About NIA

NIA - Yesterday

In 1981, the idea for a community group to address the decline of the neighborhoods of southwest Brooklyn was born under the auspices of St. Rosalia-Regina Pacis Church leading to the formation of the Neighborhood Improvement Association (NIA).

Formed to tackle the obvious signs of economic and physical decay that had begun to permeate the area, concerned residents, local businesses, religious institutions, and community leaders banned together and began the task of revitalizing neighborhoods, restoring pride and enhancing values for the betterment of all in the community. 

NIA quickly began addressing the most urgent challenges by cultivating an atmosphere of community involvement and promoting collaborative partnerships among individuals and organizations. Grass roots projects were launched to clean up the neighborhood, remove graffiti, and provide food donations to the less fortunate. NIA began to counsel troubled youth, and offered enrichment and recreational activities for youth and adults. Families and seniors were brought together to express their concerns and encouraged to become proactive in efforts to improve the quality of life in their communities.

NIA further increased the scope of services beginning in the early 1990s through increased community participation, new partnerships and additional creative programming. Youth and family counseling services were expanded and comprehensive after school programs providing educational support, arts initiatives, enrichments, youth development and recreational activities were launched. In the days following September 11, 2001, NIA counselors and staff worked with hundreds of youngsters and their families, providing emotional support and special initiatives that encouraged self-expression and interactive group activities, bringing everyone together as one.

Today

By supporting, inspiring and leading, NIA continues to promote an atmosphere of community participation. As part of the organization’s evolution and expansion, the name has become NIA Community Services Network and the mission “building strong children, strong families and strong communities” has been born. Now, 30 years later, NIA continues to be the catalyst for positive change by bringing diverse stakeholders together to tackle the most pressing challenges of our communities and by creating the programming needed to promote successful outcomes.

Our passion for community service extends to all generations. NIA strives to change lives by providing unique programs and services that assist thousands of people each week throughout the year in expanded learning time and afterschool programs; enrichment, cultural arts and recreation programs, summer day camps, through youth and family counseling services, community assistance, referral, and senior support services; through awareness and prevention initiatives, special events, and informational meetings. This summer, NIA launched a program where preschool age children, together with their parents, explored early learning opportunities through children’s literacy and interactive activities. Programs to instill a love of learning and provide guidance for parents to support their children’s academic success will continue this fall, along with our new tutoring and test preparation services.

NIA now supports a staff of two hundred that includes dedicated professionals, teaching artists, counselors, youth specialists, future teachers, aspiring leaders, a cadre of AmeriCorps members and a large corps of student volunteers.

With a clear vision and a passion for delivering outstanding results, NIA makes an enormous difference in the lives of thousands of people each and every week.

Tomorrow

Under the umbrella of sensitivity, caring and professionalism, NIA remains committed to addressing immediate and long-term needs of the communities it serves and is dedicated to preserving the distinctive heritage of each neighborhood it supports, throughout the entire borough of Brooklyn, New York City and eventually throughout the State of New York!

NIA will continue to draw on the deep and meaningful participation of all stakeholders to join in providing much needed neighborhood based support for children, youth and families and to advocate for policies and practices that are responsive to all members of our New York communities.

NIA recognizes the need to empower communities, build bridges between diverse neighborhoods and collaborate and build partnerships with other organizations. We are devoted to promoting cross-cultural understanding for present and future generations, and realize how essential it is to building and sustaining vibrant, healthy communities.

We stand by our mission, are proud of our accomplishments, and look forward with great enthusiasm as we continue to serve our New York communities.

NIA is on the move!

Meet the Leadership Team

NIA’s organizational structure has been developed to best support the achievement of its vision, mission, goals and activities. Under the guidance of an active Board of Directors, NIA’s senior management team, led by President Michael A. Bové, CEO Mary Anne Cino, and Executive Director Rosa Casella, facilitates the coordination and implementation of organizational activities while maximizing funding opportunities.

Michael A. Bové

Michael A. Bové, President

A proud life-long resident of the community he calls “Regina Heights," Mike has been an active contributing member of New York City his entire life. Mike helped co-found the St. Rosalia-Regina Pacis Neighborhood Improvement Association (NIA) along with the support from several prominent local residents. Mike became the founding President and immediately began to take care of his community by coordinating clean up projects, sponsoring food drives, and working with Catholic Charities to obtain NIA’s first grant. His strong sense of community, dedication and tireless efforts has proven invaluable to the success of the newly renamed NIA Community Services Network, now certified to perform expanded services throughout New York State.

Mary Anne Cino

Mary Anne Cino, CEO

Mary Anne is an accomplished leader and manager in the non-profit and government sectors with extensive background in organizational and program development, grant writing, social services and advocacy. Prior to becoming NIA's CEO, she served as Executive Director, then Chairman of the NIA Board of Directors during her tenure as Deputy Chief of Staff for Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. During her more than twenty year affiliation with NIA, Mary Anne’s strong leadership, vision and innovative approach in designing new and expanded services, along with her ability to forge important partnerships,  engage stakeholders and successfully address challenges, has gained recognition for NIA as an accomplished human service agency throughout New York City.

Rosa Casella

Rosa Casella, Executive Director

Rosa has served as the Executive Director of the NIA since 2002. Under her direction, the NIA continued its focus on providing high quality community and support services for area children, youth, families and seniors. Rosa’s knack for dealing with government agency officials and staffers has been crucial to NIA’s success in meeting and exceeding contractual obligations for all grants.  Her dedication to all served by NIA  and her exceptional work with other community leaders, police, community boards and all community stakeholders helps ensure a better on quality of life for all.