Our History
The New York Chapter Chums, Inc.
The New York Chapter Chums, Inc., a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was chartered on July 28, 1956, under the sponsorship of the Norfolk, Virginia Founding Chapter. Since its inception, the New York Chapter has faithfully upheld the National Chums’ motto:
“Listen to the Children… Enrich Their Lives.”
Originally serving communities throughout New York City and Westchester County, the chapter expanded its reach in 1991 to include Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. For nearly seven decades, the New York Chapter has stood as a pillar of service leading innovative programs that foster empowerment, education, and equity across generations.
Through a range of community-based initiatives, the chapter continues to promote positive change and resilience through:
Community Stabilization Projects, addressing food insecurity, housing challenges, and access to essential resources.
Summer Youth Enrichment Programs, providing safe, engaging, and educational experiences that nurture creativity and leadership.
STEM Education Opportunities, designed to inspire and prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Hospitality and Community Service Training, equipping youth and adults with professional development and workforce readiness skills.
Violence Prevention and Mentoring Workshops, fostering safe spaces for dialogue, guidance, and personal growth.
Mental Health and Wellness Initiatives, offering support for underserved women, families, and youth to promote healing and holistic well-being.
Educational Equity and Outreach Efforts, ensuring all students have the tools and opportunities needed to thrive academically and personally.
Among its flagship programs are:
The Annual High School Scholarship Program, which awards scholarships to graduating high school students pursuing college, university, or trade school education.
“Connect for Success,” a professional development program helping college students build resumes, strengthen communication and negotiation skills, and prepare for successful careers.
The New York Chapter’s dedication to service has earned numerous accolades, including the Chums, Inc. Presidential Award for National Projects, recognizing outstanding leadership and commitment to the organization’s national mission.
With a membership spanning generations—from the Silent Generation to Generation Z—the chapter embraces diversity, mentorship, and collaboration. This intergenerational strength enables the organization to effectively respond to the evolving needs of the community while nurturing unity and purpose.
Through its enduring commitment to friendship, service, and social impact, the New York Chapter Chums, Inc. continues to exemplify the values upon which it was founded remaining devoted to enriching the lives of children, families, and communities across New York City, Long Island, and beyond.
Through the years, the group has devoted itself to the betterment of social, civic and cultural relationships in their communities.
The national theme "Listen to the Children... enrich their lives" guides each chapter in determining its community's needs.
Then the Chums develop fund-raisers and scholarships to help fulfill those needs. Many hours of volunteer work is dedicated to the success of the national theme.
Although the name is not an acronym in later years each of letters has been given its own meaning.
C - Character and charm we strive to attain.
H - Honesty and humility are always our aim.
U - Understanding and unselfishness we exhibit each day.
M - Modesty and moderation light our pathway.
Chums Incorporated has adopted the yellow tea rose as its official flower, because for Chums the yellow symbolizes "brightness" and the green symbolizes "awakening." As Chum members work in their communities to improve the lives of children, we remember our motto "A good archer is not known by his arrow but by his aim." The official logo captures both of these concepts and links them with the handshake symbol of fellowship in a shield surrounded by a sunburst.