May 2026
May was a month of celebration at NIA as we proudly marked our 45th anniversary! Across our programs, participants, families, and staff came together for special NIA Day festivities, making it a joyful and memorable milestone. Our talented dancers represented NIA at both the NYC Dance Parade and our annual Dance Festival, showcasing their hard work and creativity, while NIA’s Bay Academy Science Olympiad team achieved an incredible accomplishment by advancing to the National competition. As we reflect on 45 years of serving our communities and look ahead to the future, we invite you to explore this month's highlights and consider supporting our mission through our Annual Giving Campaign. Every contribution helps us continue providing life-changing programs and services to children, families, and seniors throughout Brooklyn and beyond. You can make a donation by following this link.
Dance Parade
On May 16th, thirteen NIA schools participated in NYC’s Annual Dance Parade. There was joy in the air as our students danced through Manattan. This incredible opportunity allowed our students to perform alongside 10,000 dancers representing more than 150 dance organizations from across the city. NIA/IS 281 was once again selected to perform on the main stage after the parade! It was a beautiful day filled with celebrations of culture, community, and dance throughout New York City. A special thank you to NIA Program Supervisor Kevin Richtback for his leadership in making this event possible. We also extend our gratitude to all of our program directors, supervisors, and staff who helped make the day safe, enjoyable, and memorable for everyone involved.
NIA / Bay Academy Science Olympiad
For the third year in a row and fourth overall, the NIA / Bay Academy Science Olympiad team qualified for Nationals! They are the first team in New York to advance to the national competition for three consecutive years - an incredible achievement that reflects their hard work, dedication, and passion for STEM. This milestone was celebrated with a special send-off and award ceremony on May 18th before the team departed for the national competition in California. During the celebration, the team was honored with special proclamations from New York State Senator Stephen Chan and New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments. Congrats to IS 98 for placing 16th out of 60 teams at Nationals. NIA is honored to support and be part of this remarkable journey and accomplishment. During the celebration, NIA Executive Director Annette Velez shared a few words of encouragement and was presented with a special Science Olympiad gift. We would also like to thank the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development for their continued support. Thank you to the coaches and to Principal Timo for your hard work and support. We are incredibly proud of the Bay Academy Science Olympiad team and all they have achieved!
NIA Day Celebrations
On Tuesday, May 26th, NIA proudly celebrated its 45th Anniversary! Throughout the week, programs across the city honored “NIA Day” with exciting celebrations that brought students, staff, and communities together. NIA/BUGS celebrated with an afternoon filled with picnic fun, games, and community spirit in the BUGS garden. Meanwhile, NIA/PS 705K hosted a festive “Howdy 45” celebration, where participants dressed in their best cowboy and cowgirl outfits while enjoying snacks, ice cream, and fun in the sun. At NIA/PS 216K, students joined in with a delicious pizza party and creative crafts, making special NIA 45th birthday hats to mark the occasion. NIA Albee Square also showed off their creativity for “NIA Day” by making tie-dye bucket hats and decorating cupcakes. It was inspiring to see so many of our sites come together to celebrate NIA’s incredible legacy and lasting impact within our communities.
Annual Giving
With NIA’s 45th Anniversary celebrations in full swing, we are officially launching our Annual Giving Campaign! For over four decades, NIA Community Services Network has been dedicated to strengthening communities and supporting children, families, and seniors through vital programs and services. Today, NIA serves more than 30,000 students and community members by providing social service support, access to free learning opportunities, community events, trip experiences, and so much more. As we continue to expand our impact, we invite you to be part of the journey. Every donation, big or small, will help provide resources, opportunities, and support to thousands of individuals and families each year! Donate by using this link.
Beacon NIA / PS 247 Spring into Health Fair
NIA/PS 247 hosted their annual Spring Health Fair on May 22nd. The evening brought the community together through learning about local health services, delicious and healthy food, and other fun activities such as face painting. It was a great evening that centered on health, wellness, and community connection. Thank you to the entire NIA/PS 247 team for hosting and creating such an important and special event.
Dance Festival
On May 22nd, NIA hosted its 5th Annual Dance Festival at NIA/IS 281! This year, eleven NIA sites participated, consisting of over 300 performers. The performances showed the incredible talent of the students as their dances filled the room with joy. Thank you to the festival founder and NIA Supervisor Kevin Richtback and NIA Director of Operations, Vera Ekht for putting this amazing night together for an outstanding 5th year in a row. Over 600 spectators enjoyed fun dance breaks thanks to the emcee, taking pictures in the photobooth, and watching the fantastic performances. Thank you to all of NIA’s participating sites. It was a night to remember!
Program Highlights
NIA/PS 204 STEM and Pinkerton Gardening Class
Cinco De Mayo at NIA/PS 253 and NIA/PS 176
Mad Science at NIA/PS 185
Director's Training
NIA Community Engagement
Coney Island Beach Opening Ceremony
NIA Community Liaison Thomas Hoefel proudly attended the Coney Island Beach Opening Ceremony alongside Brooklyn Cyclones Vice President Steve Cohen, NYC Council Member Kayla Santosuosso, and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park Vice President Dennis Vourderis. The ceremony took place on the Coney Island boardwalk and celebrated the start of the summer beach season. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit numerous vendor booths that provided information and resources focused on beach and water safety awareness.
South Brooklyn Convening
NIA Executive Director Annette Velez, NIA Director of Education Corinne Colosimo, and NIA Director of Operations Vera Ekht joined community leaders and representatives from numerous organizations serving southern Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Org South Brooklyn convening. The gathering took place at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island and provided an opportunity for collaboration and discussion on issues impacting local communities.
Join us for NIA’s Job Fair on Saturday, June 13th, 2026!
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.
Apply now! NIA is seeking candidates to join our talented youth enrichment team.
Positions available for summer and the 2026-27 school year
Training and opportunities for growth
Seeking support staff and those with experience in subjects such as visual and performing arts, STEM, sports and fitness, literacy, cooking, leadership, and so much more! - All experience levels welcome