BROOKLYN, NY | April 20, 2021 – In conjunction with NIA Community Services Network’s 40th Anniversary, the organization will be holding a Virtual 5K Community Run & Walk Fundraiser from May 20-May 31, 2021. Starting today, participants can now register or donate to the event by visiting https://bit.ly/nia-5k. Once again, NIA is pleased to receive support from Investors Bank as an event sponsor. NIA is also so grateful to NYC Ferry, HomeLight, and Run4Fun who have made it possible for the registration fee to be waived for the first 100 student runners.

Incorporated on May 26, 1981, NIA was founded out of a desire to preserve and renew the neighborhoods surrounding the St. Rosalia-Regina Pacis Church in Brooklyn. Driven by a love for their communities, the organization’s founders worked with community leaders to spearhead neighborhood revitalization projects and food distribution to those in need. Over the years, NIA grew to provide a variety after school, senior, and community services. Today NIA supports over 10,000 individuals in dozens of neighborhoods across NYC every year.

 To honor NIA's origins as a grassroots organization, the money raised from the NIA@40 Virtual 5K will go to supporting and expanding NIA's community efforts in neighborhoods across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. This includes supporting access to food, family guidance services, and essential social services support for seniors and vulnerable individuals.

For 40 years NIA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been committed to strengthening and empowering children, families, and communities through after school programs and vital human services. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, NIA adapted to the changing needs of the communities they serve. Over the past year, NIA’s social services team assisted thousands of community members in need through free assistance with healthcare, SNAP, senior support, unemployment, Meals on Wheels, price gouging, Home Health Aides, personal health, and much more.

NIA’s after school programs have been working tirelessly to help supplement for lost hours of learning time suffered due to the pandemic and provided thousands of students with social-emotional support and fun ways to connect with peers. NIA is also providing resources to families, conducting wellness checks, and holding virtual community classes, such as family art activities and family literacy events.

In honor of their 40th Anniversary, NIA hopes to raise $40,000 to support and strengthen the programming they provide to families and community members each day. Those interested in supporting the NIA@40 Virtual 5K can visit https://bit.ly/nia-5k.

About NIA Community Services Network

Since 1981, NIA has been creating solutions that address a broad range of issues our communities face throughout New York City. NIA serves thousands of children, seniors, and families through access to free after-school programs, Beacon community centers, events, family guidance, literacy initiatives, and community assistance and referral services. To learn more, visit www.niabklyn.org or call 718-236-5266.

###