The Gorayeb Community Center is a civic space dedicated to strengthening New York’s Latino community. At Gorayeb & Associates, we are much more than a law firm that speaks Spanish -we are deeply committed to the well-being of New York’s Latino community. Our dedication extends far beyond legal representation for construction workers who have suffered accidents at work.
For over 35 years, we have carried out intensive and diverse social work in neighborhoods with a high concentration of Hispanic residents. This sustained effort naturally led us to build strong alliances with key organizations that play a vital role in the daily lives of the Latino community in New York, such as Frente Hispano Local, the Ecuadorian Civic Committee of NY, and Sisa Pakari.
One of the most pressing issues we identified was the lack of a civic space-not just for construction workers to access essential safety resources, but also for their families to gather, connect, and enjoy recreational activities. With the vision of establishing a nonprofit Latino Community hub that is both inclusive and impactful, the Gorayeb Community Center was founded in 2015. Conveniently located on Junction Boulevard, just a few blocks from the bustling Roosevelt Avenue, in Queens, it stands as a welcoming space for all.
Now approaching a decade of uninterrupted service, the Gorayeb Hispanic Outreach Center has become an integral part of everyday life for New York’s Latino community and a leading advocate for the rights of construction workers.
Beyond legal aid and advocacy, the Latino community in New York has long been a cornerstone of the city’s social, cultural, and economic landscape. From the lively rhythms of salsa, merengue, and reggaeton to the widespread influence of Latin American cuisine, Hispanic heritage is woven into the fabric of New York life. Food trucks serving tacos, empanadas, and arepas line the streets, while Latin music pulses through neighborhoods, bringing people together. This cultural vibrancy reflects the resilience, unity, and pride that define the Latino experience in the city.
Despite these contributions, challenges persist. Gentrification, economic inequality, and immigration issues continue to shape the realities of many Latino families. According to a 2023 report from the UCLA Latino Policy Institute, Latinos make up 19% of New York’s total population, making them the second-largest racial and ethnic group in the state. The report also reveals that the Latino community is younger than the city’s average, with a median age of 32, highlighting its active and socially engaged nature.
New York’s Latino population is remarkably diverse, with Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, South Americans, and Mexicans each contributing to the city’s dynamic cultural landscape. While nearly half of Latinos in the state live in poverty or low-income conditions, with non-citizens particularly vulnerable. Additionally, homeownership among Latinos in New York is the lowest among major racial and ethnic groups, with only a quarter owning homes.
Access to healthcare is another pressing issue. While over 10% of Latinos in New York lack health insurance, this figure remains lower than the national uninsured Latino rate. Still, efforts to expand healthcare access and affordability remain a top priority.
Despite these socioeconomic hurdles, the purchasing power of the Latino community is undeniable. Latinos in New York generate an astounding $92 billion in household income, creating significant opportunities for businesses looking to connect with Hispanic consumers. Latinos are engaged digital users, with high cell phone and wireless usage rates, and many subscribe to cable or satellite television. Reality shows are particularly popular, and for younger, low-income Latinos in urban areas, radio remains a primary source of entertainment.
These insights reinforce the importance of creating safe, accessible spaces and community resources for Hispanics. Our Hispanic Community Center remains steadfast in its mission to uplift and empower New York’s Hispanic community, ensuring that workers and their families have the tools they need to thrive.
As we look toward the future, our commitment to education, workplace safety, and cultural engagement will only strengthen. Through continued partnerships, innovative programs, and a deep-rooted passion for service, we will keep advocating for the well-being and success of Latinos in New York—because our community deserves nothing less.
One of our core missions is to provide training that directly addresses the needs of our community. Aware of the critical importance of safety in the construction industry-where thousands of Latino workers are employed in New York-the Gorayeb Community Center prioritizes the well-being of these workers. Through our partnership with ThinkSafe, Hispanic workers across the city can access specialized courses focused on workplace safety.
These courses specifically address areas of concern shared by construction workers. For example, training courses to prevent accidents related to the operation of heavy machinery and working at heights from structures such as scaffolds, ladders, or rooftops. This is particularly vital given that, according to a report by the Spanish-language news portal Enlace Latino, Latinos are disproportionately affected by workplace accidents in the construction industry. Many Hispanic workers continue to face unsafe working conditions, highlighting the urgent need for proper training and advocacy.
However, the Gorayeb Community Center’s mission goes beyond providing useful resources. We strive to be a dynamic hub for civic engagement, championing causes that matter to the Latino community in New York. Our efforts align with the broader evolution of this community, which has played a fundamental role in shaping the city's history. With New York home to 3.6 million Hispanics—the fourth-largest Hispanic population in the United States—there is a pressing need to ensure that these workers receive the protections they deserve.
Beyond workplace safety, economic empowerment is a growing concern. While many reside in New York City, a surge in Hispanic population growth in regions like Rockland County and Fairfield County in Connecticut underscores the need for expanded outreach and support services.
For instance, during the pandemic, many Latino families faced unprecedented hardships. In response, our Latino Resource Center, in collaboration with its strategic partners, launched various community support initiatives—efforts that were widely recognized in the media. Ecuador News, a respected newspaper, highlighted these contributions in an article, stating: “Gorayeb Abogados has done outstanding work with the community during the pandemic.”
The piece emphasized that “Christopher Gorayeb and his team feel honored and grateful to have helped the community in the Tri-State area during these challenging times of COVID-19, when thousands of families were struggling to put food on the table. Thanks to the altruistic efforts of Gorayeb & Associates—‘The People’s Lawyers’—a total of 7,000 food bags were distributed across the ‘Capital of the World’ to help ease the hardship faced by so many.”
As the Latino community in New York continues to grow and evolve, the Gorayeb Community Center remains committed to advocating for their rights, safety, and well-being. Through ongoing education, strategic partnerships, and community-driven initiatives, we are dedicated to empowering Hispanic workers and their families for a brighter, more secure future.
This food distribution initiative strategically targeted key locations within New York’s Hispanic community, including Woodside, Corona, and Holy Spirit Church in the Bronx.
The impact of this community work was also documented by El Diario, a historic publication founded in 1913 and widely recognized as “The Champion of Hispanics.” One of its reports highlighted the Gorayeb Community Center’s food distribution efforts in Brooklyn, underscoring the organization’s commitment to those in need.
The article states: “Gorayeb & Associates has organized a food distribution event with the support of Amigos Por Siempre de La 78, aiming to assist families in need during the public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (…) This marks the fourth food distribution effort led by the New York-based law firm. In previous weeks, Gorayeb & Associates carried out similar food drives in Queens.”
At Gorayeb & Associates, our commitment to defending the rights of New York’s Latino community runs deep. We are more than just a law firm—we are advocates, allies, and a steadfast pillar of support for Latino workers facing job-related injuries. We fight tirelessly to ensure they receive every cent of the compensation they are legally entitled to, helping them regain stability and dignity in the face of hardship.
But our dedication goes far beyond the courtroom. For over 35 years, we have been an integral part of New York’s Hispanic community, addressing the real challenges Latino individuals and families face every day. Whether through legal assistance, advocacy, or community programs, we stand by them in their pursuit of justice, safety, and well-being.
That is why, since 2015, the Gorayeb support Center for Hispanics has served as a vital civic space for Latino workers and their families. More than just a resource hub, it is a gathering place where individuals can access crucial job-related information, legal workshops, and educational programs that empower them in the workforce. Additionally, the center fosters a sense of belonging by offering recreational activities, cultural events, and community-driven initiatives designed to uplift and support our people-especially during challenging times.
At Gorayeb & Associates, we are committed to building a stronger, more resilient Latino community. Through the Gorayeb Community Center, we uphold this mission by providing the knowledge, resources, and support our community needs to thrive in New York.
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