July 2025

Summer is in full swing, and NIA is excited to share more about all the fun happening this season. From free outdoor concerts and fun-filled family events to our bustling Summer Rising programs, NIA is keeping the community busy this season. Thanks to our incredible staff, community partners, and funders, thousands of kids and families are having a summer full of learning, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

NIA Summer Concerts

Our free Summer Concert series is live and thriving, showcasing outstanding talent each week at Shore Road Park. Join us every Tuesday at 7 PM for a fantastic lineup of live performances and community gatherings. This annual series is made possible through our continued partnership with Council Member Justin Brannan and NYS Senator Andrew Gounardes. We are grateful to our sponsors, Maimonides Health, Investors Foundation, and the School of Rock Bay Ridge for their generous support. Thank you to the Bravo volunteer ambulance team for keeping the crowd safe and cool. From tribute bands to cultural performances, there is something new to enjoy at each concert. July concerts featured extra special opening acts from the kids at School of Rock Bay Ridge. Be sure to join us on August 5th for our special National Night Out concert, in partnership with the NYPD 68th Precinct and including activities and resources from the local community.  Click here to view the full concert schedule.

NIA Summer Rising

NIA’s Summer Rising programs are in session and buzzing with energy across 25 sites with nearly 4,000 students enrolled. Each week brings about new activities and adventures for our students, with programs offering themed days, engaging clubs, and experiential learning opportunities like memorable field trips to destinations including seeing Broadway shows, field trips to the aquarium, attending Brooklyn Cyclone baseball games, and more. DYCD visited IS 227’s summer program one day and recorded program and testimonials from kids and staff about their Summer Rising experience. NIA/PS 247 had themed days, including Jersey day, where students proudly wore their favorite sports team’s jersey, and Hawaii Day where students wore their best luau attire. They also went to the Bronx Zoo and got to chance to see all the animals and enjoyed the outdoors. NIA/IS 468 has been keeping busy with a variety of activities including a slime day, candle making day, and a sushi cooking class! NIA/PS 52R hosted a Board and Brush paint day and had a fun day at Wild Child Play Space, and NIA/PS 95 have enjoyed fun activities such as a trip to Laser Bounce.

NIA Family Fun Days

In addition to our concert series, NIA is proud to host an expanded schedule of free Family Fun Days throughout Brooklyn. Our first Family Fun Day in Bay Ridge in partnership with Council Member Justin Brannan and Senator Andrew Gounardes, provided a full day of entertainment, games, food, and community connection. We saw an incredible turnout, with families enjoying a wide range of activities including face painting, bracelet making, carnival games, and free food and refreshments. We look forward to seeing even more fun at our upcoming family events including Backpack Giveaways with Council Member Shahana Hanif in Kensington and Council Member Justin Brannan in Coney Island. Click here to see the full family events schedule.

NIA/JHS 227 Women’s Empowerment Week

NIA/JHS 227 proudly hosted Exploring Futures: Women’s Empowerment Week for their middle school participants. They began the week in style with a trip to Broadway to see the musical Six! The Broadway show celebrates women finding their own voice and forging their own path. Throughout the week, students reflected on their futures and captured their present by writing letters to their future selves and making vision boards. They also supported women-owned businesses, including Bear Magic, Catering by Mysttik Masaala, and Boards and Brushes, by inviting them to participate in the week-long celebration. To top the week off, participants attended an Inspiring Women Career Panel in collaboration with ExpandED and had the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the panelists’ career paths, first job, and valuable lessons they’ve learned in life. A heartfelt thank you to the panelists, Rashida Ladner-Seward, Chief Program Officer at ExpandED Schools, Kathleen Mui, Interim Principal at JHS 227, Eloner Habtezghi, Managing Director at Siebert Williams Shank, Ally Porzio, Career Education Content Manager of Hats and Ladders, Davina Furbert, Owner and founder of Compassionate Cleaning, for being part of this special week and inspiring our participants to explore and envision their future careers with confidence. Thank you to Jennifer Pazmino, Program Manager at DYCD, Iftikhar Mahmud, Deputy Director at DYCD, Alexandra Fendrich, Exploring Futures Program Director at ExpandED, and Alyssa Dreifus, Operations Manager of DYCD for attending this special panel, we truly appreciate your support. 

Program Highlights

NIA Mommy & Me Summer Series

NIA/IS 281 Court System Field Trip

NIA/JHS 227 Field Trip with NYC H2O

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At NIA Community Services, we believe in the power of community, and nothing brings people together like shared experiences. Every year, we host 15 free community events that light up our neighborhoods with joy, connection, and celebration.

From our crowd-favorite Summer Concert Series, to our family-friendly Halloween Festivals, and heartwarming Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies, these fun events create memories, strengthen bonds, and build a stronger, more connected community.

As we continue to celebrate our Annual Giving Campaign, we invite you to join us in keeping these events free and accessible for everyone by donating today.

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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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