June 2026
In June, NIA marked our 45th Anniversary with a joyful celebration, reflecting on the incredible impact we've made together. Our dedicated staff were recognized and honored at NIA's Staff Dinner, and our community's seniors had a wonderful time dancing, celebrating, and connecting at NIA's Senior Proms. Keep reading to learn more about everything NIA was up to throughout June!
NIA 45th Anniversary Event
On June 9th, NIA proudly celebrated our 45th Anniversary at Dyker Beach Golf Course hosted by NIA President, Michael A. Bové and NIA CEO Mary Anne Cino. It was an extraordinary evening that brought together elected officials, community leaders, supporters, partners, and friends to honor NIA’s legacy of service. Among those in attendance were State Senator Stephen Chan, Assembly Member Lester Chang, Council Members Susan Zhuang and David Carr, Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Rev. Kimberly Council, former State Senators Martin J. Golden and Vincent Gentile, former Assemblyman Peter J. Abbate, Jr., former Council Member and the NY governor’s Senior Director for Major Event Operations Justin Brannan, and representatives from the offices of State Senators Andrew Gounardes and Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, and New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin. The evening also celebrated NIA's impact through official recognitions, including proclamations from Senator Stephen Chan, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, and Senator Andrew Gounardes; citations from Assembly Member Lester Chang and Council Member Susan Zhuang; and a Certificate of Special Recognition presented on behalf of U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis. Guests also enjoyed a spirited performance by the NIA/IS 281 NIA Dance Team as well as The NYC Department of Sanitation Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. NIA's Founder and President, Michael A. Bové, NIA CEO Mary Anne Cino, and NIA Executive Director Annette Velez shared heartfelt reflections on NIA's remarkable 45-year journey and expressed optimism for NIA’s bright future ahead. Guests enjoyed participating in NIA's raffle, which featured themed baskets representing neighborhoods across New York City, each filled with goodies and gift cards generously donated by local businesses. Proceeds from the raffle went towards NIA's Annual Giving Campaign. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this remarkable milestone, including our funders, community partners, and supporters. Your continued generosity and encouragement have been instrumental in NIA's success, and we are deeply grateful for your ongoing support as we look toward the future.
Luna Park Day
On June 5th, NIA celebrated the start of the summer season with our annual Luna Park Day. Under sunny skies, more than 1,500 students from NIA after-school programs across Brooklyn and Queens enjoyed an unforgettable day of thrilling rides and exciting carnival games at Luna Park in Coney Island. Students had full access to the park, giving them the opportunity to explore and enjoy all the attractions without the usual crowds. The day was filled with laughter, smiles, and excitement, making it the perfect way to celebrate the students' hard work and achievements throughout the year. A heartfelt thank you goes to the staff at Luna Park for providing such an incredible experience. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone at NIA for making Luna Park Day a safe, fun, and memorable event. A special thank you to our Director of Operations, Vera Ekht, whose dedication and leadership helped make this wonderful day possible!
NIA Senior Art Workshops, Art Show, and Harlem Studio Museum Field Trip
In partnership with Council Member Mealy, NIA hosted a six week art workshop at the Tilden Neighborhood Older Adult Center in Brooklyn, coordinated by NIA Director of Communications and Development, Virginia Chieco. Seniors participated in weekly art workshops, exploring a variety of artistic techniques and expressing their creativity. The series concluded with a wonderful art show on June 26th, showcasing the incredible artwork created by participants throughout the program. From creating Juneteenth collages to painting beautiful watercolor landscapes, the seniors embraced each project with enthusiasm and imagination. In addition to the workshops, NIA organized a field trip to the The Studio Museum in Harlem, where approximately 34 seniors accompanied by NIA Director of Communications and Development, Virginia Chieco and NIA Marketing and Design Specialist, Shuwen Li, spent the day enjoying inspiring exhibits and taking in the museum's remarkable collection. Council Member Mealy joined the group for the visit, spending time with participants and helping make the day even more special. A special thank you to NYC Council Member Darlene Mealy for making this program possible and for joining us on the field trip. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our talented art instructor, Annie Zirin, for her dedication, creativity, and the positive energy she brought to every class. Lastly, a massive thank you to the Director of the Tilden Neighborhood Older Adult Center, Wanda Burris, for your collaboration and warm spirit.
NIA Senior Proms
NIA was pleased to celebrate the return of our popular senior prom series! The first of three proms was hosted in partnership with Senator Andrew Gounardes and Council Member Kayla Santosuosso, then back to Dyker Beach Golf Course for another prom with Senator Andrew Gounardes, and finally finishing off with a prom at Gargiulo’s in Coney Island with Council Member Kayla Santosuosso. Seniors from the Coney Island and South Brooklyn Communities had a spectacular time dancing, socializing, and enjoying the delicious food. NIA Founder and President Michael A. Bové said a few welcoming words to our seniors while also joining in on the dancing fun. The proms commemorate the incredible seniors who are a large part of what makes our Brooklyn communities so special. Thank you to our seniors for your continued support!
End of School Year Celebrations
NIA celebrated the end of the school year with festive and fun-filled parties and activities across our youth programs! At NIA/PS 185, students enjoyed an exciting celebration featuring a bouncy house, where they showed off their best jumps and tricks, and had the opportunity to meet a life-sized Transformer. On the last day of school, NIA/PS 185, NIA/PS 682/686, and NIA/PS 253 also hosted petting zoos, giving students the chance to interact with a variety of animals, including a turtle, duck, alpaca, and iguana. The highlight for many was the opportunity to hold a snake! Meanwhile, NIA/PS 705 wrapped up the school year with a festive Last Day Luau, where participants and staff celebrated together while enjoying delicious pizza, snacks, and plenty of end-of-year fun. NIA/PS 187, NIA/PS 247 and NIA/PS 253 hosted fantastic carnivals packed with fun for everyone! Students enjoyed exciting games, bouncy houses, giant slides, and friendly races throughout the day. Delicious food trucks and sweet cotton candy added to the celebration, making it a memorable event filled with laughter, community, and joy.
Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration
On Friday, June 19, NIA proudly participated in the 4th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration in Coney Island, hosted by Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and Council Member Kayla Santosuosso. The celebration brought together residents, families, community organizations, and local leaders for a day of cultural performances, educational programming, and community engagement.
NIA was honored to provide lunch for attendees and host an informational table alongside more than 40 community organizations, connecting residents with valuable programs and services. The Juneteenth Jubilee was a meaningful opportunity to honor the legacy of Juneteenth, celebrate Black history and culture, and strengthen community connections. We were proud to be part of this inspiring day of unity, reflection, and celebration.
Program Highlights
DYCD Visits NIA Cornerstone Program
NIA Mad Science Experience Supported by Pinkerton
NIA/BUGS Attend MJ the Musical and Dinner at Carmine’s
NIA/PS 52 Aladdin Jr.
NIA Community Engagement
NIA President and Founder, Michael A. Bové and Director of Social Services, Senja Frangipani attends meet and greet for the new Captain Commander at the 68 NYPD precinct meeting.
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