Zhanna Beyl, Coordinator

The Bukharian Teen Lounge is a comprehensive after-school program located in Forest Hills, Queens. Our mission is to help immigrant teens to successfully integrate into the larger American community while maintaining their rich cultural heritage. The program is open to all youth, and Russian-speaking staff members enable the program to be culturally sensitive to the specific needs of youth from the Bukharian Community. We strive to inspire and empower young people to lead healthy, active, and productive lives as caring and self-aware community members. We help teenagers clarify and work toward their personal, academic, and professional goals. We provide individual and group counseling and support. We offer a safe and comfortable space for youth to spend meaningful time with friends and explore the treasures of their heritage. The BTL’s new Adolescent Literacy program also serves middle school émigré students who recently arrived from Central Asia (speaking Russian, Farsi, Tajik, and Uzbek). JCCA’s Bukharian Teen Lounge is a home away from home where, in partnership with caring staff, young people develop creative and relevant programs, and learn through experience and service.