March 2026
March was a celebratory month at NIA as we welcomed the start of spring. We honored Women’s History Month with two appreciation events for the Coney Island community, celebrated the creativity of our students at NIA’s Annual Art Show at NIA/IS 30 and held meaningful Ramadan and Eid celebrations that brought together students, families, and staff to share traditions and build community. Keep reading to learn more about what NIA has been up to!
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr Events
On Friday, March 13th, NIA/IS 30 hosted a special Ramadan gathering that brought together students, families, and staff for an evening of connection and community. As the sun set, guests shared in Iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast, with a generous spread of traditional dishes donated by local restaurants. The event created a warm, welcoming space for community members to come together, enjoy one another’s company, and celebrate the occasion. Laughter and conversation filled the room, reflecting a strong sense of togetherness.
NIA/PS 186 also hosted a lively Eid celebration, where families enjoyed hands-on crafts, traditional foods, and henna art. The event offered a joyful opportunity for participants to gather, reflect, and celebrate the holiday with creativity and community spirit.
NIA Beacon at PS 179 hosted not one, but two community Iftars - One on March 13th and another on March 23rd in partnership with Arts and Democracy. A total of 660 attendees joined the events to enjoy a meal to break their fast. Council member Shana Hanif, former Council member and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, and other representatives from the Kensington community joined in on the festivities.
Black History Month Showcase
NIA’s Cornerstone program wrapped up Black History Month with a powerful and inspiring showcase titled “Legacy: The Story We Carry.” The event honored Black excellence, creativity, and the lasting impact of Black leaders, artists, and changemakers across generations. Through meaningful performances and storytelling, the showcase highlighted the voices, experiences, and contributions that have helped shape our culture and communities. NIA President Michael A. Bové said the opening remarks as Students took center stage with an engaging and heartfelt play that reflected important moments in Black history while celebrating the strength, resilience, and achievements of Black individuals throughout time, demonstrating the students’ hard work, talent, and dedication. Following the showcase, families, staff, and community members connected over celebratory food, laughter and conversation.
Directors Basketball Night
NIA’s Program Directors showed off their basketball skills at NIA’s Director’s Basketball Night! The event brought together program directors from across the organization’s youth programs for an evening of fun, teamwork, and friendly competition on the court. Participants laced up their sneakers and joined in a lively scrimmage, demonstrating not only their athletic abilities but also their enthusiasm for connecting outside of their everyday responsibilities. The event served as a great opportunity for program directors to strengthen relationships, unwind, and build camaraderie. By the end of the evening, everyone walked away with smiles, great memories, and a renewed sense of teamwork that carries over into the important work they do every day at NIA.
Women’s History Month Celebrations
NIA recognized Women's History month with two celebrations in Coney Island. Our 3rd Annual Women’s Luncheon was a resounding success as we gathered to celebrate in an atmosphere of connection and inspiration. Held in partnership with Council Member Kayla Santosuosso, the first woman to represent the district and an important figure in the community’s ongoing women’s history, the event brought together leaders and neighbors to honor the theme, Women in the Arts and Sciences. Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch at Gargiulo’s, while celebrating this year’s honorees: Selwena R. Brewster, MD; Sarin Abiola Soyemi, MD; and Rose “La Rose” Jackson, each recognized for their impact and leadership. NIA also hosted a Women’s History celebration at the NIA Carey Gardens Cornerstone in Coney Island, featuring a community dinner, live music, and recognition of four outstanding women: Corinne Colosimo, Vera Ekht, Deshaye Carter, and Jarin Piyana. Together, these events highlighted the creativity, innovation, and lasting contributions of women across our community.
NIA Art Show
NIA’s annual Art Show was another one for the books! This year’s art show was themed “An Evening in Paris”. The creative atmosphere was infectious as talented students from across multiple NIA programs showed off their incredible Parisian themed artwork at PS/IS 30. Guests enjoyed delicious charcuterie boards and refreshments while strolling through the displays, taking in everything from elegant Eiffel Tower paintings to charming clay creations of croissants and crêpes, and even a striking sculpture of the Statue of Liberty. Students had a fantastic time at the craft table, where they created their own beautiful Monet-inspired water lilies and Impressionist paintings. Twinkling lights and French jazz music added to the joyous ambiance, truly making “An evening in Paris” come to life.
Chief Joe Esposito NYPD Appreciation Day Celebration
On Thursday, March 12th, the Ben-Bay Kiwanis Club, in partnership with Saint Athanasius Boy Scout Troop 99, proudly hosted “A Day of Celebration” in honor of NYPD Chief Joe Esposito. The event, held at the elegant El Caribe Country Club, brought together community leaders, supporters, and distinguished guests to recognize Broooklyn’s own Chief Esposito’s longstanding dedication to public service and his impact on the New York community. Among those in attendance were NIA President Michael A. Bové, NIA Community Liaison Thomas Hoefel, along with Kevin Cottingham the VP of Operations from our valued partner Maimonides who joined in celebrating the occasion and showing their continued support for initiatives that strengthen community relationships and leadership. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Chief Esposito Leadership by Example Award, which was awarded this year to NYPD’s former Traffic Chief, Michael Scagnelli. This recognition honors individuals who embody integrity, commitment, and service - qualities exemplified by both Chief Esposito and this year’s deserving recipient. The celebration served as a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the importance of leadership, community engagement, and the enduring partnerships that help foster a safer and more connected community.
NIA Featured in NYC Reads Toolkit
NIA is honored to be featured in the NYC Reads Toolkit. NYC Reads is a literacy initiative now used throughout NYC public schools. The Columbia University Center for Public Research and Leadership collected data from community based organizations across the city about ways in which we are aligning to this initiative and bringing the NYC Reads model into our own work after school. NIA is featured along with a few other well known community based organizations doing great work in NYC! A big thank you to NIA’s Director of Education Corinne Colosimo for leading this process, meeting with the team from Columbia to provide all of our information and to NYC Reads for this great opportunity. NIA is incredibly proud to be a part of this amazing initiative. Our feature is on page 40 of the NYC Reads Toolkit!
Program Highlights
PS 199 “Leaders Lift Others Up” Award Ceremony
PS 52 “ Capture and Connect” Event
PS 443 Rice Ball and Boba Tea Making Class
PS 114 Celebrates St. Patrick's Day
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
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.
