March 2025 Newsletter
As we embrace the changing seasons, we are excited to share the latest happenings and initiatives at NIA. In this edition, we will highlight our ongoing Read Out Loud Initiative and a variety of wonderful events including a Women's Appreciation Dinner at the Carey Gardens Cornerstone Site and a Women’s History Lunch, as well as a Community Baby Shower at PS 247. Additionally, we hosted two Ramadan events at PS 179 and PS 30, fostering connection and understanding among our community. Lastly, don’t miss out on our afterschool program highlights, which showcase the talents and accomplishments of our wonderful youth. Read on to discover more!
read out loud
On launch day of their new book, "Words With Wings and Magic Things", illustrator and author team Doug Salati and Matthew Burgess paid a visit to PS 482 to share their new work with the students and staff. The children had a fantastic time listening to Matthew read and engaging in a creative exercise with the authors. A highlight was watching Matthew craft a poem based off a student's name and Doug creating a live illustration based on it. The energy in the room was electric, and each child left with a free copy of the new book to enjoy at home. We eagerly anticipate more visits from Doug and Matthew, along with many other talented authors in the months ahead—so stay tuned!
women’s history month luncheon
March 15th marked the second annual Women’s History Lunch in Coney Island, hosted by NIA at Gargiulo's Restaurant. Attendees gathered to celebrate and honor the theme of this year’s event, “Catalysts of Change,” which recognized six outstanding women who have made significant contributions to their community: Donna Bailey, Titilayo Hodges, Pastor Eboni Taylor, Felicia Turner, Aniyah Sims, and Jahniya Pompey. The event brought together an enthusiastic crowd of over 160 guests, featuring a lovely sit-down lunch prepared by the Gargiulo's team. Guests were treated to a delicious meal while enjoying heartfelt tributes to the honorees, who were presented with commendations by Councilman Justin Brannan and floral bouquets from NIA’s Founder and President Michael A. Bové. Everyone was captivated by a stunning flute performance by Eva Ding from the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra, which added a beautiful musical accompaniment to the special occasion. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie, laughter, and shared commitment to fostering the continued growth of women leaders in our community.
women’s appreciation dinner at nia carey gardens cornerstone
On March 21st, the NIA Carey Gardens Cornerstone center, in partnership with the NIA/PS 179 Beacon Program, hosted an evening dedicated to honoring a representative group of women who have significantly impacted both communities. A heartfelt thank you goes out to PS 179 Principal Bernell Connelly, along with NIA Senior Multi-Site Supervisor Jennifer-Padillia Howard, NIA Assistant Director of Program Operations Bianca Naco, NIA Community Engagement Coordinator Ericka Rambert, Sherrie Young, the DYCD Program Manager of Beacon Community Centers, and Julia Daniely, the former Resident Association president for Carey Gardens for their invaluable contributions to our communities. The evening attracted 60 attendees who gathered to express gratitude and appreciation. The celebration featured delicious food and inspiring speeches from each honoree, making for a warm and uplifting atmosphere. It was truly a joyful occasion, reflecting our commitment to recognizing the achievements of women.
community baby shower
We are excited to share that Isabel Paz, our NIA Family Manager, joined forces with PS 247 to host another delightful community baby shower! New moms from the area gathered for an evening filled with delicious food, engaging games, and joyful connections. Participants competed in fun games, with prizes awarded to the winners. To honor and offer additional help and resources for our new mothers, all attendees received lovely gifts, including a baby swing, diaper dispenser, and toy/play stations to help support their growing families and members from Healthy Start at NYCHA provided our families with some information about their services. The atmosphere was vibrant and filled with excitement as new and expecting mothers bonded over their shared experiences. These events are a wonderful way to celebrate new beginnings while providing essential resources for expecting families in our neighborhoods. This event was supported by the grants from the Borough President Antonio Reynoso’s Brooklyn Community Baby Shower Fund and NYS Office of Children and Family Services. We look forward to hosting more Community Baby Showers in the future!
ramadan iftar events
Many of our NIA participants celebrated Ramadan Iftar this month at two well-attended events hosted by NIA/IS 30 and NIA/PS 179 Beacon. At NIA/IS 30, over 250 people gathered to enjoy a variety of food and fellowship. The event was supported by Alfadila Community Services, AALFA (American Law Enforcement Fraternal Association), George Sarantopoulos, Nile Ridge Pharmacy, Arab American Association of New York, Sakman Grill & Gourmet, Twisted Wings, House of Wings, Brooklyn Kebab, Balady Home & Decor, Balady Halal Foods, Yemen Cafe, Maqluba Restaurant, Purely Pudding, Amazon, Yama, Bora Bora and the NYC COMPASS grant.
NIA/PS 179 Beacon also hosted a remarkable Iftar event in collaboration with Arts & Democracy, that was attended by Councilmember Shahana Hanif, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, and other community leaders. This multicultural gathering celebrated unity and diversity within the Kensington community during Ramadan with over 300 people in attendance. Guests were treated to a delicious array of food, providing everyone an opportunity to break their fast together. NIA/PS 179 also hosted their own event for Ramadan on March 28th that was a beautiful evening of community and generosity.
EID al-fitr CELEBRATIONS
NIA/PS 179 and NIA/PS 186 celebrated Eid al-Fitr with special events! NIA/PS 179 was invited by DYCD to celebrate Eid at Gracie Mansion. The event was a vibrant celebration featuring Sufi drumming, book readings, dance performances, and a tour of the historic mansion. Meanwhile NIA/PS 186 hosted a family event with crafts, henna, delicious food, and reflections on gratitude and kindness. It was a wonderful Eid, exploring different traditions and embracing the joy of Eid with the community.
62nd Precinct honorees
On March 19, hundreds came together to bid farewell to Detective Stephen Agosta of the 62nd Precinct as he retired from the NYPD and on . Among those in attendance were NIA Community Liaison Thomas Hoefel, NIA Director of Social Services Senja Frangipani and NIA representative Franca Bove, elected officials, community leaders, family, friends, and local residents. Detective Agosta’s nieces walked with him in pride and joy to see so many come out to support him. Everyone celebrated Agosta’s remarkable 39-year career, including over 20 years of dedicated service as the precinct’s community affairs officer. On March 28th, Detective Carmelo Vendra was also honored for his 31 years of service with a luncheon and walk out ceremony where NIA Director of Social Services Senja Frangipani was in attendance. We want to thank both Detective Agosta and Detective Vendra for their service!
NIA’s Tina DePasquale Honored at the 68th Precinct
NIA Administrative Assistant Tina DePasquale was honored at the 68th Precinct Community Council Meeting for her assistance to the council. In attendance was NIA Founder and President Michael A. Bové, NIA Director of Social Services Senja Frangipani, NIA representative Franca Bove, 68th Council President Ilene Sacco, Community Board District 10 Manager Josephine Beckmann, and more. NIA thanks the 68th Precinct for honoring Tina who has been a loyal NIA employee for the last 4 years.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
IS 303 Field Trip to Natural History Museum
PS 104 Family Spring Event
IS 95 Game Club
NEW HIRES
Gregory Kitzmiller, Data Manager
NIA is very excited to welcome Gregory Kitzmiller as our new Data Manager. For years, he was dedicated to working in special education, where he had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and help them reach their goals. Gregory is now exploring the world of data management and software engineering, which has become a growing passion as he looks for new ways to solve problems and expand his skill set. He is always striving to learn and improve, both personally and professionally, and he loves finding ways to make a positive impact. Outside of work, fitness is a significant part of his life, and he takes pride in staying active and healthy. The team is looking forward to having him on board!
NIA SOCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANCE
NIA social services assistance is free of charge and many issues 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)
Access-A-Ride
Child Support Service
CITYHEPS Renewals
Counseling Services
DRIE
Fair Fares
Health Insurance
Health Proxy Assistance
HEAP
HPD
IDNYC
Medical Savings Plan
Narcan/Naloxone Training
NYC Housing Lottery Application Assistance
NYCHA Housing Authority
Passport Appointment
Referral Assistance
SCHE
SCRIE
SNAP
WIC
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.
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!
