October 2025
It’s been a lively and inspiring start to the school year at NIA! From heartfelt celebrations to fun-filled community events, our fall season has been full of energy and togetherness. We were deeply honored to take part in a special street naming ceremony honored Rosa Casella, a beloved friend and former Executive Director of NIA whose legacy continues to inspire us all. The community also came together for our Senior Picnics, Veterans Breakfast, and festive Halloween celebrations, and our after school programs proudly joined in the National Lights On After School event. There’s so much happening across the NIA family. Stay tuned for all the latest updates!
Halloween Community Events
NIA brought Halloween magic to the community with not one but two free family festivals! On Saturday October 25th, we joined forces with the NYC DOT’s Trick-or-Streets for our annual 11th Ave. Spooktacular, presented in partnership with Council Member Justin Brannan, Senator Andrew Gounardes, Council Member Susan Zhuang, and Council Member Alexa Avilés. The fun continued Sunday October 26th at Owl’s Head Park for another festive celebration with Council Member Brannan, Senator Gounardes, and Council Member Avilés.
Both events were packed with families in costume enjoying music, live entertainment, games, treats, pumpkin decorating, and more! A huge shout-out to the talented NIA Youth Programs from PS 247, IS 281, PS 212, PS 176, and PS 179 for their amazing Halloween-themed performances, and a heartfelt thank you to the NYPD 68th Precinct for helping keep everyone safe.
With more than 5000 community members joining in the fun, the weekend was a true celebration of creativity, community, and Halloween spirit. Special thanks to our generous supporters, NYC Ferry, Investors Foundation, and NYC Parks, for making it all possible!
NIA Programs Halloween Festivities
Our youth programs have been buzzing with excitement this season, filled with creative and Halloween-themed activities. From PS 121’s crochet pumpkin workshop and PS 889’s skeleton crafts to PS 199’s slimed-themed Halloween Party and PS 179’s annual Trunk-or Treat event, our participants have truly embraced the spirit of Halloween.
Veterans Appreciation Dinner
On October 29th, NIA proudly hosted our annual Veterans Breakfast at Fort Hamilton Army Base, in partnership with Council Member Justin Brannan and Senator Andrew Gounardes. This cherished event brings our community together each year to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served our country. Over 200 veterans joined us for a morning of good food, camaraderie, and reflection. We were honored to hear remarks from Martin Maher, Brooklyn Borough Commissioner for NYC Parks, and Commissioner James Hendon of the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services.
Council Member Brannan and Senator Gounardes also presented certificates of recognition to our honorees, William Casey, Ronnie Cephas, Sam Cooper, Carlos Quinones, Wallace Watson, and Gloster “Nate” Rogers (in absentia) for their service and contributions to the community. We are deeply grateful to all who attended and helped make this special tradition possible, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate and support our veterans for years to come.
Lights On Afterschool Intiative
On October 23rd NIA Youth Programs lit up for Lights On Afterschool! Since 2000, Lights On Afterschool has been celebrated nationwide to call attention to the importance of afterschool programs for America's children, families and communities. From lightbulb-inspired crafts to Halloween-themed parties, our students shined bright in their participation. At PS 179, participants decorated lanterns and posters, PS 121 celebrated with a Glow-in-the-Dark dance party, and Carey Gardens Cornerstone hosted a Boo-tiful Soiree for their community in Coney Island. Families joined in on the fun as well—PS 627 parents created a “Parent Engagement Culture Quilt,” while PS 253 celebrated with a Fall Festival with family in attendance. Beyond the fun festivities, the participants also shared heartfelt reflections on their love and appreciation for their afterschool program. We are grateful every day to be able to keep the lights on for after school as we create spaces where our participants can learn, grow, and play.
Rosa Casella Street Naming Ceremony
Family, friends, the NIA Executive Team, and staff came together to honor the memory of former NIA Executive Director Rosa Casella at a special street naming ceremony held in her honor. Council Member Alexa Avilés was pleased to respond requested by Rosa’s family and supported by NIA to attend and shared touching remarks about Rosa’s unwavering dedication to the community by sponsoring the street naming. It was a beautiful tribute to a beloved leader whose compassion, vision, and lifelong commitment to service continue to inspire everyone who knew her.
NIA President Michael A. Bové Receives Civic Award
NIA Founder and President Michael A. Bové was honored with the Civic Award at the Dyker Heights Civic Association’s 97th Annual Dinner, celebrating his continued dedication and heartfelt service to the community. The event was filled with warmth and pride as community leaders, elected officials, and neighbors from across Brooklyn gathered to recognize those making a difference. It was a joyful moment for the entire NIA family as we celebrated Michael’s lifelong commitment to helping our neighborhoods thrive.
NIA/IS 303 Self-Care Event
NIA/IS 303 hosted a fun-filled Self-Care Day where participants and their families learned the importance of taking care of themselves, inside and out. This event also provided our participants opportunities to experience hair salons, barbershops, and nail salons, building confidence and independence along the way. This was a meaningful event for our middle schoolers as they continue to learn how to care for themselves independently. NIA/IS 303 Program Director Jay Harris did a wonderful job hosting and coordinating this event and thank you to BK’S Imperial Kutz Masters for providing their services.
Program Highlights
NIA/PS 186 Hispanic & Italian Heritage month and Zumba Breast Cancer Awareness Event
NIA/PS 114 & NIA/PS 104 Back to School Events
NIA PS/IS 121 Fall Activities
NIA/JHS 227 NYCFC Match Field Trip
NIA/PS 889 STEM Class
NIA/PS 52R Visits Staten Island Zoo with DYCD
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
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!
New Hires & Promotions
Alessandra Fontela
Program Coordinator at PS 212
Alessandra Fontela is passionate about youth development and has been honing her skills in community development for over five years. As the Program Coordinator at NIA/PS 212, she is dedicated to upholding the NIA mission by fostering a supportive culture that makes a meaningful impact on students and families. Committed to continuous growth, Alessandra strives to develop as a leader while contributing to the ongoing success of the program.
Samiah Saleh
PS 247 Beacon Outreach Coordinator
Samiah Saleh’s journey with the NIA Community Services Network has been one of continuous growth and development. She began as a Group Leader, later became a Ready Readers Instructor, and now proudly serves as the Outreach Coordinator for NIA/PS 247. Each role has equipped her with valuable skills and experiences that have deepened her commitment to NIA’s mission and the community she serves.
Annalissa MacPherson
BUGS Program Director
Anna completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biochemistry and wanted to show kids just how amazing science could be. Her journey with NIA began in 2017 as a STEM instructor at PS 401. After some time away, she returned as Assistant Director at JHS 227, where she gained invaluable experience in leadership and program development. Most recently, she completed her Master of Public Health, where her passion for urban sustainability and concerns around community health deepened. She believes this aligns perfectly with BUGS’ mission, which is why she is so excited to begin this next chapter as Program Director and to see the opportunities and experiences ahead.
Quinn Muth
Assistant Director at BUGS
Quinn recently graduated from NYU Gallatin with an individualized major in Ecological Systems Design. For three years, he worked with Brooklyn Boatworks, guiding students through the construction of a 7-foot dinghy called the Opti, which they proudly sailed on the East River. Now, as Assistant Director at the Brooklyn Urban Garden School, he is excited to develop a new program that engages students while providing opportunities to explore their extracurricular passions.
