End of Summer 2026
Summer was a busy and exciting time at NIA! Our Summer Concert Series brought neighbors together each week to enjoy live music and celebrate our community, while our Summer Rising program gave students amazing experiences and new learning opportunities. Now, we’re ready for the start of a new school year and all that comes with it! This month, NIA participated in numerous back-to-school giveaways to support local families as their children get ready to return to school. Read on to learn more about what NIA has been up to this month, as well as information about our upcoming events and programs!
Summer Concert Series
It has been another incredible season for NIA’s Summer Concert Series! Over the past two months, NIA has proudly hosted weekly concerts in partnership with Senator Andrew Gounardes and Council Member Kayla Santosuosso, bringing neighbors, families, and friends together for evenings filled with great music and community spirit. Bay Ridge School of Rock brought youthful energy every week with talented opening performances. Thank you to our supporters Maimonides Health, NYC Parks, NYC DYCD, the Investors Foundation, Alrac Elevator Repair, and the NYS OCFS. And, of course, a special thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the series! Your support and enthusiasm made this summer one to remember. We’re grateful to our community and partners for coming together to make these wonderful events such a success.
Food Pantry
Throughout the summer, NIA Carey Gardens Cornerstone expanded its food pantry efforts to help provide families and community members with access to nutritious food and essential pantry items by assuming the management of the ACT Community Development food distribution initiative. As part of this program, NIA Carey Gardens Cornerstone offered food to the community on Tuesdays from 6:00–7:00 PM and Thursdays from 12:00–1:00 PM throughout July and August.
This service has helped connect families with essential food resources while strengthening the Cornerstone’s role as a trusted community resource. We’re pleased to continue the food pantry throughout the year, providing a consistent resource for our neighbors and families. We are grateful to our dedicated volunteers and everyone who supported the initiative and helped make it a success.
Summer Rising
NIA’s Summer Rising programs kept students learning, active, and engaged throughout the summer. In partnership with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and the New York City Department of Education (DOE), NIA’s Summer Rising sites across Brooklyn and Staten Island provided students with a mix of enrichment, recreation, STEM, arts, and field trip experiences designed to make the most of their summer.
At NIA/PS 52 in Staten Island, students also enjoyed a fun-filled month of new experiences, including a special visit from a petting zoo, where they had the chance to get up close with a variety of animals and learn more about them. They also cheered on the Staten Island FerryHawks at a game and had the opportunity to take photos with the team’s mascot. To round out the month, students headed to the bowling alley for some friendly competition, plenty of laughs, and quality time with friends.
Other highlights included NIA/PS 247, where students explored the Turtle Back Zoo, enjoyed the Gazillion Bubble Show, and put their bowling skills to the test at Strike Bowling. NIA/JHS 227 students visited the Liberty Science Center, took on challenges at the Great Big Game Show, and participated in creative and hands-on activities, including World Cup-themed STEM projects and turtle painting. Students at NIA/PS 229 enjoyed a petting zoo and art studio, while IS 30 students laced up their skates at Pier 2 Roller Rink. At NIA/PS 95, students explored the sensory experiences at Sloomoo Institute and enjoyed a day at Max Funland.
Across all of our Summer Rising sites, it was a season filled with learning, exploration, friendship, and fun. Thank you to our dedicated staff and partners for helping make another memorable summer possible for NIA students and families!
Supporting Students for a Successful School Year
NIA has been busy this back-to-school season, joining community partners, local leaders, and businesses to help children and families prepare for the new school year. Through a series of community events centered on providing backpacks and school supplies, families also enjoyed activities, resources, and opportunities to connect with organizations serving their neighborhoods.
We joined the Coney Island Prep and Senator Scarcella-Spanton events in Coney Island, as well as several gatherings hosted by Council Member Hanif, including at PS 179, Wyckoff Gardens, Gowanus/Heyward Houses, and Warren Street Houses. Each event offered something unique, with community organizations and local businesses contributing additional resources, activities, and family-friendly offerings.
The season continued with the Interborough Developmental and Consultation Center (IDCC) Back-to-School Event at NIA’s Carey Gardens Cornerstone Community Center, where together with NIA brought families together for another fun-filled community celebration focused on supporting students and their families.
We’re grateful to our community partners, elected officials, and local businesses for helping make these events possible and giving NIA the opportunity to support more than 3,500 children and families throughout the neighborhoods we serve. With another seasonal event planned with Council Member Kayla Santosuosso in late September, we look forward to keeping the momentum going and helping even more students start the school year strong.
NIA 2026 Directors Institute
NIA ended the summer with our annual Directors Institute, a special event designed for our program directors and supervisors. The institute took place at Coney Island Sandbar in Maimonides Park. The day consisted of brainstorming, team building activities, and training. It was a great opportunity for everyone to come together in person, reconnect, and recharge before the busy months ahead. A special thank you to everyone who made this year a success including Vera Ekht, Corinne Colosimo and Michele Basile. We also appreciate President Michael A. Bové, CEO Mary Anne Cino and the NIA Executive for supporting this event. At NIA, we are proud to invest in our people and celebrate the growth of our team. This year’s Directors Institute shined a light on the many staff promotions taking place across our organization and the excitement, leadership, and new opportunities these roles will bring this school year. A warm welcome and congratulations to all of our newly promoted and new staff members!
NIA Honors 25 Years of Remembrance at Annual 9/11 Vigil
On Friday, September 11, 2026, NIA Community Services Network hosted its Annual 9/11 Vigil at the American Veterans Memorial Pier in Bay Ridge, bringing neighbors, community members, faith leaders, first responders, service members, scouts, students, and local officials together to mark 25 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
The evening was a time to honor the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives that day, remember those who became ill or passed away in the years that followed as a result of 9/11-related illnesses, and recognize the first responders, service members, and everyday heroes who demonstrated extraordinary courage and compassion in the aftermath.
The vigil was co-sponsored by Council Member Kayla Santosuosso and State Senator Andrew S. Gounardes, whom delivered inspirational words of community resilience and hope. NIA Director of Development and Communications Virginia Chieco served as Master of Ceremonies.
The program featured reflections from faith leaders, elected officials, first responders, and military representatives, as well as musical performances that helped create a meaningful evening of remembrance. The Xaverian High School Band opened the program and returned for a closing performance of “Amazing Grace.” Sabrina Wu beautifully performed the National Anthem, and the Chorus of The Guild for Exceptional Children offered a special performance of “God Bless America.”
NIA extends its sincere appreciation to Rabbi Royi Shaffin of the Bay Ridge Jewish Center, Imam Ahmed Ali Uzir of IQRA Masjid, NYPD, and NYC CORE, Rev. Brian P. Dowd of St. Patrick’s Church, Council Member Santosuosso, Senator Gounardes, Colonel Raul Medrano of Fort Hamilton Army Base, NYPD 68th Precinct, Commanding Officer Captain Christopher Vincenti and Chief David Simms of the FDNY for sharing their reflections and helping make the evening a meaningful tribute.
Girl Scout Troops 2122, 2433, and 2873 and Scouting America Troops 13, 23, and 715 also participated in the evening’s Presentation of Colors and Pledge of Allegiance. Special thanks to CERT and BRAVO for helping ensure that the vigil remained a safe and welcoming space for everyone gathered and for the support from The Verrazano Rotary Club and NYC Parks.
The evening concluded with a moment of silence honoring those who lost their lives and all those whose lives were forever changed by 9/11.
NIA is deeply grateful to the individuals, families, community leaders, and organizations who came together to remember, reflect, and reaffirm our shared commitment to never forget. Twenty-five years later, this enduring Bay Ridge tradition continues to remind us of the strength found in community and the importance of carrying the lessons of September 11 forward through compassion, service, and unity.
Upcoming Events
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)
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NYS initiative providing free air conditioners and installation to eligible residents. Must be enrolled in the NYS of Health Essential Plan, have not received a cooling unit in the past five years, and live with persistent asthma or other qualifying chronic health condition to be eligible. (Only during open enrollment)
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(Open Enrollment June 16-September 6) Children between the ages of 6 to 16 who attends a school in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and you’re a low-income household, may apply. Summer EBT will be issued once per year, in the full amount of $120 for each eligible child. You do not need to enroll if the household is receiving Snap, Cash assistance, Medicaid, or free/reduced-price school meals.
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.
ℹ️ NEW SESSION beginning September 24, 2026. Sign up now at bit.ly/pj26nia.
Private Family Support Sessions
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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