August and September 2025

What a summer it has been, filled with energy, excitement, and true community spirit! From our Summer Concert Series and Family Fun Days to Summer Rising and beyond, we’ve cherished every moment spent connecting with families and neighbors. As Summer Rising comes to a close, we turn our focus to the school year ahead. To prepare, our team came together at the annual Directors Institute to learn, share ideas, and plan for what’s next. With fresh inspiration and renewed purpose, we’re ready to put those lessons into action and continue building a strong, vibrant community together.

Family Fun Day

We wrapped up another incredible Family Fun Day at Coney Island, hosted in partnership with Council Member Justin Brannan. It was everything a summer day should be, filled with games, face painting, music, arts and crafts, and plenty of laughter. Families from across the community came out, including many new friends, and together we celebrated the season in a joyful, family-friendly atmosphere. This event was the perfect finale to our series of summer Family Fun Days.

NIA Backpack Giveaway

This August, NIA and PS 179 proudly partnered with Council Member Shahana Hanif to host a backpack giveaway for the Kensington community. Thanks to the dedication of so many partners, more than 700 backpacks were distributed to local students and families. PS 179 staff went above and beyond to make sure every child received supplies, while also sharing valuable information about NIA’s programs. We are deeply grateful to DYCD, Bright Futures Initiatives, and the NYPD 66th Precinct for their support, and to The Guild for Exceptional Children, whose volunteers thoughtfully packed each backpack. Special thanks also to our community partners, including the Brooklyn Public Library and Community Board 14 Chairman Hannah Zarzar. Together, we ensured that hundreds of students are better prepared for a strong start to the school year

NIA Summer Concerts

Our Summer Concert Series ended the season on a high note! Each Tuesday, neighbors gathered to enjoy live music, laughter, and the joy of being together. We are especially grateful to Senator Andrew Gounardes, Council Member Justin Brannan, and their teams for helping bring these concerts to life. A heartfelt thank-you also goes to Music Express for producing the series and to the incredible bands whose performances lit up our summer evenings. We wrapped it all up with a special Friday Irish Night, a cherished tradition that brought the series to a joyful close.

NIA Directors Institute

One of the highlights of our summer was the annual Directors Institute, a special event designed for our program directors and supervisors. This gathering offered training, a collaborative platform to brainstorm ideas, and prepare for the school year. It’s also a rare opportunity for everyone to come together in person, reconnect, and recharge before the busy months ahead. On the third and final day of the Institute, our directors gathered at the Coney Island Sandbar in Maimonides Park for a full day of inspiration and team building. The group heard from a L.I.V.E. People Everyday Speaker, participated in engaging team-building activities, and had opportunities to network and share ideas. A special highlight was the “Harambe” music circle led by NIA Cornerstone Director Leonard Campbell, which brought everyone together in rhythm and unity. To cap off an already incredible day, our staff enjoyed a skybox experience at Maimonides Park while cheering on the Cyclones during a summer baseball game. The Institute always leaves us feeling inspired and united, and this year was no exception.

NIA 9/11 Vigil

On Thursday, September 11, 2025, the NIA Community Services Network hosted its Annual 9/11 Vigil at the American Veterans Memorial Pier in Bay Ridge to mark the 24th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The gathering brought the community together to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost and to pay tribute to the countless heroes who served our city and nation that day. Co-sponsored by Council Member Justin Brannan and State Senator Andrew Gounardes, with support from NYC Ferry and NYC Parks, the program featured heartfelt remarks from local leaders, first responders, and faith representatives, as well as musical performances, including the Xaverian High School Band. Local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops also took part in the evening of remembrance and hope. NIA expressed deep gratitude to the many individuals, families, and organizations who gathered to reaffirm the community’s commitment to never forget.

NIA Start of Programs

As summer came to a close, our participants looked back on a season filled with fun, exploration, and unforgettable memories. Thanks to the dedication of our program supervisors, every day brought new adventures that kept students engaged and excited. NIA/PS 247 closed the season with Disney Day magic and a festive Camp Carnival, while NIA/PS 52R enjoyed bowling and a trip to Wild Child. NIA/IS 95 students soared at Launch Trampoline Park, and NIA/PS 179 explored the stars and constellations in their very own on-site planetarium. At Kids Place, laughter and games set the tone for a summer that ended with Urban Air adventures and a thrilling trip to Nickelodeon Amusement Park. Our Middle School Basketball Team also made history by competing in their first summer tournament, Shoot Hoops Not Guns, alongside Saturday Night Lights athletes which was a true milestone of teamwork and spirit. Summer Rising wasn’t just a program, it was a season of joy, discovery, and lasting memories, but we are excited for everything we have planned for upcoming school year!

Program Highlights

Family Movie Night

TRIE Neighborhood Initiative Celebration

Carey Gardens Cornerstone and Strictly Skills Training Sessions

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Upcoming Events

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NIA SOCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANCE

NIA provides FREE services.

Most social services can be handled via phone or by virtual appointment.

HIGHLIGHTS

• NYC Housing Lottery Application Assistance

  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)

• Narcan/Naloxone Training

  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

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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

• We are looking for a community of parents and caregivers who would like to develop their leadership skills, plan activities, and support the NIA community. The Parent Advisory Committee’s (PAC) purpose is to provide input to NIA on designing programs and services that meet the needs of families in the NIA community.

  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

• Family-support professional provides short-term support to families through one-on-one sessions and referrals. We provide support with:

  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

• A virtual community to support your parenting journey.

  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!

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