January 2026
2026 is off to a great start here at NIA. January has been a wonderful month filled with musical performances, STEM classes, and career day! We have also been gearing up for our 5th annual Read Out Loud Campaign. Read on to find out the exciting initiatives, events, and activities NIA has in store for the start of the new year!
Read Out Loud
In celebration of National Read Aloud Day on February 4th, NIA kicked off their 5th Annual Read Out Loud Campaign, a series of exciting literary events, including special guest author visits across our programs. The campaign started on February 3rd with author, Mychal Threets and illustrator, Lorraine Nam visiting PS 185 for a special reading from their new book, I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy. The book is a heartwarming invitation to all, especially children, to discover the joy and sense of belonging found in libraries, captivating the message that libraries are for everyone, regardless of their background. Thank you to our sponsors Maimonides Health, Investors Foundation, NYC Ferry, and 7x24 Exchange! Author visits and book giveaways will continue throughout the month, into March for Read Across America Day. Thank you to all the talented authors who will be visiting our after school programs and working with us this year.
NIA/PS 216’s Silly Science and STEM Class
Kindergarten and 1st grade students in NIA’s after-school program at PS 216 had a blast experimenting with color during their Silly Science class recently! The students learned about color theory through an interactive experiment called "Walking Water.” They engaged in hands-on learning using clear cups, paper towels, water, and food coloring for the experiment. The experiment showed the students how colors can travel through different materials. The science fun did not end there. That same week for STEM class, 2nd Grade & 3rd grade students participated in a teambuilding activity, called “Cup Stacking.” The students were challenged to use rubber bands that have been tied together and work together to stack cups on top of each other. The students enjoyed working together during many different cup stacking timed challenges!
NIA/PS 889’s STEM Class
PS 889 took part in an exciting STEM class where students participated in an engaging and fun balloon experiment. The students attached a balloon to a water bottle filled with baking soda, then observed what happened when the materials interacted. During the experiment, carbon dioxide gas was created, causing the balloon to inflate on its own. This allowed students to clearly see science in action while exploring important concepts such as pressure and volume. The students had a great time watching the balloons blow up and were excited to learn how simple materials could create such an impressive scientific reaction!
NIA’s Community Kitchen
NIA is thrilled to announce our Community Kitchen event series, bringing neighbors together through food, learning, and connection. These events are designed to create welcoming spaces that promote inclusivity, accessibility, and nutrition education, while increasing access to fresh, healthy food. From January through October, NIA will host monthly adult cooking classes along with eight family workshops throughout the year. Family workshops will take place at NIA Carey Gardens Cornerstone Center and NIA’s program site at PS 253, with each session featuring a fun and engaging monthly theme for families to enjoy together.
We kicked off the series on January 29th at the Carey Gardens Community Center, where participants gathered for an evening of hands-on cooking and community connection. Attendees prepared a delicious stir-fry, choosing between chicken or tofu, and everyone went home with all the ingredients and cooking equipment needed to recreate the meal at home. To ensure accessibility for all, free childcare is provided at every adult cooking workshop, allowing caregivers to fully participate and enjoy the experience. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming as community members cooked, socialized, and learned new skills.
These Community Kitchen events are a fun way to build kitchen confidence, learn about nutrition, and connect with neighbors. We’re looking forward to hosting many more cooking events this year! Thank you to the NYC Civic Engagement Commission who funded these events through The People’s Money participatory budget process.
NIA/IS 281 Performs Production of “Journey Across Oz”
In a spectacular collaboration between NIA and IS 281, over 50 talented students recently took to the stage for the Mainstages Showcase production of Journey Across Oz. The performance captivated the audience with hits from musical favorites, including "Popular" from Wicked, "A Whole New World" from Aladdin, and "Seize the Day" from Newsies. Participants explored choreography, music, dance, character development, background design, lighting, and costume design to bring the show to life. Thank you to Mainstages for sharing their performing arts expertise and inspiring creativity in our participants. NIA is incredibly proud to support these young artists and celebrate such a successful night at IS 281. A huge congratulations to Directors Anna and Aaron Kaplan and the entire cast and crew for an unforgettable performance!
Career Day at PS 179
On January 25th, PS 179 proudly hosted Career Day, giving students a wonderful opportunity to learn about different career paths. NIA’s Director of Development and Communications, Virginia Chieco and NIA’s Director of Education, Corinne Colosimo visited the school and spoke to five elementary school classes about their roles and careers at NIA. They shared insights into their daily responsibilities, the importance of communication and education, and how their work supports NIA’s mission. The students were excited to learn about NIA and asked thoughtful questions about what it’s like to work there. They were especially enthusiastic to hear about the many exciting events and programs coming up. The visit inspired and excited students for their future careers!
Council Member Kayla Santusuosso’s Inauguration
On January 18, NYC Council Member Kayla Santosuosso was officially sworn in, making history as District 47’s first woman—and soon-to-be first mom—Council Member. The ceremony, held at the High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology, brought together family, friends, community members, and elected officials. Council Member Justin Brannan, whom Santosuosso succeeds, served as Master of Ceremonies, with remarks from U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, City Council Speaker Julie Menin, former Comptroller Brad Lander, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and State Senator Andrew Gounardes. Representing NIA, Director of Communications and Development Virginia Chieco and Community Liaison Tom Hoefel proudly attended in support. Congratulations to Council Member Santosuosso. NIA looks forward to working together to strengthen our community.
St. Ephrem’s Friendship Club Celebrates Anne Bergamini’s 101st Birthday
Anne Bergamini, long-time resident of Dyker Heights and member of St.Ephrem’s Friendship Club, celebrated an incredible 101 years young at St. Ephrem’s Friendship club recently! Members and friends of the club gathered to honor Anne and mark this remarkable milestone, including NIA Director of Social Services, Senja Frangipani, and Social Services volunteer Franca Bove. Happy Birthday Anne!
Program Highlights
NIA/PS 216 Art Activities
NIA/PS 247 Family Paint Night
NIA/PS 229 Winter Crafts
Michael A. Bové, President; Mary Anne Cino, CEO
Annette Velez, Executive Director; Phyllis Smeragliuolo, Asst. Executive Director
NIA SOCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANCE
NIA provides FREE services.
Most social services can be handled via phone or by virtual appointment.
Please contact NIA Director of Social Services Senja Frangipani at services@niabklyn.org or call 718-236-5266
HIGHLIGHTS
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Application assistance with applying for affordable rentals
and housing opportunities throughout the five boroughs.
(NIA does not work to secure an apartment for any applicants)
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Naloxone training is a service that teaches people how to respond to an opioid overdose.
Every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30PM
Registration required, Limited seating, Must be 18 yrs.
2nd floor conference room (No Elevator Access)
Child Support Services
Heap
Medicare Savings Plan
SCHE
SCRIE
Referral Assistance
Access-A-Ride
IDNYC
NYCHA Housing Authority
Passport Appointments
WIC
Counseling Services
Fair Fares
SNAP
HPD
DIRE
CITYHEPS Renewal
Health Insurance
Health Proxy Assistance
FAMILY SERVICES
For more information, please contact our Manager of Family Services, Isabel Paz:
isabel@niabklyn.org or call (929) 545-4172
Parent Advisory Committee
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Parent Advisory Duties:
Suggest ideas and agenda items for NIA's Family Services parent education, family events, and other community projects.
Work collaboratively with other committee members.
Participate in a minimum of two out of four meetings (Meeting quarterly, every 3 months).
Help promote NIA's activities and events in the community.
Parenting Journey
This course is designed to help parents and caregivers understand how past experiences and present realities shape their attitudes and beliefs as parents and influence how they engage with their children. Through a process of self-reflection and guided conversation, Parenting Journey participants learn more about themselves not just as parents but also as individuals, resulting in a more confident parenting style. Upon successful graduation participants will receive a certificate of completion.
Private Family Support Session
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Behavioral changes in children, family conflicts, new stressors within the family, clothing, food, transportation, personal items
All sessions are voluntary and based on each family’s needs, and include the option for referral for things outside of our scope such as domestic violence, mental health, and more.
New Moms Group
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Our new mom group discusses topics such as:
Baby development
what to anticipate as a new mom
journey from month to month for your baby’s first year
tips and tricks on navigating motherhood
and much more!
New Hires & Promotions
Oivia DiPalermo
Development & Communications Specialist
Olivia recently received her masters in Public Media with a Strategic Communications concentration from Fordham University. While at Fordham, she worked as a Communications and Development Assistant for Phoenix House New York. Phoenix House helped her gain hands-on fundraising experience and enhanced her communications knowledge. Telling meaningful and impactful stories has always been a passion of hers. This is exactly what drew her to NIA. She is eager and ready to hit the ground running as NIA’s Communications and Development Specialist.
Ryan Gonzalez
IS 95 Program Director
Ryan Gonzales graduated from East Stroudsburg University in 2023 and became a substitute teacher after graduation. Recently, he moved to New York to experience city life, having grown up in a rural area of Pennsylvania. While in school, he worked as a local DJ in the Philadelphia area, performing at school dances, weddings, and various work venues.
Ryan has a strong passion for providing students with tools for success that will be valuable in their adult lives and aspires to be the role model he wished he had in middle school. In his free time, Ryan enjoys playing video games and attending concerts of all genres.
