assigned to the Chicago Episcopal Area, I see first hand the abundant generosity of our Korean congregations as they seek to engage their neighbors and contribute to the development of community.  This report offers insight and encouragement for the work that lies ahead.  I am excited about the future as the untapped resource of Korean Americans becomes a dynamic partner in community development."
 
-Bishop Hee-Soo Jung
Chicago Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church
 
"The Untold Story" highlights the growing maturity of Asian, especially Korean American churches that are increasingly mobilizing their substantial resources on behalf of their surrounding communities. Korean churches are now involved in a remarkably wide array of programs that reach out into the multi-ethnic communities in which they are situated. Their approaches have become far more sophisticated, aided in part by the techical assistance and linkages that KCCD so ably provides."
         
-Helene Slessarev-Jamir
-Mildred M. Hutchinson Professor of
Urban Ministries at the Claremont School of Theology
"KCCD has emerged as one of the premier faith based social service and outreach programs in our Los Angeles area.  Through the dedicated work of their President, Hyepin Im and gifted staff they have provided key grassroots events to help our local community.  I believe they will be a major player in the future of social services for greater Los Angeles. KCCD has proven itself most effective in working with Korean American churches and congregations, as they understand both the cultural and religious groundings of our religious institutions."
 
-Grant Hagiya, Resident Bishop of the Seattle Area,  and
Former District Superintendent of the Los Angeles District
 
 "The Faith Community has served as the change agent; from slavery, great depression, civil rights movement, Los Angeles Civil Disturbance of "92" and including the salvation of New Orleans (Hurricane Katrina) relief efforts. KCCD continues that entrenched tradition by organizing community, Government and Faith based organizations. Media outlet in this age of technology enables KCCD to "tell the story" of how to bring the Gospel to life."
 
-Rev. Leonard B. Jackson
Senior Advisor to the Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa

 
"Korean Churches for Community Development is a pillar of the Los Angeles community, demonstrating true leadership on the front lines for the needs of working families. Bank of America has supported KCCD in community development efforts, as well as critical foreclosure counseling and prevention work  to help keep people in their homes and in their communities. Theirs is an effective model to be shared and used by others in the community development world across the nation."
 
-Michael Manigault, Community Impact Manager
Bank of America
 
"This study documents the immense value of faith-based initiatives. But also we see the amazing model of KCCD giving unique leadership in community development and transformation.  They have relentlessly 'filled-in-the-blanks' between the secular and the sacred, between church and church, between the church and the community, and between one ethnic group and another.  This hard work means positive results.  And, in a deeper sense, hope multiplies hope, especially in other communities where hopelessness reigns."
 
-Tom Steers
Founder and Co-director of Asian American Ministries, The Navigators
 
"Korean American Churches serve as a centerpiece of the Korean American Community. Through their location and the number of churches great potential exist for these organizations to make tremendous impact in improving the lives of Korean American citizens. Their ability to help bridge generational and language divides truly places these faith-based organizations at the cutting edge of making strong lasting impacts in their communities."
 
-Jeremy White, President RestoreHope Consulting
 Former Director for Outreach
White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

"Wells Fargo applauds KCCD for the outstanding community development work they provide not only to the Asian Community, but the community at large. The White House Paper "Korean American Churches as Partners in Community Development: The Untold Story" is very insightful research on key issues affecting the Asian community and KCCD will continue to play a critical role in properly educating the Asian community."

-Byron K. Reed, Senior Vice President
Community Development Manager
Los Angeles MEtropolitan Region
Wells Fargo Bank

"The work of KCCD has been stellar in uniting faith-based organizations with a network of partners forging a union capable of empowering communitiies to a level of activism to confront the numerous challenges of their constituency. We commend them for their extraordinary dedication."

-Bishop Edward R. Turner
Power of Love Chrisitan Fellowship
Found & Senior Pastor

Korean Churches for Community Development
3550 Wilshire Blvd. Suite #922
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Phone: (213) 985-1500    Fax: (213) 403-6767   
Web:  www.kccd3300.org