LGW Opens New Headquarters in New York and Expands Its Educational Initiatives
This week, the Legion of Good Will (LGW-USA) celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters in New York City. The event was attended by Brazilian model, activist, and entrepreneur Luiza Brunet, as well as business leaders, community leaders, members of the Brazilian Consulate in NY, and LGW volunteers. The ceremony reinforced the importance of the Organization’s educational and community initiatives in the U.S.
The new space serves as the LGW’s representative office to the United Nations, as well as a social center dedicated to community services and professional training. This expansion strengthens the LGW’s educational efforts, which have been ongoing since the Organization first began its activities in the United States in 1986. Located at 12 E 41st Street, RM 1402, New York, NY 10017, the new headquarters will operate Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 3 PM. Everyone is invited to participate in this open house week and learn more about the services provided by the Organization.
Since 1994, the LGW has actively collaborated with the United Nations, just a few blocks from its new location. The Legion of Good Will holds general consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)—the highest level of consultative status granted to a civil society organization. The LGW also coordinates activities for the NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns at the UN. “For nearly 40 years, the LGW has maintained a continuous presence in New York, serving as a hub for social solidarity and community support. We invite everyone to visit our new, expanded space and get involved in the many programs we offer,” says Danilo Parmegiani, administrator of the LGW-USA.
The LGW’s programs and services in New York are supported by key partners, including the Consulate of Brazil in New York, Grupo Mulheres do Brasil (GMB), Imigra Foundation, Asia Initiatives, Fênix Educação, Mantena Global Care, Instituto Educacional Brasileiro, Provident Bank, Sadhu Vaswani Center, Good Will Educational Association, and others.
In addition to numerous volunteer opportunities, the new headquarters will offer a diverse range of programs in English and Portuguese, including:
- Humanitarian campaigns providing food and school supplies in New York and New Jersey;
- Preparatory courses for ENCCEJA/Exterior (EBAD) – Distance Education for Brazilians Living Abroad;
- Assistance with consular documentation and public services;
- American Citizenship Test preparation classes;
- On-site and hybrid workshops covering diploma equivalency, immigrant rights, and more;
- English and Portuguese conversation groups;
- Professional development courses in areas such as Human Resources, Artificial Intelligence, Women’s Leadership, Digital Marketing, and more;
- Reading and study groups focusing on literature, ecumenical culture, and related themes;
- Event and training space available for community use.
Among the sponsors and supporters of the LGW in New York, the Organization expresses its gratitude to donors from the Good Will in the World and LGW Hero campaigns, who contribute monthly to sustain its initiatives. Additional supporters of the new facility include BlockbusterPrint, PBA Print, Magic Flavors Catering, Sinatra Candle, Priscilla Rossetti Architecture & Interior Design, PEPSI & Co., Fátima Floral Design, Madre Tierra Catering, Lollitune, and numerous volunteers.
The LGW’s work in New York and New Jersey is made possible through the generosity of partners, donors, and local volunteers. To support this mission, visit www.lgw.org, follow us on Instagram (@legionofgoodwill), or contact us at 646-398-7128.
Educational Center in Newark, New Jersey
In addition to its new headquarters in New York, the LGW operates the Paiva Netto Educational and Social Assistance Center in Newark, New Jersey, located at 138-140 Pacific Street. Officially inaugurated on March 4, 2023, this center is a leading institution for trilingual Early Childhood Education (English, Spanish, and Portuguese) and is licensed by the State of New Jersey.
Designed to provide high-quality education, the facility features age-appropriate furniture, books, and toys to support children's overall development. It also includes an auditorium, playgrounds, and an industrial kitchen, where nutritious meals are prepared daily.
Operating Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, the center offers full-time daycare and preschool education for children aged 0 to 5 years. This allows families to work with peace of mind, knowing their children are in a safe and welcoming environment.
The LGW’s socio-educational model is applied across its global network of schools and social assistance programs. This approach is rooted in Education enlightened by Ecumenical Spirituality, which fosters values such as empathy, solidarity, and fraternity. It aims to develop individuals holistically—socially, emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually—preparing them to become global citizens.
The educational line used by the LGW is based on two pedagogical methodologies developed by educator Paiva Netto. The Pedagogy of Affection (for children up to 10 years old) and the Ecumenical Citizen Pedagogy (for students aged 11 and older). Both approaches are guided by the principle: “Here one studies. Brain and heart are formed.”
The LGW remains committed to offering socio-educational programs that expand opportunities for vulnerable communities, continuously increasing its impact to benefit more people. Come visit, participate, and help transform lives with the LGW!