By ANGELA MONTEFINISE

When it comes to Southeast Queens, no one man has been more successful, more hard-working, more inspiring, and more dedicated to the people than Reverend Floyd Flake, pastor of the Allen AME Church in Jamaica.

And the signs of Flake’s influence on Southeast
Queens are visible throughout the area, from safer streets to newer buildings to increased commercial development.

Flake, the spiritual and symbolic leader of Southeast Queens, recently celebrated his 25th year of service to the African-American hub of New York’s most diverse borough, and he couldn’t be more pleased or proud of his accomplishments, his
followers or his neighborhood.

A Beacon Of Hope

When Floyd Flake first arrived at Allen AME Church in 1976 as a young, ambitious preacher, he found what he called a "decent parish" on Jamaica’s Sayres Avenue,
with about 1,200 members
and a modest cathedral.

Flake said, "People in this community always had great faith, but when I got here, the area was in trouble. It was disturbing, with drug use and crime and other negative
things running rampant, especially amongst our youth.
I approached the area with a holistic ministry, and it has been very successful."

Now in a new-and-improved building on Merrick Boulevard, the church currently has over 13,000 members and offers 120 separate "ministries," or programs geared towards helping specific people and problems in the area. The church sponsors a school, a housing complex, an AIDS education center, a domestic violence clinic, and a marriage counseling center amongst other things.

Crime in the area has gone down since Flake’s arrival at Allen AME, and commercial enterprises have taken an interest in the area.

"The outreach to the community that this parish
has been dedicated to has directly translated into a more productive neighborhood," Flake said. "The area has always been upper-middle class, but it wasn’t attractive
to investors because of the problems it had. It also wasn’t a neighborhood. People wouldn’t walk the streets at night and neighbors didn’t talk to each other. Now, everything is different. The Home Depot is here, Pathmark is here . . . There’s no dearth of commercial development. Big chains look at this area as a place to further their businesses. People look at it as a place to raise a family."

He added, "Our ministry is
like a lighthouse guiding the people through dark times.
We just lead them to the right path."

Flake said one of the reasons he has been so successful in Southeast Queens is his
"deep connection" to local residents. He said, "I know the people’s needs and I know the people. I am one of the people. Of course I can help them -
I understand them."

As part of a recent anniversary mass, on Sept. 9, Flake honored 250 members of Allen AME Church who have been part of his congregation since he began there 25 years ago.

He said, "There are people
who have been with me at Allen since the beginning.
They rejoice in what this church has done for the neighborhood and for the community."

In addition to enjoying work, Flake enjoys "playing" in the neighborhood, as well.

He jogs three to five miles a day, and said, "The neighborhood itself is just great. We are not just church, we’re community." He added, "My joy is seeing other people in this neighborhood be successful."

If You Put Your Mind To It . . .

Flake was born in Houston, Texas in 1945, and decided by the time he was in college that he wanted to be a minister. He received a Doctorate of Ministry degree from the
United Theological Seminary
in Dayton, Ohio, and a business degree from Wilberforce University. He
said, "I knew I wanted to be a minister, but not necessarily in the traditional sense. I wanted to preach, but also be useful in the neighborhood . . . The church has been a synergy of all of my experiences and backgrounds."

Before working at Allen AME, Flake worked as an Associate Dean at Lincoln University and as the Dean of both Chapel and Students at Boston University.

In 1976, the Methodist Bishop asked Flake to work as pastor of Allen AME Church, and Flake jumped at the opportunity. "It was a blessing," Flake said. "I was assigned to the area by Bishop Hilldebrant, and it was a perfect mix from the start. This area needed my services and I was happy to provide them."

During his tenure at Allen, Flake has obtained nearly $70 million, as well as State and City grants, to improve the area and expand the church. He has added several new institutions to the area, including Allen Christian School and the Shekinah Youth Chapel, two additions he is extremely proud of. He said, "The youth of the area are very important to me. If I had to pick one thing I am most proud of, the school or the chapel would be it. Kids can’t better their situation without proper schooling."

The Road to Washington and Back

In 1986, the ambitious Flake ran for and won a position in the United States House of Representatives. He said, "I wanted to do as much as I could for my area and I felt I could do more by having access to government directly."

Flake stayed in office until 1997, and is proud of what he accomplished while he was there. "I am directly responsible for many great things that came to Southeast Queens," Flake said. "I gave Southeast Queens visibility and got its needs known."

A major lesson Flake learned in Congress is the importance of working with all people, regardless of political party. He has given advice to Democratic President Bill Clinton and Republican President George W. Bush, who asked Flake to be the head of his Faith-Based Initiative. "I’m a Democrat," Flake said. "But I have come to a place now where I know the importance of working with everyone. The bottom-line is everyone basically wants the best for the people, they just have different ways of achieving it. Politics too often gets in the way of progress."

Even when he was in Washington, Flake proudly says he came home every weekend to be with his wife of 26 years, Elaine, and his four children, Liaya, Nailaih, Robert and Harold. The children range in age from 17 to 25. Flake said, "Even when I was in Congress, my children knew that daddy was there for them. They would wake up on the weekend and see the washing done and some food cooking and say, ‘Dad’s back.’ My parents always had time for me and I will always have time for my family."

The Mind of a ‘Bootstrapper’

Flake said he acquired his attitude and view of the world from his family, which included 13 children all living in their small Texas home. His parents, Rosie and Robert, who had fifth and sixth grade educations respectively, taught him "social ethics" and the value of hard work, beliefs he always cherished. "My dad worked three to four jobs to make ends meet," Flake said. "He didn’t complain because he valued the work . . . My parents taught me that there were no boy jobs or girl jobs. I worked in a kitchen to pay my way through seminary. The boys in my family went with my father to clean offices. We learned to do everything. There were no boundaries on us."

These early experiences taught Flake he could do anything if he worked hard, and he began to value self-help. He now preaches self-help to all of his parishioners, and said, "I want to give legitimacy to the idea of my neighbors doing things for themselves . . . Many people I see are fighting for affirmative action and so on, but the best means of getting action is action. We have to learn and do for ourselves. That’s the only way to improve our position."

Flake said his father was the biggest influence on his life, but also cited Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. as a role model he looked up to. He said, "He didn’t just challenge society, he challenged individuals. His message was so different from other civil rights leaders. He didn’t just want the government to change laws, he wanted the people to make opportunities for themselves."

Flake placed his beliefs in his 1999 book "The Way of the Bootstrapper – Nine Action Steps to Achieving Your Dreams." Flake said, "I wrote the book to try to reach people outside of the Allen AME Church parish. I feel very strongly that African-Americans and all people should find power within themselves to get things done."

"The Way of the Bootstrapper" uses personal examples of Flake’s life to make sure that the nation’s African-Americans remain confident in themselves. "I enjoy writing. It helps me touch people that I don’t usually come in contact with," Flake said.

The Future is Now

Flake said he has many more things planned for Allen AME Church, including expanding the actual cathedral, building 320 units of senior housing, and creating a family life center. "The housing is coming first," Flake said. "We already broke ground on that. I’m working with the city to expand the building connected to the cathedral." He added, "The senior housing is our next project, but not our last."

It is a foundation of faith – the Allen AME Cathedral – and along with its Pastor Reverend Floyd Flake – the church is helping the spirit of Southeast Queens grow.

In The Beginning . . .

In 1884, the Jamaica Allen AME church was founded and ever since it has been an integral part of the development and spiritual growth of the Southeast Queens community.

But history shows that it has been a long tough road for the African Methodist Episcopal church community that had its beginnings in Philadelphia’s St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church.

White worshippers in the City of Brotherly Love were not so loving or brotherly in 1787 when they pulled praying African Americans from their knees and kicked them out of the church.

From then on, Richard Allen led the African American fellowship to his blacksmith shop where he later became a bishop and preached from an anvil pulpit.

Allen’s ministry is what became today’s Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Locally, the Allen AME Church was founded overcoming similar opposition and has grown into a religious institution leading toward Christian education, economic empowerment, political and social action.

Growing In Faith

Allen AME moved from its original location on South Road in 1968.

Upon moving, the ministries and programs for the development of the community grew phenomenally.

Enter Floyd Flake – who is currently at the forefront of the effort to revive the area.

Since 1976, Flake has served as pastor and turned it into a model for the city and the nation as one of the foremost churches and corporations.

"When I came here in ’76, the community was in decline," Flake said. "I envisioned the church getting involved."

With a $24 million budget and over 800 people on the staff, in 1999 Allen AME was the third largest private sector employer in Queens.

And Flake’s vision for "expanding community development" is growing each day.

The growth has made it necessary to secure a $15-million bank loan this year to continue a massive building program.

The development includes the new Greater Allen Cathedral, an 80,000 square foot edifice that seats 2,500 in the sanctuary and is the current headquarters.

Additionally the cathedral has 20 classrooms for community programs, a basement fellowship hall for 1,000 that can host major conferences, a book and gift shop, print shop and administrative offices.

According to Allen AME Financial Supervisor Edwin Reed, the congregation started the building of the church with simply "tithes and offerings."

Church Ministries

According to church officials, the ministries of The Greater Allen Cathedral are an extension of their creed and vision.

"We are a church of compassion and refuge reaching out to a lost and hurting world that needs salvation and purpose. We believe that our mission is to guide the people of God through the leadership of the Holy Spirit, to manifest the visible evidence of God’s presence through self-help," church literature reads.

This statement is exemplified by the numerous ministries of the church.

Currently, the Cathedral of the Allen AME Church has over 35 different ministries including the following:

•Women’s Ministry — an outreach ministry that touches and ministers to the women of Allen and the greater community.

•Men’s Ministry – helping brothers lead each other.

•Ministry To Seniors — meets twice each month for fellowship, fun, food and instruction.

•Prison Ministry – which travels every Sunday conducting worship and praise services to the Glory of God in prison facilities all over the state.  

•Bereavement Ministry — comforting and consoling those who have lost loved ones over the course of years.

•Single Parent Ministry – a supportive extended family for single parents.

•Cancer Support Ministry — reaching out to cancer patients.

The Strength Of Its People

The church draws strength from the dedication of its members and its leaders, according to Flake.

"There are people who have been with me at Allen since the beginning. They rejoice in what this church has done for the neighborhood and for the community," he said at his 25th anniversary mass.

Flake mentioned one parishioner, 88-year-old ‘Papa’ George Pyle, in particular.

"Papa George is a pastor steward," Flake said. "He’s always around the church, looking to help out. He’s a wonderful man. I see God in people like him. He’s been serving since he was a child... We have many stories of people who want to be involved. These folks have made my stay here so pleasureable . . . I love this job and I love this area. I see myself being here for the rest of my working days."

— Angela Montefinise contributed to this story.

By ANGELA MONTEFINISE

Fourteen years ago, the Allen AME Church in Jamaica created a center, tucked safely away in the diverse hiding place of Queens, where broken and battered survivors of domestic violence can escape with their children for counseling, shelter, and help.

The Allen Women’s Center, one of Reverend Floyd Flake’s personal achievements, has helped hundreds of women gain enough self-confidence and independence to leave their abusive husbands and boyfriends and start over.

Joyce Skinner, the executive director of the center, said, "I’ve seen women of all ages, all colors, and all kinds come through the center’s doors in the four years I’ve been here, and it’s always sad. The youngest we’ve had is 19 years old . . . By the time they get here, they’ve usually left their abuser twice already, and they’ve had enough. It takes courage to leave, but most women are intelligent enough to know that something is wrong, and they have to get out of that situation."

Surviving The Violence

Women are referred to the center by hospitals, shelters, and police precincts. Skinner said, "It is usually clear to people in those institutions which women are abused. They have our phone number and they let us know if there’s someone who needs our help." Abused women themselves can also reach out to the Allen Center for help through the City service organization Safe Horizon, formally known as Victim’s Services. The group has a hotline number that women can call to find a safe haven and a place to receive assistance.

Families can also call the Allen AME Church to learn about the center, but Skinner said the center does not take women from Jamaica or neighboring areas. She said, "This center is completely confidential. We don’t even tell people where we are located because we don’t want abusers to come looking for their wives and kids . . . If we accept women from the area, we run the risk of them accidentally meeting their abuser or seeing people they know on their way in or out. It would hurt their healing process and disrupt the confidentiality of the center." The center takes Queens women who are not from Southeast Queens, and women from all of other boroughs.

The center, which is funded through a State grant obtained by Allen AME, provides free services and counseling for women and their children. There are about 20 social service staff members at the center who run support groups, private counseling sessions, play therapy groups for children, and day care activities. Skinner said, "Women open up in these sessions because they see women in the same situation as they are. They feel safe in the center . . . Children are usually extremely frightened. Some are aggressive or angry. We have to calm them down and reassure them that they’re safe. We don’t want that aggression to come out at school or later in life."

Providing A Safe Haven

When survivors first come to the center, they are given medical examinations through Jamaica Hospital’s Medisys Program. Once they are treated, each family is given a room at the center, and they stay four to six months on average. The center can house a capacity of six families at once. Skinner said that housing shortages prevent the center from keeping families more than six months, but if a family needs more help, the center refers them to a home care agency. Regardless of when they leave, the center helps all domestic violence "survivors" find homes to live in after their stay at the center. Skinner said, "We have staff who help the survivors find homes. Yes, we don’t call them victims. They are survivors. They’re strong and brave. We make the distinction here."

If a woman works when she enters the center, counselors assess if it is safe for her to return to her job, and if it is not, the center obtains a leave-of-absence for her. The center also obtains orders-of-protection for women and children against their abusers. Children continue to attend school while staying at the center, but they are monitored carefully. Skinner said, "We’ve had a few instances where the man has tried to pick up the child from school. We instruct the kids not to tell their dads where they are and not to go with them if they show up at their school."

Skinner said that there are some similarities between all survivors, including low self-esteem. "These people usually come from abusive families," Skinner said. "They get stuck in negative patterns. A lot of people assume that these negative patterns are found in African-American and welfare families. Those are stereotypes. Many are on welfare, but not all . . . I have seen that immigrants have the strongest problems with domestic violence because of the difference in cultures. Still, all races are effected." She added, "The men as well, they are often abused. One of my goals if we can get funding is to begin outreach to the men. We don’t do that now. I think that’s necessary."

To Learn More. . .

For information on the center, call Allen AME Church at 206-4600 or the Safe Horizon hotline at (800) 577-7747. Skinner also stresses that if a woman is in serious trouble, she should not hesitate calling the police or 911. "Don’t wait until it’s too late," Skinner said. "Don’t protect him. He’s hurting you. Just call and get help."

Preserving A Neighborhood Through Social Service

Aside from helping the community grow through faith, Allen AME is behind several programs for the social needs of Southeast Queens including an innovative program that is helping women in Southeast Queens renew their lives.

In 1978, Reverend Floyd Flake helped establish the Allen AME Neighborhood Preservations and Development Corporation, which has been instrumental in changing the face of the neighborhood.

One of the ways this corporation has made a difference is with the establishment of the a place called the South Jamaica Multi-Service Center.

The center offers services that include:

• National Council Of Negro Women, which offers counseling for teens.

• The South Queens Community Health Center, which offers a variety
of health services including prenatal and gynelogical care, comprehensive geriatric medical and social work services for adults 65 and older and complete pediatric services including exams and immunizations

• The Neighborhood Help Center which offers mental health services and counseling.

• The Jamaica Services Program For Adults, which engages in advocacy for seniors.

• The Stop D.W.I. program, which provides counseling to D.W.I. offender.

• The Jamaica Community Adolescent Program called "New Beginnings," which offers G.E.D. training and parenting skills for teen mothers.

• The Queens Hospital Center Teenage Program, which offers prenatal and family planning services for teens, social work services, HIV counseling and testing and referrals for education and job training.

• The Women Infant and Children Program, which offers nutrition counseling and supplemental food stamps for pregnant women and young children.

• The South Jamaica Center for Children and Parents, which runs a head start program.

By MICHELLE SELLERS

Home is where the heart is and according to Allen AME Pastor Reverend Floyd Flake, home ownership is a "very, very real" part of the future of Southeast Queens.

These 330 units of new senior housing are rearing completion at this construction site on Merrick Boulevard and 10th Avenue. PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen Allen AME provides 300 affordable apartments for seniors in this housing complex.

"Home ownership stabilizes families and communities," Flake said explaining that giving people the opportunity to own an appreciating asset is vital to community development.

That is why Flake thinks it’s so important that projects like the Allen Senior Citizens Housing Complex be brought to life.

The Allen Senior Houses have provided homes for over 300 residents.

According to Flake, it is programs like these that have given impetus to the upgrading of the community.

Described simply in an interview with the PRESS earlier this year, Flake said, "We need homes instead of junkyards."

The Allen AME Housing Corporation, a subsidiary of Allen AME Church, was incorporated in 1976 to allow the development of its social programs.

The corporation is currently functioning as a real estate development and management corporation that houses 11 residential tenants and 25 commercial business tenants.

Among Allen AME’s housing accomplishments is the Allen AME Hall Estates

This development of 50 affordable two family homes was ready for families to move into by May 1996.

The homes are located on Linden and Guy Brewer Boulevards.

Flake envisioned the project twenty years ago.

According to church officials, the completion of Allen AME Hall Estates afforded home ownership to persons who always wanted to own their own home, but found it financially difficult.

The corporation has assets of $2.1 million and their newest project is ongoing at 106th Avenue in Jamaica – land bought to house seniors.

Applications for the senior citizens residences will not be available until January 2002, but some Queens residents have applied for the waiting list to receive the application at the Allen Housing office at 658- 6660.

This will be the second senior home for the church and will have 330 units in apartment type style.

The first senior residence is in nearby St. Albans on Linden Boulevard and 165th Street.

The new residential facility will also provide a full set of auxiliary services, including community space to those residents ages 65 and older.

Younger seniors may be given special provisions provided their individual circumstances.

The new home for seniors is expected to be built by summer 2002.