May 2025
As the school year winds down, May proved to be one of the most exciting months yet for NIA! From high-energy dance events to academic achievements and community celebrations, our programs were buzzing with activity. Here's a look back at the highlights that made May truly memorable.
NIA Day Celebrations
On May 26th, NIA marked its 44th anniversary! Programs across the city celebrated “NIA Day” throughout the week with themed spirit days, carnivals, field days, dance parties, and food trucks. It was inspiring to see so many of our sites come together to honor NIA’s legacy and impact in their communities.
NIA serves over 30,000 students and members of our community by providing them with social services support, access to free learning opportunities, community events, trip experiences, and so much more. Our giving campaign is still open to donations - Show your love of after-school and help us to continue making a positive impact in our communities!
NYC Dance Parade
On May 17th, more than 500 NIA students from 12 sites took part in the vibrant Annual NYC Dance Parade on the Lower East Side. Under sunny skies, our students proudly showcased their creativity—many riding floats they designed themselves—while dancing alongside 10,000 performers from over 150 dance organizations citywide. Special performances were done by a few of our programs with IS 281 performing at the Grandstand in Tompkins Square and NIA/PS 176, NIA/PS 247, NIA/IS 303, and NIA/PS 216 selected to perform for the community stage. Huge thanks to NIA Program Supervisor Kevin Richtback for leading the coordination of this event, and to NIA President and Founder Michael A. Bové, program directors, supervisors, and staff who ensured a joyful day for all involved.
NIA Dance Festival
On June 1st, NIA hosted its 4th Annual Dance Festival at NIA/IS 281, and it was a celebration to remember! Coordinated by Program Supervisor Kevin Richtback with support from Director of Program Operations Vera Ekht, the event brought together over 250 performers from 8 NIA sites for an unforgettable afternoon of talent and joy. The performances featured high-energy dances, a lively emcee who kept the crowd engaged with dance breaks, and plenty of fun extras, including a photo booth during intermission, and a group intro and finale choreographed by Julie Rubin. With over 600 spectators in attendance, including NIA Board President Michael A. Bové and members of the leadership team, the energy in the room was electric.
NIA/IS 98 Science Olympiad
The NIA/IS 98 Science Olympiad team continues to shine! This year, they qualified once again for the National Competition—held in Nebraska—and placed 14th out of 60 middle schools. They proudly represented NYC and New York State, taking home medals in six events, including a 1st place finish in “Potions and Poisons.” This incredible achievement reflects the team’s hard work, the dedication of their coaches, and a strong school-community partnership. We’re grateful for the support of the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development and look forward to more victories ahead!
NIA/PS 247 Spring Health Fair
Our NIA/PS 247 site hosted a vibrant Spring Health Fair, drawing families and community members together to learn about local health services, enjoy food and refreshments, and participate in fun activities like face painting and a fire-safety demonstration. A special shoutout to Family Services Manager Isabel Paz and the entire NIA/PS 247 team for organizing such a meaningful and festive event!
Afadila Annual Gala
NIA President and Founder Michael A. Bové had the honor of attending the Alfadila Community Services Annual Gala, a celebration of service, leadership, and community impact. The evening highlighted the contributions of several distinguished honorees, including Councilman Justin Brannan and his family, who were recognized for their dedication to public service and community advocacy and Julia Ortega Daniely, the former Resident Association President of Carey Gardens Cornerstone.
NIA/IS 281 and DYCD
NIA at 281 students were invited to participate in an NIA Leadership Day at DYCD headquarters yesterday! The Department of Youth & Community Development supports New York City youth and their families by funding a wide range of high-quality youth and community development programs, such as our after-schools! They spent the day working with the DYCD higher-ups, touring City Hall, participating in career panels, youth challenges, leadership recognition & social media interviews. They even got to meet some of the council members, such as Justin Brannan & Althea Stevens. All our NIA participants received a DYCD certificate for emerging leaders! Our very own student Ersiana, was selected as the commissioner of the day, due to her writing a letter to DYCD about the importance of learning the behind-the-scenes of how after-schools are funded & how important they are to the community. Thank you to DYCD for this special day and hosting us!
Program Highlights
NIA/PS 247 Mother’s Day Yoga and Brunch
NIA/IS 281 Moana Performance
NIA/JHS 627 BCCS Paint and Snack Night
One of the highlights for both our students and program directors at NIA is the opportunity to engage with parents. Events like Family Nights and our Halloween Festival bring everyone together, allowing parents and families to contribute to the NIA experience.
Our students take great pride in sharing what they have learned with their parents, and we strive to highlight their achievements through our multi-site events such as the Art Fair, STEM Fair, and Dance Festival. We recognize and appreciate the vital role that parent involvement plays in enhancing student engagement in our programs. Thank you for your continued support and for helping make NIA a more vibrant community as we work together to fulfill our mission.
Voting has started for The People’s Money
NYC’s citywide participatory budgeting (PB) process!
From now through June 25th, New Yorkers age 11 and up, regardless of immigration status, can decide how to spend $4M of city funds on projects in their community.
Last year, New Yorkers voted to fund 20 expense projects for a total of $3.5M. The projects address a wide range of community needs, including mental health, food safety, youth programming, skills building and arts.
The People’s Money is the only citywide process utilizing mayoral expense funding, meaning we can fund programs, events and services. This is the only citywide process that allows all New Yorkers to participate, regardless of the council district they live in. To learn more about the process, visit participate.nyc.gov.
How to Vote by June 25th:
Online Ballot: Voting online is easy. The online ballot is available in English and 13 additional languages. Visit on.nyc.gov/pb and follow the instructions.
Paper Ballots: Voting in-person is also easy. You can see sites and upcoming events that will host paper ballots at: on.nyc.gov/pbvotesites
Use Partner Code “NIA“ when voting online.
NIA SOCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANCE
NIA provides FREE services.
Most social services can be handled via phone or by virtual appointment.
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
Parent Advisory Committee
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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
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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.
New Moms Group
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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!
