December 2024 Newsletter

All of us at NIA are so pleased with the array of fun and festive holiday celebrations and toy giveaway programs we were able to bring to our communities this season. We were so excited to expand our annual NIA Christmas Tree Lighting events and present our first multicultural Holiday Celebration. In appreciation of our dedicated fulltime staff and their many accomplishments this year, NIA leadership hosted our annual Holiday Brunch at Gargiulo’s in Coney Island. Read on for details and photos that capture the spirit of our celebrations. Our NIA family extends the very best wishes to all for much joy and success in the new year. We look forward to continuing and expanding our programs, services, and events in 2025, so we encourage you to stay tuned!

Christmas Tree Lighting events

This holiday season, we hosted five joyful Tree Lighting Events across Brooklyn, spreading joy throughout the community. Each event featured cheerful performances and activities, including the Xaverian choir, The Guild for Exceptional Children and The Narrows Community Theatre at JPJ Park; NIA/IS 239 Mark Twain carolers, NIA/PS 229 carolers at Dyker Park; IS 239 Chorus, The Coney Island Sharkettes, and Coney Island Cathedral performers at Kaiser Park; and visual and performing art contributions by Pioneer Works, Red Hook Art Project, and Cora Dance with additional festive cheer brought by the Red Hook West and East Tenant Associations and a bell-ringing ceremony courtesy of Redemption Church at Coffey Park. Thanks to our partners Councilman Brannan, Senator Gounardes, and Senator Chu for their support in making these celebrations possible. We also want to thank the team at Music Express for all of their production magic.

Holiday celebration at nia carey gardens cornerstone

NIA Carey Gardens Cornerstone hosted their inaugural Holiday Celebration in collaboration with Councilman Justin Brannan, which included a special lighting ceremony for the Cornerstone's Christmas tree, Hanukkah menorah, and Kwanzaa kinara. The Cornerstone Afterschool Program participants delighted attendees by singing carols under the guidance of Program Director Leonard Campbell. The South Brooklyn Royals drum band entertained the crowd, while participants of the Youth Council shared personal reflections on the significance of Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah. The event culminated with the illumination of the tree, menorah, and kinara by NIA President Michael A. Bové, spreading cheer and warmth. Hot chocolate and cookies also kept things cozy as Santa greeted the children and handed out candy canes.

nia staff holiday brunch

The annual NIA Holiday Staff Brunch was a fantastic event held on December 5th at Gargiulo's Restaurant in Coney Island. NIA staff gathered together to celebrate the successes of the year so far and enjoy a delicious brunch spread and good company. We are incredibly grateful to our President and Founder Michael A. Bové, CEO Mary Anne Cino, Executive Director Annette Velez, and the NIA Board of Directors and Executive team for hosting such a wonderful event that brought us all closer together. Laughter, good food, and holiday cheer filled the room, leaving everyone feeling excited for the upcoming holiday season. A huge thank you to our NIA staff for your dedication and hard work, and here’s to many more milestones and memories ahead!

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

NIA/PS 247 Winter Paint & Snack Night

NIA/PS 247 hosted a Winter Paint & Snack Night on December 13th where students and their families enjoyed a night of painting and dressing up with light refreshments. The kids had so much fun and it got everyone in the holiday spirit!

NIA/IS 281 & NIA/PS 176 Holiday Performance

NIA/PS 176 invited NIA/IS 281 for a festive holiday performance! Our middle school dance team showcased a variety of dance styles inspired by the traditions of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, while the elementary school dance team dazzled us with their own joyful holiday performance. Afterward, both teams participated in a Q&A session and a social session, where students from both schools bonded over their mutual love of dance. It was a heartwarming and supportive celebration of creativity and community!

NIA/PS 185 Holiday Party

NIA/PS 185 participants hosted their holiday party where the students were able to enjoy music, dancing, and craft making. The kids enjoyed candy canes and snacks while making an array of holiday crafts including gingerbread houses, bookie decorating, and holiday cards!

NIA/MS 443 Dave & Busters Night

NIA/MS 443 hosted their first trivia tournament and the winners were treated to a night at Dave & Busters. Everyone had such a great time and they cannot wait for more trivia tournaments!

NIA/PS/IS 30 PJ Night

This week before Christmas Break, NIA/PS/IS 30 hosted a Holiday PJ Family Literacy Event! We had students and families come to enjoy a story followed by arts and crafts and cookies. Towards the ends of the night there was a raffle giveaway for the participants and the students got to pick out some free books to take home!

IN LOVING MEMORY

 
 

We sadly mourn the loss of Rosa Casella, NIA's former Executive Director and a beloved member of the NIA family. For more than 25 years, Rosa worked tirelessly in support of NIA, our staff, participants, and the local community. Rosa led with sharp wit and determination, playing a vital role in the organization's growth and success. She was an active member of Community Board 11, dedicated to bettering her local community and generously giving her time in support of all those in need.

She was a woman of faith and family; a devoted mother and grandmother, and loving friend and neighbor. Known, loved, and respected by so many, Rosa will be so deeply missed and remembered fondly for her contributions, charm, and ability to make others feel welcomed.

 

NIA SOCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANCE

 

NIA provides FREE services.

Most social services can be handled via phone or by virtual appointment.

 
 

  • Child Support Services

  • Counseling Services

  • EBT Skimming

  • Fair Fares

  • SNAP

  • HPD

  • DIRE

  • CITYHEPS Renewal

  • Health Insurance

  • Health Proxy Assistance

  • Heap

  • Medicare Savings Plan

  • SCHE

  • SCRIE

  • Referral Assistance

  • Access-A-Ride

  • IDNYC

  • NYCHA Housing Authority

  • Passport Appointments

  • 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 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.

  • 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.

 

  • 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.

  • 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!

 
 
 
 
 
NIA Brooklyn