End-of-Summer 2024
As we bid farewell to summer and another new school year kicks off, we reflect on all of this year's incredible programs and events. From the packed enrichment schedules at our Summer Rising programs, to our annual Directors Institute for staff, and a busy calendar of Family Fun Days and beloved Summer Concerts - Read on for more on how NIA made this summer one to remember!
9/11 VIGIL
On the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, hundreds of community members gathered for NIA’s annual 9/11 Vigil at the American Veterans Memorial Pier to honor those we lost and pay tribute to the many heroes who gave their lives serving others on that day. Special thanks to Councilman Justin Brannan, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, and State Senator Iwen Chu for co-sponsoring and hosting this important event alongside NIA, and to our corporate sponsors, NYC Ferry and NYC Parks.
Thank you to the many guests and community members that attended, spoke, and performed at the vigil, including Senior FDNY Representative Captain Kristen Schafer; 68 Precinct Col. Alexander Young; US Army Corps of Engineers - NY District Andrew McClure; and numerous others. NIA thanks Rev. Brian P. Dowd, Rabbi Shaffin, and Imam Ahmed Ali Uzir who represented our faith communities with their messages of remembrance and hope. NIA would also like to thank the Xaverian High School Band and singer Scarlett London Diviney, who performed patriotic music and the national anthem; Girl Scout Troops 2122, and 2873; and Boy Scout Troops 13, 23, & 715, who paid tribute with the presentation of our nation’s colors.
DIRECTORS INSTITUTE
Each year, NIA hosts its annual Directors Institute, a three-day conference to support our after-school program leaders in preparing for the coming school year. The event brings together nearly 100 youth program leaders, including NIA after-school Program Directors and Assistant Program Directors, Program Supervisors, and senior managers for workshops on topics related to program quality, funder requirements, leadership, and supporting mental health in children. The Institute concluded on day three at Industry City, where the team came together for a day of networking and teambuilding. The Directors Institute would not be possible without the thoughtful and knowledgeable planning of NIA's Executive Director Annette Velez, Director of Program Operations Vera Ekht, Manager of Capacity Building Michele Basile, Director of Education Corinne Colosimo, Assistant Director of Program Operations Bianca Naco, and Program Supervisors Jennifer Padilla-Howard, Darryl Robinson, Jonathan Lugo, Kevin Richtback, Thomas Zaki, Ieeyana Nieves, and Travis Davis. Special thanks to Jennifer Pazmino (NYC Department of Youth and Community Development), Interborough Developmental and Consultation Center, Heal Haus, and Kazz Alexander Pinkard (TeachableNYC) for their supportive workshops.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
NIA's Summer Concert Series has come to a close, and we are honored to have once again hosted such an impressive lineup of local musicians and community supporters. Presented in partnership with Senator Andrew Gounardes and Councilman Justin Brannan, we were pleased to provide nine concerts this year, all with enthusiastic support from the community, with attendance numbers reaching as high as over 500 people for some events. Our final event, Irish Night on September 6th, was a true highlight, filled with an energetic crowd, food, and a captivating performance featuring traditional Irish music, stirring bagpipe melodies, and even a special appearance from the Fire Boat. We are adding one last special addition on Tuesday, 9/17, where we will have a Swing Band Concert at the Bay Ridge Center. Plans for 2025 Summer Concerts have already begun!
FAMILY FUN DAY
NIA's successful Family Fun Day in Bay Ridge each summer expanded this year to five festive events across Bay Ridge, Coney Island, and Bensonhurst, thanks to support from Senators Andrew Gounardes and Iwen Chu, and Councilman Justin Brannan. These fun-filled days offered a variety of activities, including music, snacks, giveaways, games, and performances. NIA was so pleased to be joined by so many families to enjoy some summer fun!
BOOK BAG GIVEAWAY
Our Summer Rising programs have kicked off with a splash! With school out for the summer, students are now able to spend quality time with their friends while participating in a variety of educational and fun activities. Our Program Directors are doing an amazing job at keeping the students engaged and entertained with games, clubs, and field trips. Programs run in partnership with the NYC Department of Education, ensuring each child’s summer is filled with a well rounded schedule of ongoing academic supports and fun. It's shaping up to be a fantastic summer filled with laughter, friendship, and new experiences for all participating students. Featured photos include NIA/MS 237 building airplanes using kits, NIA/IS 227 getting creative with art projects and attending Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway, NIA/IS 95 attending a field trip to Beat the Bomb and participating in different escape rooms and a competitive STEM activity to create the highest structure using dry pasta and marshmallows. NIA/PS 247 is shown celebrating Disney Day with special guest Minnie Mouse, the students getting to experience the Cosmic IQ Indoor Planetarium Dome, as well as participants enjoying Superhero Day. Hundreds of NIA/IS 187 summer rising students and staff had a special Dim Sum Lunch at Park Asia restaurant. Summer rising is made possible by funding from the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development.
END OF SUMMER RISING
NIA's Summer Rising programs closed out in August, after a summer full of exciting experiences for participants. Schedules were filled with hands-on STEM programming, career exploration activities, creative visual arts projects, sports and active play, field trips, and themed days to keep everyday fun and engaging for participants. JHS 227 hosted an outdoor carnival for their last week, complete with a bouncy castle and exotic animals. Some of their participants also got to enjoy a Broadway show and make their own stuffed animals with Bear Magic Workshop. PS 186 and PS 247 had a visit from the traveling circus, with their event Zabo Circus Day. A huge thank you to all of our dedicated Program Directors and Program Supervisors who made this a summer that the kids will not forget, and to the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development for their support of Summer Rising programming.
NATIONAL GRID AT NIA
This summer, all middle school students in NIA Summer Rising programs participated in the CareerReady NYC Initiative, which encourages youth to make connections between their current interests and future career goals. As part of this initiative, in partnership with NIA, National Grid volunteers visited IS 187 to lead an impactful STEM career exposure activity. The students and volunteers from National Grid planted microgreens and engaged in discussions about sustainability and conservation. In alignment with the Exploring Futures curriculum, the volunteers shared details about their current careers and the passions and paths that led them to National Grid, inspiring the students to consider how they can incorporate their interests into their future endeavors. The event was a success, and we extend a heartfelt thank you to our partners at National Grid for their dedication to making this event possible and for investing in the education and growth of our youth.
BACK TO SCHOOL MOTORIST TIPS FOR CHILDREN’S SAFETY
NIA SOCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANCE
NIA provides FREE services.
Most social services can be handled via phone or by virtual appointment.
Child Support Services
Heap
Medicare Savings Plan
SCHE
SCRIE
Referral Assistance
Access-A-Ride
IDNYC
NYCHA Housing Authority
Passport Appointments
WIC
Counseling Services
EBT Skimming
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
Nelson Nseka
Carey Gardens Community Center Asst. Director
Nelson Nseka is a proud resident of Coney Island, and we are thrilled to welcome him as the new Assistant Director of the Carey Gardens Community Center. With a background in working with children and experience at the YMCA, Nelson brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our community. His enthusiasm and positive attitude make him a perfect fit for our center, and we are confident that he will make a lasting impact on all those who walk through our doors. We are excited to have Nelson on board and look forward to seeing the positive influence he will have on our community.
Amonni Chavis
Carey Gardens Community Center Asst. Director
Amonni Chavis is a Brooklyn native with over 23 years of valuable experience and has held key positions such as Director/Sr. Case Manager at JCCGCI’s "Works Plus" Job Readiness Program and is also a published author and holds a ministry certificate. Her passion for serving others and creating positive change in her community has led her to her new role as the Carey Gardens Community Center Assistant Director. Amonni's dedication to uplifting and supporting those around her makes her a valuable asset to any organization she joins. We are thrilled to see the impact she will make in her new position.
Ashlyn Williams
IS 187 Assistant Program Director
Ashlyn Williams is a born and raised Brooklyn Bedford Stuy resident with a passion for arts education. After obtaining her degree in business administration from the borough of Manhattan community college, she pursued her love for dance by earning a bachelor's degree in dance. Since 2018, Ashlyn has dedicated her career to early childhood education and arts administration, serving as a dance teacher, choreographer, and owner of Purpose Performing Arts Collective. She brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her role as Assistant Director of IS 187, where she is sure to make a lasting impact on the students of IS 187 and help them grow and succeed both in and out of the classroom.
