my.BronxImpact.org Call Center: Now Open!

my.BronxImpact.org Call Center: Now Open

my.BronxImpact.org is a free search engine where you can find free and low-cost resources like medical care, food, job training, education resources, and more! Interested in speaking with a call center representative who can help navigate and make connections for you? Call 646-762-7483!

SBRT Staff Additions

Our team is expanding! We are excited to announce the addition of two AmeriCorps VISTA members, Chelyse Prevost and Juanita Williams.

Chelyse Prevost, Communications Associate
Chelyse is a recent college graduate, passionate about digital education and empowering the youth in her community. Throughout her time at Texas State University, she served as a teacher’s assistant and tutor for elementary school students. Before SBRT, she spent time writing lifestyle articles on her school radio station’s blog, while also working in the web design & development department. Following her career path in digital media and sociology, she aspires to earn her master’s in digital media design for learning to better apply herself in underserved communities, specifically around BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth. Chelyse can be reached at chelyse@risingtogether.org!

Juanita Williams, Parent Council Associate
Juanita enjoys working within the community to help everyday people achieve and believe in themselves. She believes that as we collectively overcome the pandemic, it’s her goal for parents and children not to feel as if they always lack resources, but to feel informed, important, and self efficient to be better than ever. Juanita can be reached at juanita@risingtogether.org!

Partner Corner

Children’s Aid Early Childhood Program Enrollment
From before they take their first steps to the day they walk into their kindergarten classroom, our littlest ones are ready to be healthy, lifelong learners. Children’s Aid Early Childhood programs nurture and serve more than 1,000 children (ages 0-5) and their families during the most critical stages of childhood development. Learn more about program offerings by watching this video, and submit your application here!

Need Help Finding Child Care?
Care Finder NYC is building a FREE platform where Family Child Care providers and families needing childcare can connect. The platform has launched in beta—families can search for childcare providers and licensed providers can claim their page and advertise current openings. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jaime-Jin Lewis at jaimejin@wiggleroomnow.com.

Resource Corner

Child Tax Credit
As part of the American Rescue Plan, the IRS has extended the Child Tax Credit until the end of 2021, meaning that families can receives up to $300 per month for each one of their children until the end of 2021 and $1800 in 2022.

Families who have filed tax returns for 2019 or 2020, or who have signed up to receive a stimulus check from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), will get this tax relief automatically. They do not need to sign up or take any action. 

However, families who have not filed taxes or signed up to receive a stimulus check need to take a further step to register. The White House’s website includes a new easy sign-up for low-income families who did not make enough to be required to file taxes in 2019 or 2020 (typically $12,400 for an individual or $24,800 for a married couple).

Here’s what you need to complete the non-filer sign-up.

• Social Security numbers (SSN) for your children and Social Security numbers (or ITIN) for you and your spouse (if applicable)

• A reliable postal mailing address

• An email address

• Your bank account information (if you want to receive your payment by direct deposit)

New York State’s COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program
Are you a small business owner in the Bronx? The Southern Boulevard Merchant Association can help you apply for the NYS Small Business Relief Grant!

Qualifications:

• Business must have started operating on or before March 1, 2019

• Must be currently open and operating

• Gross receipts of at least $25,000 in 2019

• Gross receipts of $500,000 or less in 2020

• Must have lost 25% or more of revenue between 2019 and 2020.

We can help you determine eligibility with your 2019 and 2020 tax returns! Contact the Southern Boulevard Merchant Association at 347-973-0945.

Emergency Broadband Benefit
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. EBB will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Who is Eligible?

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;

• Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;

• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;

• Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or

• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

How Can Families Apply?

1. Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.

2. Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.

3. Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program
New York State began accepting applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The program will provide up to 12 months of rent arrears and utility assistance as well as three months of future rent payments to low and moderate-income households at risk of housing instability. New York has $2.4 billion available for the program. 

To qualify you must be:

• A tenant whose primary residence is in New York State;

• Part of a household that is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income ($85,950 for a family of three in New York City);

• Part of a household that is at risk of housing instability or homelessness; AND

• Part of a household that experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due to the pandemic; or where at least one household member qualifies for unemployment

Immigration status is not a factor. You do not need to have a lawful immigration status to qualify for this program. Apply at otda.ny.gov/erap. Flyers (in English and Spanish) to promote this program across the city can be accessed here.

Upcoming Events

Adapting to the Future of Work
JobsFirst NYC is hosting the 6th annual Adapting to the Future of Work: Surviving to the Future of Work! Join the conversation to explore, envision and reimagine solutions to elevate young adults. Advance registration is required. Register here.

Race Forward Conference
Are you Interested in learning more about #RacialEquity work being done by youth leaders across the country? Join us at @RaceForward’s #RaceAnd Our Present, Our Future Conference, this September 25th, 2021, online! Get tickets at raceand.raceforward.org.

2021 Primary Election Results

2021 Primary Election

Last Wednesday the NYC Board of Elections (BOE) released the 2021 primary election results with the first round of ranked choice voting tallies. While voting results won’t be official until mid-July, you can keep up with the tallies as each round of ranked choice voting is enacted. You can also explore how each electoral district voted on this map.

Our Civic Engagement Fellows have been hard at work over the past 3 months learning about oppression and liberation, about how to organize, and about campaign strategy development. Leading up to the 2021 primary election, the Fellows connected with 38,000 New York City residents, encouraging them to vote and let their voice be heard. The Fellows will continue to build momentum among Bronx residents as we approach the November general election!
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m., and you can find your poll site here!

Advocacy Corner

Last week Mayor Bill de Blasio approved the City’s 2022 budget. To learn more about the budget, click here.

Partner Corner

Children’s Aid Early Childhood Program Enrollment
From before they take their first steps to the day they walk into their kindergarten classroom, our littlest ones are ready to be healthy, lifelong learners. Children’s Aid Early Childhood programs nurture and serve more than 1,000 children (ages 0-5) and their families during the most critical stages of childhood development. Learn more about program offerings by watching this video, and submit your application here!

Returning July 14: Bronx Impact Call Center
My Bronx Impact is an online search and referral platform that will connect Bronx Residents to free and reduced-cost services. Call us and we'll navigate and make connections for you! The call line officially opens next Wednesday!

Need Help Finding Child Care?
Care Finder NYC is building a FREE platform where Family Child Care providers and families needing childcare can connect. The platform has launched in beta—families can search for childcare providers and licensed providers can claim their page and advertise current openings. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jaime-Jin Lewis at jaimejin@wiggleroomnow.com.

Resource Corner

New York State’s COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program
Are you a small business owner in the Bronx? The Southern Boulevard Merchant Association can help you apply for the NYS Small Business Relief Grant!

Qualifications:

• Business must have started operating on or before March 1, 2019

• Must be currently open and operating

• Gross receipts of at least $25,000 in 2019

• Gross receipts of $500,000 or less in 2020

• Must have lost 25% or more of revenue between 2019 and 2020.

We can help you determine eligibility with your 2019 and 2020 tax returns! Contact the Southern Boulevard Merchant Association at 347-973-0945.

Emergency Broadband Benefit
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. EBB will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Who is Eligible?

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;

• Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;

• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;

• Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or

• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

How Can Families Apply?

1. Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.

2. Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.

3. Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program
New York State began accepting applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The program will provide up to 12 months of rent arrears and utility assistance as well as three months of future rent payments to low and moderate-income households at risk of housing instability. New York has $2.4 billion available for the program. 

To qualify you must be:

• A tenant whose primary residence is in New York State;

• Part of a household that is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income ($85,950 for a family of three in New York City);

• Part of a household that is at risk of housing instability or homelessness; AND

• Part of a household that experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due to the pandemic; or where at least one household member qualifies for unemployment

Immigration status is not a factor. You do not need to have a lawful immigration status to qualify for this program. Apply at otda.ny.gov/erap. Flyers (in English and Spanish) to promote this program across the city can be accessed here.

Summer Rising
Summer Rising is New York City’s free summer plan for any child in grades K-12 who wants to participate. Programs will operate in hundreds of DOE buildings, giving students safe and supervised experiences in their neighborhood. Most students will be able to attend a program in their home building!

• Summer Rising will be available throughout the City to every New York City student, including students with disabilities.

• All programs will be run by local school leaders and trusted community-based organizations.

• Summer Rising programs are full-day and in-person experiences.

• All programs will create a bridge back to school in the fall and give parents peace of mind as they return to work.

• The environment will be safe and supportive. Staff members are prepared to respond to children’s social and emotional needs.

• Summer programs will offer academic support, arts, recreation, and social-emotional support.

• Breakfast, lunch, and a snack will be served to each student.

Upcoming Events

Adapting to the Future of Work
JobsFirst NYC is hosting the 6th annual Adapting to the Future of Work: Surviving to the Future of Work! Join the conversation to explore, envision and reimagine solutions to elevate young adults. Advance registration is required. Register here.

Election Day Resources!

Election Day is Tomorrow!

Tomorrow, June 22, every citywide office is on the ballot. This is our chance to choose New York City’s leaders. Who we elect as Mayor, Comptroller, City Councilmember, and more will affect what path the city takes as we recover from COVID-19. We want to make sure you know what to expect when you go to the polls. Check out the resources below!

• Be an informed voter

  • Review the candidates who will be on your ballot and create a plan before you submit your ballot. The website whosontheballot.org lets you know what your ballot will look like and provides you with links to the candidates’ platforms!

  • Read about every race on NYC Votes’ Nonpartisan Voter Guide.

  • Check out The CITY’s “Meet Your Mayor” Quiz, where you can see which candidates best match your positions.

  • Don’t miss Chalkbeat’s voter guide for Mayor on pre-K, child care, and after school.

• Ranked Choice Voting
  New Yorkers have the option to rank up to five candidates in order of preference instead of choosing just one. Learn about ranked choice voting!

• Find your poll site
  Polls will be open from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m., and you can find your poll site here!

Summer Rising: Enrollment Open!

Summer Rising is New York City’s free summer plan for any child in grades K-12 who wants to participate. Programs will operate in hundreds of DOE buildings, giving students safe and supervised experiences in their neighborhood. Most students will be able to attend a program in their home building!

• Summer Rising will be available throughout the City to every New York City student, including students with disabilities.

• All programs will be run by local school leaders and trusted community-based organizations.

• Summer Rising programs are full day and in-person experiences.

• All programs will create a bridge back to school in the fall and give parents peace of mind as they return to work.

• The environment will be safe and supportive. Staff members are prepared to respond to children’s social and emotional needs.

• Summer programs will offer academic support, arts, recreation, and social-emotional support.

• Breakfast, lunch, and a snack will be served to each student.

Learn more and register here.

Partner Corner

Children’s Aid Early Childhood Program Enrollment
From before they take their first steps to the day they walk into their kindergarten classroom, our littlest ones are ready to be healthy, lifelong learners. Children’s Aid Early Childhood programs nurture and serve more than 1,000 children (ages 0-5) and their families during the most critical stages of childhood development. Learn more about program offerings by watching this video, and submit your application here!

Need Help Finding Child Care?
Care Finder NYC is building a FREE platform where Family Child Care providers and families needing childcare can connect. The platform has launched in beta—families can search for childcare providers and licensed providers can claim their page and advertise current openings. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jaime-Jin Lewis at jaimejin@wiggleroomnow.com.

2021 Youth Ask Youth Census
The Youth Ask Youth Census was developed by over 300 NYC youth ages 13-24. It covers questions related to jobs, safety, policing, food, internet access, experience with schooling, civic participation, health, and covid-specific questions. It allows youth to reflect on their current experience and to suggest creative improvements to the systems and services for young people in NYC.

This year, youth have the chance to share your input and get a $25 gift card just for participating. Take the 2021 Youth Ask Youth Census at Amplify.

Resource Corner

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. EBB will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Who is Eligible?

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;

• Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;

• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;

• Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or

• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

How Can Families Apply?

1. Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.

2. Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.

Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program
New York State began accepting applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The program will provide up to 12 months of rent arrears and utility assistance as well as three months of future rent payments to low and moderate-income households at risk of housing instability. New York has $2.4 billion available for the program. 

To qualify you must be:

• A tenant whose primary residence is in New York State;

• Part of a household that is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income ($85,950 for a family of three in New York City);

• Part of a household that is at risk of housing instability or homelessness; AND

• Part of a household that experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due to the pandemic; or where at least one household member qualifies for unemployment

Immigration status is not a factor. You do not need to have a lawful immigration status to qualify for this program. Apply at otda.ny.gov/erap.

Flyers (in English and Spanish) to promote this program across the city can be accessed here.

Voting in the Bronx, Summer Rising, and More!

Voting in the Bronx

The June 22 primary election is quickly approaching. With two-thirds of citywide elected officials, four of the five borough presidents, and most of the 51-seat City Council on the ballot, the city is bound to see significant changes.

What Bronx-based elected positions will be on the ballot?
City Council members for all districts in the Bronx (11-18) and the Bronx Borough President will be on the June 22 ballot. Bronx residents have the opportunity to help shape the future of city politics and policies by electing officials who prioritize their needs and interests. You can find a list of candidates running across the city here.

What has voter turnout looked like in the Bronx before?
20.9% of Bronxites voted in the 2017 general city elections, and only 13.5% of eligible voters between the ages of 18-24 turned out on election day. In the 2017 local primary election, a mere 12% of Bronx residents showed up to the polls. In the Bronx, where a majority of elected officials, aspiring candidates, and constituents are Democrats, the primary election is an important opportunity to engage in the electoral process.

Learn more about what voter turnout looked like in your neighborhood for the 2017 primary and general elections by exploring these maps:

• 2017 Primary Election Turnout by Neighborhood

• 2017 General Election Turnout by Neighborhood

Important dates for the June Primary Election!
While the deadline to register to vote has passed, there are still opportunities for Bronxites to ensure they’re ready and equipped to vote!

• Be an informed voter
  Review the candidates who will be on your ballot and create a plan before you submit your ballot. whosontheballot.org lets you know what your ballot will look like and provides you with links to the candidates’ platforms!

• Vote early from June 12 - June 20
  Want to vote early? Find your early voting site here.

• Request an absentee ballot
  Need an absentee ballot? Make sure you request one by June 15! Your absentee ballot will need to be postmarked or dropped off at a poll site by June 22!

• Learn about ranked choice voting!

Summer Rising: Enrollment Open!

Summer Rising is New York City’s free summer plan for any child in grades K-12 who wants to participate. Programs will operate in hundreds of DOE buildings, giving students safe and supervised experiences in their neighborhood. Most students will be able to attend a program in their home building!

• Summer Rising will be available throughout the City to every New York City student, including students with disabilities.

• All programs will be run by local school leaders and trusted community-based organizations.

• Summer Rising programs are full day and in-person experiences.

• All programs will create a bridge back to school in the fall and give parents peace of mind as they return to work.

• The environment will be safe and supportive. Staff members are prepared to respond to children’s social and emotional needs.

• Summer programs will offer academic support, arts, recreation, and social-emotional support.

• Breakfast, lunch, and a snack will be served to each student.

Learn more and register here.

Drafted Child Care Development Fund Plan (2022-2024)

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program, which is administered by states, territories and tribes, provides financial assistance to low-income families to access child care so they can work or attend a job training or educational program. States can also use CCDF dollars to invest in improving quality through teacher workforce, supporting child care programs to achieve higher standards and providing consumer education to help parents select child care that meets their families’ needs. Two weeks ago, the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) released the proposed Child Care and Development Fund Plan for 2022-2024. South Bronx Rising Together submitted testimony alongside other advocates and child care providers. Read our testimony here. 

Partner Corner

Need Help Finding Child Care?
Care Finder NYC is building a FREE platform where Family Child Care providers and families needing childcare can connect. The platform has launched in beta—families can search for childcare providers and licensed providers can claim their page and advertise current openings. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jaime-Jin Lewis at jaimejin@wiggleroomnow.com.

COVID-19 Vaccinations
All Bronx residents (16+ for Pfizer, 18+ for Moderna) are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Visit vax4nyc.nyc.gov or call 877-VAX-4NYC or 877-829-4692 to book a vaccine appointment at vaccination sites run by the city. NYC Health + Hospitals has a separate site for vaccine appointments at covid19.nychealthandhospitals.org/COVIDVaxEligibility. The city also has a site to find appointments at pharmacies at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov.

Advocacy Corner

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. EBB will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Who is Eligible?

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;

• Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;

• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;

• Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or

• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

How Can Families Apply?

1. Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.

2. Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.

Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program
New York State began accepting applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The program will provide up to 12 months of rent arrears and utility assistance as well as three months of future rent payments to low and moderate-income households at risk of housing instability. New York has $2.4 billion available for the program. 

To qualify you must be:

• A tenant whose primary residence is in New York State;

• Part of a household that is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income ($85,950 for a family of three in New York City);

• Part of a household that is at risk of housing instability or homelessness; AND

• Part of a household that experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due to the pandemic; or where at least one household member qualifies for unemployment

Immigration status is not a factor. You do not need to have a lawful immigration status to qualify for this program. Apply at otda.ny.gov/erap.

Flyers (in English and Spanish) to promote this program across the city can be accessed here.

Ensure Access to Full-Day / Year-Round Child Care for Families Who Need it the Most
Publicly funded early care and education is a lifeline for working families in the city, allowing caregivers to pursue career opportunities and provide for their families, while children benefit from licensed and high-quality early education settings. But recent investments and expansions in the sector fail to increase access to full day and full year programs. Meanwhile from April 2020 to March 2021, prime age women were two and a half times more likely than men to cite child care as their primary reason for being out of work.

In order to ensure that child care and preschool is available for working families, we urge the Mayor to make the following investments in the adopted budget:

• $10 million for approximately 1,000 new full-day family child care slots for infants and toddlers.

• $17.5 million to convert over 2,000 school-day/school-year slots for 3- and 4-year old children to full-day/year-round slots.

• $17.5 million to expand center-based infant toddler capacity by approximately 700 slots.

Invest in CBOs to Ensure a Successful Summer Rising Program
In Spring 2021, the City announced plans to run a new program, Summer Rising, in Summer 2021. The City plans to serve 190,000 youth through Summer Rising and plans to expand contracts with CBOs to serve more youth. Community-based organizations who operate COMPASS, SONYC, and Beacon programs are well-positioned and tasked with playing a key role in Summer Rising, working with DOE teachers to provide social-emotional support and activities to youth alongside academic enrichment.

For Summer Rising to succeed, CBOs must have the resources to recruit staff and get programs up and running. Summer rates across COMPASS, SONYC, and Beacon contracts must be increased to:

• $1,700 for elementary programs and

• $925 for middle school programs.

Finally, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene must be allocated enough resources to ensure timely processing of Comprehensive Background Checks (CBC) for all CBO staff working in Summer Rising programs.

Send a letter to urge Mayor de Blasio and City Council members to ensure CBOs have what they need to make this summer a success for children and families.

Upcoming Events

June 7 | BX Power! Strength in Numbers
Join us today for the last session of a two-part workshop that will support you in understanding local and state governance, who's who in local politics, how to exercise your people power, and where voting fits into it all. Discussion will also be grounded in the upcoming primaries and how local offices impact our daily lives. These interactive sessions will be facilitated by food systems leader and policy advocate Qiana Mickie with music to support the engagement by DJ Jahmedicine.

Emergency Broadband Benefit in the Bronx and More!

Emergency Broadband Benefit in the Bronx!

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. EBB will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Who Is Eligible?
A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;

• Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;

• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;

• Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or

• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

How Can Families Apply?

1. Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.

2. Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.

3. Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application.

Just Released: Drafted Child Care Development Fund Plan (2022-2024)

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program, which is administered by states, territories and tribes, provides financial assistance to low-income families to access child care so they can work or attend a job training or educational program. States can also use CCDF dollars to invest in improving quality through teacher workforce, supporting child care programs to achieve higher standards and providing consumer education to help parents select child care that meets their families’ needs.

Two weeks ago the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) released the proposed Child Care and Development Fund Plan for 2022-2024. Between now and July 1, 2021, when the drafted plan becomes finalized, OCFS is providing space to hear feedback from advocates, providers, and caregivers! If you are interested in submitting testimony, you must do so by June 1. More information can be found here. Empire State Campaign for Child Care has released helpful talking points to guide testimony.

Partner Corner

Need Help Finding Child Care?
Care Finder NYC is building a FREE platform where Family Child Care providers and families needing childcare can connect. The platform has launched in beta—families can search for childcare providers and licensed providers can claim their page and advertise current openings. Try it out at https://carefinder.nyc/. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jaime-Jin Lewis at jaimejin@wiggleroomnow.com.

Apply for 3K
As of February 24, 3K applications have opened to the public. Families that have a child born in 2018 are now eligible to submit a 3K Application, and the deadline to apply is May 28. More information, including how to apply, can be found here.

Per Scholas Help Desk
The Per Scholas NY Help Desk is a free service available to local residents and small businesses in New York City. Trained and certified Per Scholas alumni can support you with the following technical issues:

• Software: Microsoft 365, Zoom, Cisco WebEx

• OS: Windows, Linux and Mac OS

• Hardware: Printers, routers and other commonly used devices

• Advice on virus removal and protection, data back-up, upgrades, device troubleshooting, networking and more

To access the Help Desk, click here.

Phipps Neighborhoods is Hiring!
Our partners at Phipps Neighborhoods are hiring for multiple early childhood positions. Take a look at the opportunities below!

• Lead Teacher Level I

• Lead Teacher Level II

• Lead Teacher Level III

• Assistant Teacher

• Early Childhood Education Coordinatorhere

Advocacy Corner

Primary Election Voter Registration Deadline
We are officially 5 weeks away from the June 22 primary election — are you ready to head to the polls?

• Register to vote by May 28
  Are you registered to vote? Check here! If you’re not already registered, Turbovote makes the process easier.

• Update your address by June 2
  Have you moved since the last time you voted? You’ll need to notify the Board of Elections of your new address.

• Vote early from June 12 - June 20
  Want to vote early? Find your early voting sight here.

• Request an absentee ballot
  Need an absentee ballot? Make sure you request one by June 15!
  Your absentee ballot will need to be postmarked or dropped off at a poll site by June 22!

• Learn about ranked choice voting!

Section 8 Housing Waitlist
On May 17 the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR) opened the Section 8 housing waitlist. This is the first time HCR has opened its Section 8 waitlist since 2005, and they expect more than 100,000 people to apply. The waitlist will be open for two weeks and will close on Friday, May 28, at 11:59 p.m. The waitlist is not first-come, first-serve. Instead, 15,000 applicants will be chosen at random.

For a household to be eligible:

• At least one person in the household needs to be a U.S. citizen

• They must make no more than the following maximum incomes:

  • 1-person household - $41,800

  • 2-person household - $47,750

  • 3-person household - $53,650

  • 4-person household - $64,450

The application is available online at section8.hcr.ny.gov. It is available in multiple languages and only takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. No documentation is needed to apply. Applicants without internet access can call 1-833-990-4001. 

Applicants selected for an eligibility screening will be notified by mid to late June. For more information about the program, including the answers to many Frequently Asked Questions, visit HCR’s website. 

Upcoming Events

DreamYard Events
Our partners at DreamYard have a variety of events coming up during the months of May and June. Be sure to check out these opportunities below!

Just Launched: South Bronx Civic Engagement Youth Fellowship!

Civic Engagement Youth Fellowship

This past Thursday we kicked off the South Bronx Civic Engagement Youth Fellowship with 22 young people from Children’s Aid, DreamYard, HERO High School, HERE to HERE, BronxWorks and Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School. Fellows will engage in a comprehensive racial justice and civics education curriculum centered around local government structures and policies. This 8-month program will culminate in two major voter turnout efforts led by the cohort in Bronx CD3 for the primary and general elections.

Throughout this fellowship opportunity, we will be providing partners with resources for the upcoming elections in June and November in addition to highlighting the work these Fellows are doing in the Bronx!

We’re Hiring!

Our team is hiring for the following positions:

• Collective Impact Manager of Organizational Partnerships

• Parent Council Summer Associate (AmeriCorps)

Learn more about the positions and apply here!

Partner Corner

Apply for 3K
As of February 24, 3K applications have opened to the public. Families that have a child born in 2018 are now eligible to submit a 3K Application, and the deadline to apply is May 28. More information, including how to apply, can be found here.

Per Scholas Help Desk
The Per Scholas NY Help Desk is a free service available to local residents and small businesses in New York City. Trained and certified Per Scholas alumni can support you with the following technical issues:

• Software: Microsoft 365, Zoom, Cisco WebEx

• OS: Windows, Linux and Mac OS

• Hardware: Printers, routers and other commonly used devices

• Advice on virus removal and protection, data back-up, upgrades, device troubleshooting, networking and more

To access the Help Desk, click here.

DreamYard Events
Our partners at DreamYard have a variety of events coming up during the months of May and June. Be sure to check out these opportunities below!

Advocacy Corner

Expand Youth Justice in New York State
In an effort by the legislature to advance racial equity and economic justice in New York’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York and additional  partners on the Raise the Age-NY campaign are working alongside the NYS legislators on the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus to advance legislation this session that confronts the criminalization of children, builds mental health supports for children and families in crisis, and expands the protections of adolescence for more young people who have contact with the criminal legal system.

Join efforts in calling on State leaders to pass this comprehensive package of legislation that would:

• end the arrest of children under 12 S4051 (Bailey) / A4982 (Hevesi)

• end the police use of chemical agents against children S4002 (Brouk) / A5449A (Meeks)

• provide a second chance to apply for youth offender status for greater protections S282 (Myrie) / A6769 (Hyndman)

• protect youth during police interrogation A5891 (Joyner) / S2800 (Bailey), and

• invest in mental health resources for youth and families A4697 (Bronson) / S4814 (Brouk) and S3408 (Brouk) / A1716 (Jean-Pierre)

These actions are critically needed at this time to address the intersection of policing and mental health in our communities, expand youth justice and combat race inequity and economic injustice in New York’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

We're Hiring!

Our team is hiring for the following positions:

• Collective Impact Manager of Organizational Partnerships

• Parent Council Summer Associate (AmeriCorps)

• Communications Summer Associate (AmeriCorps)

Learn more about the positions and apply here!

Civic Engagement Youth Fellowship

2020 was an extremely difficult year for Bronx students. With significant cuts to the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), a sudden shift to remote learning that widened the learning gap between many low-income students without access to technology and their more affluent peers; the COVID-19 pandemic that disproportionately impacted the Bronx, and a national uprising against police brutality in communities of color; young adults have had a unique vantage point in understanding how government policies can serve and harm New York City communities.

In November 2021, NYC will see major changes across the elected positions of government. Two thirds of citywide elected officials—the mayor and the comptroller—will be term-limited out of office, as will four of the five borough presidents, and most of the 51-seat City Council will also be on the ballot. This includes the City Council members for all districts in the Bronx (11-18), and the Bronx Borough President. Bronx residents have the opportunity to help shape the future of city politics and policies by electing officials that truly represent their needs and interests.

In response to our communities and in collaboration with our Bronx-based partners, South Bronx Rising Together will convene a cohort of 25 young people between the ages of 16 and 24 in Bronx community district 3 (CD3) to provide a comprehensive racial justice and civics education centered around local government structures and policies, both historical and in the present day. This 8-month program will culminate in two major voter turnout efforts led by the cohort in Bronx CD3 for the primary and general elections. Throughout this fellowship opportunity, we will be proving partners with resources for the upcoming elections in June and November.

Here’s what you need to know as we’re 9 weeks out from the June 22 Primary Election:

Ranked Choice Voting
All New York City primary and special elections will use ranked-choice voting protocols. Ranked-choice voting enables voters to rank up to 5 candidates in order of preference. If a candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, they win the election. If no candidates meet the 50% threshold, an instant run-off begins. The candidate with the lowest number of first-choice votes is automatically eliminated and their votes get redistributed to voters’ second-choice candidate on the ballots. For example, if you voted for the candidate that had the lowest number of first-choice votes, your second-choice vote is then counted. This process is repeated for each round until there are only two candidates left. The candidate with the most votes wins.
Learn more about ranked-choice voting here.

Voter Registration Deadline
Are you registered to vote? Check here to check!
To ensure you’re able to vote in the Primary Election (June 22), you must be registered to vote by May 28, 2021. You can do this in-person, online, or by mail.

January Attendance Data Release

The NYC Department of Education recently released disaggregated data capturing student attendance for the month of January. Though we recognize attendance is not synonymous with engagement, attendance data is of particular interest during a time when education advocates are trying to better understand how students are experiencing remote learning.

Advocates for Children of New York published a brief in response to this data release and found the following:

• Students living in shelter had by far the lowest attendance rate of any student group: 75.7%, 14.1 percentage points lower than the rate for their permanently-housed peers. Ninth, tenth, and twelfth graders in shelter had attendance rates of just 64-67%, meaning they missed around one out of every three school days.

• English Language Learners (ELLs) and students with disabilities in grade 10, along with ELL twelfth graders—roughly 30,000 students in all—missed approximately one out of every four school days.

• The attendance rate for ELL tenth graders was 10.1 percentage points lower than the 2018-19 attendance rate for ELLs in tenth grade, a notably larger decline than for non-ELLs; students with disabilities also saw larger drops in attendance, relative to the 2018-19 school year, than their peers without disabilities.

Included in the brief is a set of recommendations for how the City should utilize the $7 billion in federal education COVID-19 funding. Find the full brief here.

Partner Corner

Apply for 3K
As of February 24, 3K and Pre-K applications have opened to the public. Families that have a child born in 2018 are now eligible to submit a 3K Application, and the deadline to apply is May 28. More information, including how to apply, can be found here.

Per Scholas Help Desk
The Per Scholas NY Help Desk is a free service available to local residents and small businesses in New York City. Trained and certified Per Scholas alumni can support you with the following technical issues:

• Software: Microsoft 365, Zoom, Cisco WebEx

• OS: Windows, Linux and Mac OS

• Hardware: Printers, routers and other commonly used devices

• Advice on virus removal and protection, data back-up, upgrades, device troubleshooting, networking and more

To access the Help Desk, click here.

Upcoming Events

Bronx Impact Food Access Collective: April 27 at 12:30 p.m.
This group of community advocates is working to realize a collective vision of food justice for all Bronx residents by identifying policy and programmatic strategies to address the structural inequities which repress equitable access to food and nutrition. The group meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays.

Paid Opportunity for South Bronx Parents!

Paid Opportunity: South Bronx Parent Council

This past Tuesday we held an informational meeting with parents across the South Bronx to kickoff the South Bronx Parent Council. The application for the Council is now open to parents and guardians in the South Bronx. Members will engage virtually on a monthly basis to develop a set of priorities and discuss community issues. They will also have the opportunity to work directly alongside SBRT working groups. All council members will be financially compensated for their time.

Do you work with parents who are passionate about advocacy and creating change? We encourage you to share this leadership opportunity with them! You can access the recording from Tuesday’s informational meeting here.

Referral Pilot Update

South Bronx Rising Together is convening 4 early childhood and health organizations over the next 9 months to increase the utilization of health and child development services by identifying and addressing barriers to making and completing client referrals. Throughout the pilot, partners will gain deeper understanding of where gaps in the referral system exist and how, collectively, we can mitigate these challenges for Bronx families. We are excited to work alongside Power of Two, Bronx Healthy Start Partnership, VIP Community Services, and the Association to Benefit Children in this essential work.

Farewell to Lara Kyriakou

We are sad to announce the departure of our Early Learning System Manager, Lara Kyriakou. Lara joined the SBRT team in October of 2018 and has been instrumental in leading our early childhood advocacy work. She plans to take some well-earned time off before taking her next step.

Thank you Lara for all the work you’ve done on behalf of our youngest Bronxites. You will be greatly missed!

Partner Corner

BX Farm to Table Series
Tune in every month to learn or reconnect with delicious ways to use Bronx-grown, in-season produce. Guest chefs will create culturally relevant, healthy meals and other nourishing goods (e.g. shea butter and home made medicines) live with families. Register here. 

Apply for 3K and PreK!
As of February 24, both 3K and PreK applications have opened to the public. Families that have a child born in 2018 are now eligible to submit a 3K Application, and the deadline to apply is May 28. Families that have a child born in 2017 are now eligible to submit a PreK Application, and the deadline to apply is by April 19. More information, including how to apply, can be found here.

Literacy Partners
Literacy Partners is proud to present La Fuerza de Familias Latinas, a new program of education for Spanish-speaking parents and caregivers that helps them boost their children’s early learning, social emotional growth, and school readiness. Learn more about the program here or fill out the application to join!

Per Scholas Help Desk
The Per Scholas NY Help Desk is a free service available to local residents and small businesses in New York City. Trained and certified Per Scholas alumni can support you with the following technical issues:

• Software: Microsoft 365, Zoom, Cisco WebEx

• OS: Windows, Linux and Mac OS

• Hardware: Printers, routers and other commonly used devices

• Advice on virus removal and protection, data back-up, upgrades, device troubleshooting, networking and more

To access the Help Desk, click here.

Upcoming Events

Family Child Care Collective Response Convening: April 12 at 1 p.m.
Join family child care providers and advocates working to streamline resources and communication across NYC to support the workforce that provides early education to our youngest children!

Bronx Impact Food Access Collective: April 13 at 12:30 p.m.
This group of community advocates is working to realize a collective vision of food justice for all Bronx residents by identifying policy and programmatic strategies to address the structural inequities which repress equitable access to food and nutrition. The group meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays.

SBRT Stands in Solidarity with the AAPI Community

Standing in Solidarity

Since the pandemic began, nearly 4,000 instances of discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have been reported in the United States. Overall, nearly 70% of incidents were against women and more than 40% were against those of Chinese descent. Our own city is not immune to such hate -- the NYPD recorded 29 anti-Asian attacks in 2020.

On March 16 in Atlanta, eight people were murdered in a mass shooting, six of whom were Asian and all but one were women. The increase in violence and discrimination against the AAPI community is tragic and unacceptable. It must be recognized, called out, and denounced. We remember Daoyou Feng, Hyun Jung Grant, Suncha Kim, Paul Andre Michels, Soon Chung Park, Xiaojie Tan, Delaina Ashley Yaun, Yong Ae Yue, and honor their stories.

We acknowledge the grief and fear these continued assaults, and the longstanding racism that fueled them, creates within our own city. We also acknowledge the pain that directly results from the failure of society to address misogyny and gender-based violence. Violence against any marginalized community is an attack on us all, and we must move forward in solidarity. 

We stand with the AAPI community and condemn xenophobia, white supremacy, racism, and misogyny. We also stand with the many organizations and grassroots efforts working directly to support AAPI communities across the country. We encourage you to engage with the following efforts, operating locally and nationally, and to share them across your networks.

• Stop APPI Hate
  In response to the alarming escalation in xenophobia and bigotry resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian Pacific Planning and Policy Council (A3PCON), Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), and the Asian American Studies Department of San Francisco State University launched the Stop AAPI Hate reporting center on March 19, 2020. The center tracks and responds to incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning, and child bullying against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

• Anti-Asian Violence Resources
  An extensive list of educational resources, organizations to support, how to get involved, and more.

• Coalition for Asian American Children and Families
  Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) is the nation’s only pan-Asian children and families’ advocacy organization bringing together community-based organizations as well as youth and community allies to fight for equity for Asian Pacific Americans (APAs).

• Chinese-American Planning Council
  Chinese-American Planning Council’s mission is to promote the social and economic empowerment of Chinese American, immigrant, and low-income communities.

• Korean American Community Foundation
  The Korean American Community Foundation‘s mission is to transform and empower communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and inter-community bridge building. KACF pursues these goals through grantmaking that promotes self-sufficiency for the underserved and under-resourced, through raising awareness of needs and issues, and by fostering a culture of giving.

• Mekong
  Mekong NYC aims to improve the quality of life of the Southeast Asian community in the Bronx and throughout New York City by achieving equity through community organizing and healing, promoting arts, culture, and language, and creating a safety net by improving access to essential social services.

• The Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York
  KCS’ mission is to be a bridge for Korean immigrants and the wider Asian community to fully integrate into society and overcome any economic, health and linguistic barriers so that they become independent and thriving members of the community. 
  Asian Americans for Equality
  Through community development, Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) advances racial, social and economic justice for Asian Americans and other systematically disadvantaged communities, guided by our experiences as Asian Americans and our commitment to civil rights.

South Bronx Parent Council

We are excited to announce the kickoff of our South Bronx Parent Council! Parent council members will be actively involved in our current work and will be instrumental in designing future initiatives. Council members will engage virtually to discuss community issues, develop a set of priorities, and have the opportunity to work directly with the various working groups SBRT has launched.

In order for collective impact to be successful and sustainable, community voice and lived experience must be centered in strategy conversations and decision-making. By ensuring the people involved within a collective impact framework are representative of and from the community, we get that much closer to creating community-driven solutions.

Do you work with parents who are passionate about advocacy and creating change? We encourage you to share this leadership opportunity with them! All parent council members will be financially compensated.

Advocacy Corner

Preliminary Education Budget Hearing Testimony
Last week we, along with many other advocates, submitted written testimony for the city council preliminary education budget hearing. You can read our testimony about supporting family child care providers here.

State Budget Advocacy: Letter Writing
Take action by writing New York state leadership on the various issues impacting New York children! Our partners at Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York have created ways for you to quickly and effectively connect with state leaders on issues most important to you and the communities you serve. Follow the links below to send a letter!

Online Learning: Protect funding for New York’s Schools and Their Students

Housing Security: Help Prevent Family Homelessness

Mental Health: Support Mental Health Service for Children

Child Care: Invest in Early Care and Education
Food Security: Fight Child Poverty

Partner Corner

BX Farm to Table Series
Tune in every month to learn or reconnect with delicious ways to use Bronx-grown, in-season produce. Guest chefs will create culturally relevant, healthy meals and other nourishing goods (e.g. shea butter and home made medicines) live with families. Register here. 

Apply for 3K and PreK!
As of February 24, both 3K and PreK applications have opened to the public. Families that have a child born in 2018 are now eligible to submit a 3K Application, and the deadline to apply is May 28. Families that have a child born in 2017 are now eligible to submit a PreK Application, and the deadline to apply is by April 7. More information, including how to apply, can be found here.

The Vaccine for All Corps is hiring for vaccine support positions!
The City will hire 2,000 New Yorkers to work on City-run vaccination efforts as part of the Vaccine for All Corps. No health care experience is required for many positions, which include roles in site management, operations, and client services, in addition to clinical roles. Click here to apply!

Literacy Partners
Literacy Partners is proud to present La Fuerza de Familias Latinas, a new program of education for Spanish-speaking parents and caregivers that helps them boost their children’s early learning, social emotional growth, and school readiness. Learn more about the program here or fill out the application to join!

New York Public Library Events
Autism Awareness Month Storytime & Craft: April 2 at 11 a.m.
Join NYPL’s Morrisania & Tremont Children's Team as we read aloud picture books to bring awareness to autism followed by an awesome sensory arts and craft event. Register here.

Earth Day Storytime & Craft: April 21 at 11 a.m.
Join NYPL’s Morrisania Children's Team as we read aloud picture books about Earth Day followed by a fantastic arts and craft event. Register here.

Upcoming Events

Family Child Care Collective Response Convening: March 29 at 1 p.m.
Join family child care providers and advocates working to streamline resources and communication across NYC to support the workforce that provides early education to our youngest children!

Bronx Impact Food Access Collective: March 30 at 12:30 p.m.
This group of community advocates is working to realize a collective vision of food justice for all Bronx residents by identifying policy and programmatic strategies to address the structural inequities which repress equitable access to food and nutrition. The group meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays.

South Bronx Parent Council Kickoff: April 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Are you a parent or caregiver in the South Bronx who wants to see meaningful change that ensures families can thrive? Join us to learn more about the South Bronx Parent Council. The first 20 parents who register and attend will receive a $25 gift card!

COVID-19 Data & Policy, Parent Council Kickoff, and More!

This past February, we released the report COVID-19 In NYC: What We’ve Learned & How We’re Moving Forward on Bronx Community District 3 which highlights key findings from a common needs assessment distributed to NYC parents and caregivers in 2020.

Join us on March 17 at 10:30am for a joint presentation between South Bronx Rising Together and  Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York on recently released city-wide findings.The conversation will be followed by breakout room discussions on how we can refine and collectively advocate for policies that address the gaps and disparities we see in the following areas:

• Online Learning

• Child Care

• Mental Health

• Food Access

• Housing Security

Participants will have the opportunity to self-select what breakout room discussion you would like to attend. Feel free to invite additional staff at your organizations as you see fit in order to have a robust conversation!

South Bronx Parent Council Kickoff

In order for collective impact to be successful and sustainable, community voice and lived experience must be centered in strategy conversations and decision making. Without this centering, choices are made at the expense of those who will most likely be impacted. By ensuring individuals involved within a collective impact framework are representative of and from the community, we get that much closer to creating community-driven solutions.

We are excited to announce the kickoff of our South Bronx Parent Council! Parent council members will be actively involved in our current work and will be instrumental in designing future initiatives. Parents will engage in a virtual space with other parent council members to discuss community issues, develop a set of priorities, and have the opportunity to work directly with the various working groups SBRT has launched.

Do you work with parents who are passionate about advocacy and creating change? We encourage you share this leadership opportunity with them!

We’re Hiring: Civic Engagement Consultant!

We’re hiring an experienced consultant to develop and execute an anti-oppressive civic engagement curriculum for 25 young people ages 16-24. This consultant will lead a series of workshops and trainings for students, liaise with SBRT staff to align curriculum with other civic engagement activities, and develop a set of recommendations for continued youth engagement post-program. Additionally, the consultant will work with SBRT staff to ensure the curriculum reflects a healing-centered and trauma-informed approach in its design.

Partner Corner

Our partners at Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York are calling on all New Yorkers ages 14 to 24 to complete a citywide survey of young people to make sure that the next Mayor and City Council understand and prioritize youth voices. They plan to use the data collected from this survey to advocate for a youth agenda during the 2021 citywide elections and to create a transition plan for the new administration that centers youth voices.

Apply for 3K and PreK!
As of February 24, both 3K and PreK have open to the public. Families that have a child born in 2018 are now eligible to submit a 3K Application, and the deadline to apply is by April 30. Families that have a child born in 2017 are now eligible to submit a PreK Application, and the deadline to apply is by April 7.

More information, including how to apply, can be found here.

The Vaccine for All Corps is hiring for vaccine support positions!
The City will hire 2,000 New Yorkers to work on City-run vaccination efforts as part of the Vaccine for All Corps. No healthcare experience is required for many positions, which include roles in site management, operations, and client services, in addition to clinical roles.
Click here to apply!

Literacy Partners
Literacy Partners is proud to present La Fuerza de Familias Latinas, a new program of education for Spanish-speaking parents and caregivers that helps them boost their children’s early learning, social emotional growth, and school readiness. Learn more about the program here or fill out the application to join!

New Employment Opportunity, Bronx Digital Policy Workgroup, and More!

We’re Hiring: Civic Engagement Consultant!

We’re hiring an experienced consultant to develop and execute an anti-oppressive civic engagement curriculum for 25 young people ages 16-24. This consultant will lead a series of workshops and trainings for students, liaise with SBRT staff to align curriculum with other civic engagement activities, and develop a set of recommendations for continued youth engagement post-program. Additionally, the consultant will work with SBRT staff to ensure the curriculum reflects a healing-centered and trauma-informed approach in its design.

Bronx Digital Equity Policy Workgroup

In partnership with the Bronx Digital Equity Coalition, SBRT is spearheading a digital equity policy workgroup that will focus efforts on crafting a robust digital equity policy platform for Bronx residents. Late last year we released a letter to Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza asking them to take action on the following demands in order to provide all New York City students with a fair chance towards academic achievement:

1. Provide Appropriate Digital Devices to ALL Students Immediately

2. Hold Internet Service Providers Accountable

3. Improve Communication to Families Around Distribution of Devices and Other Technology Support

4. Increase Resources for Technology Assistance for Students and Families

5. Establish Digital Security and Privacy

6. Address Educational Neglect Cases Involving Technology Issues

7. Ensure Quality of Remote Learning

The final policy platform will expand upon each of these seven issues.

Connect with Mariel Charles for more information!

Spotlight: Fannie Lou Hamer Middle School

We’ve launched a four-month healing-centered pilot program for schools in Bronx Community District 3. Through continuous improvement strategies, technical assistance, and capacity building efforts, we aim to support schools in building healing-centered environments, whether in school or virtually, to support the social-emotional development of students.

Hear from Erica Arenas and Nathalie Guzman — both working at Fannie Lou Hamer Middle School — as they discuss how collective action can be used as healing-centered practice.

Upcoming Events

Bronx Impact Food Access Collective: March 2 at 12:30pm
This group of community advocates is working to realize a collective vision of food justice for all Bronx residents by identifying policy and programmatic strategies to address the structural inequities which repress equitable access to food and nutrition. The group meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 12:30pm.

Partner Corner

Our partners at Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York are calling on all New Yorkers ages 14 to 24 to complete a citywide survey of young people to make sure that the next Mayor and City Council understand and prioritize youth voices. They plan to use the data collected from this survey to advocate for a youth agenda during the 2021 citywide elections and to create a transition plan for the new administration that centers youth voices.

COVID-19 in the South Bronx, Healing-centered Schools Pilot, and More!

COVID-19 in the South Bronx

Data-driven solution-building is integral to the work of collective impact. Last year, as we began to see the disruptive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and families, we knew that in order to move forward, we needed to understand what was happening on the ground.

In response to the insufficient real-time neighborhood and city-level COVID-19 data, SBRT convened advocates and educators interested in crafting a common needs assessment for all caregivers in New York City. Our aim was to create a standardized survey tool for our partners to distribute that was accessible to all parents and caregivers regardless of their background and could be completed in under 10 minutes. In October 2020 we launched the survey that covered online learning, child care, food access, housing stability, and mental health issues.

Last week, we released a report that took a specific look at the responses coming from Bronx Community District 3 — one of the hardest hit communities by the COVID-19 pandemic. The report includes a set of policy recommendations we believe that, if adopted, can significantly improve outcomes for historically neglected communities that have, as a result underinvestment, disproportionately bared the worst of the pandemic. With meaningful policy change and increased investment, Bronx communities will be better positioned to withstand the next major economic or public health crisis.

Healing-centered Schools Pilot

South Bronx Rising Together has developed a four-month healing-centered pilot program for schools in Bronx Community District 3. Through continuous improvement strategies, technical assistance, and capacity building efforts, we aim to support schools in building healing-centered environments, whether in school or virtually, to support the social-emotional development of students. This program will be tailored to each school’s current programming and center the social-emotional needs of English Language Learners (ELLs)/Multilingual Learners (MLLs) and Students in Temporary Housing (STH) during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
We are excited to work closely with C.S. 44, C.S. 61, and Fannie Lou Hamer Middle School throughout the pilot process!

RFP: Civic Engagement Consultant

SBRT seeks an experienced consultant to develop and execute an anti-oppressive civic engagement curriculum for 25 students in 11th and 12th grade. This consultant will lead a series of workshops and trainings for students, liaise with SBRT staff to align curriculum with other civic engagement activities, and develop a set of recommendations for continued youth engagement post-program. Additionally, the consultant will work with SBRT staff to ensure curriculum reflects a healing-centered and trauma-informed approach in its design.

Upcoming Events

Bronx Impact Food Access Collective: February 16 at 12:30pm
This group of community advocates is working to realize a collective vision of food justice for all Bronx residents by identifying policy and programmatic strategies to address the structural inequities which repress equitable access to food and nutrition. The group meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 12:30pm.

COVID-19 Vaccines: A Parent Community Workshop: February 16 at 5:30pm
Join the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and SBRT for a discussion about what vaccines are, their side effects, who is currently eligible to be vaccinated, and where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Family Child Care Collective Response Convening: February 22 at 1pm
Join family child care providers and advocates working to streamline resources and communication across NYC to support the workforce that provides early education to our youngest children!

South Bronx Cafecito: March 10 at 6pm
Parents and caregivers! Let’s talk about our kids, our community, and the future we want for the South Bronx. Join the conversation to identify the most pressing concerns for your family and help to build the solution.

Partner Corner

Trailblazers 2021: Program & Award Ceremony in Honor of African American History Month: February 17 at 6pm

NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer is partnering with Congressman Jamal Bowman to host Trailblazers. This annual event celebrates/ highlights the incredible achievements of Black New Yorkers within their communities. This year, the focus is people that live or work in the Bronx who fight for equity and representation in education. The program is jam packed with inspiration and a special performance!

Workshops: Parent Guide to Remote Learning with Representative Adriano Espaillat
Starting in February, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) will host live and asynchronous workshops to support parents and caregivers navigating the new world of remote learning. These workshops will be held on a weekly basis, starting February 4 at 5:00pm with recordings of the sessions being made available for asynchronous participants.

Thursday, February 25, 2021, 5:00-6:30pm — Division of Special Education: “Supporting Families in Navigating Remote Learning for Students with Disabilities”

Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 5:00-6:30pm — Division of Multilingual Learners: “Supporting Families in Navigating Remote Learning for Multilingual Learners”

Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 5:00-6:30pm — Division of Student Services: “Supporting Families with Stress Management during Remote Learning”

Thursday, April 15, 2021, 5:00-6:30pm — Division of Teaching and Learning: “Supporting Families in Fostering Student Independence during Remote Learning”

Thursday, April 29, 2021, 5:00-6:30pm — Division of Special Education: “Supporting Families of Students with a Disability in Fostering Student Independence during Remote Learning”

Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 5:00-6:30pm — Division of Student Services: “Supporting Families by Strengthening Coping Skills through Mindfulness”

Professional Development Series with Third Ave BID
The Third Avenue BID, in partnership with the Bronx SBDC and Lehman College, is providing the Bronx community with a FREE, six-part professional development series and community certification to help Bronx residents get into the job market.

A New Administration

A New Administration

Two weeks ago we witnessed a transfer of power initiated by the voting citizens of a democratic nation. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris - the first woman and person of color to hold the office of vice president - took the oath of office and a new executive branch of the government was sworn in. Today marks the beginning of Black History month and we are especially encouraged by the recent steps the Biden-Harris administration has taken to integrate racial equity in policies and procedures, namely the Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.

President Biden’s proposed cabinet is also praised as being the most diverse along racial and gender lines, in this history of the United States. Representation matters at all levels of government but that in and of itself is not enough to guarantee equitable outcomes and opportunities for BIPOC communities. We commit to holding the Biden-Harris administration accountable to advancing an agenda that prioritizes BIPOC communities and shifts power in a manner so that marginalized voices are heard and honored.

Today we share these post-inauguration thoughts from Phoebe Boyer, President & CEO of Children’s Aid.

”The Biden-Harris administration has a bold agenda for its first 100 days. I see promise especially in the president’s America Rescue Plan, which includes poverty-reduction measures that we have long advocated for, including investments in low-income and Black and Latinx communities to combat the disparate impact the pandemic has had. Children’s Aid has had the privilege of providing input on their education agenda, so I am thrilled to see the administration’s plans also specifically reference the creation and expansion of community schools, which was among our list of recommendations. We will continue to work with the administration to improve the lives of children in our community and across the country.

More broadly, I am encouraged by the cabinet this administration is assembling, which promises to include the most diverse voices ever. This is the team that will be responsible for the future of our country.

Advocacy Corner

Early Childhood Advocacy Day
The 2021 Early Childhood Advocacy Day is tomorrow! There is still time to register if you’re interested in ensuring that New York State invests in our youngest children.
Want to help spread the word on social media? Keep an eye out on your inbox tomorrow! We’ll be sending out a social media toolkit for you to utilize!

Upcoming Events

Family Child Care Collective Response Convening: February 2 at 1pm
Join family child care providers and advocates working to streamline resources and communication across NYC to support the workforce that provides early education to our youngest children!

Bronx Impact Food Access Collective: February 2 at 12:30pm
This group of community advocates is working to realize a collective vision of food justice for all Bronx residents by identifying policy and programmatic strategies to address the structural inequities which repress equitable access to food and nutrition. The group meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 12:30pm.

South Bronx Cafecito: February 10 at 6pm
Parents and caregivers! Let’s talk about our kids, our community, and the future we want for the South Bronx. Join the conversation to identify the most pressing concerns for your family and help to build the solution.

Partner Corner

3-K to 12 Enrollment Resources
The upcoming weeks are peak season for virtual school fairs and information sessions! Click the links below to access more information about admission processes! We encourage your families to access the All Admissions Videos for step-by-step video assistance on the enrollment process relevant to their child. If your families have any additional questions about creating or submitting their MySchools application, they can also contact Patricia Rivera or Charisma Rodriguez for direct assistance.

• 3-K

• Pre-K

• Kindergarten and Gifted & Talented

• Middle School

• High School

• Specialized High Schools

• Access to All Admissions Videos

• Upcoming High School Fairs Registration

Fundamentals Conference
The National Center for Community Schools (NCCS) at Children’s Aid presents the virtual edition of the Community Schools Fundamentals Conference, a learning experience designed specifically for those new or relatively new to community schools. Now more than ever, community schools are the right strategy to support students, families, and neighborhoods. NCCS will share lessons learned from over 25 years of implementation in New York City and nationwide capacity building, as well as promising practices emerging from the COVID era. In addition to attending a virtual school visit to a Children’s Aid community school, participants will learn about the foundations and the updated “nuts and bolts” of community school practice.

Join this virtual journey to deepen your understanding of community schools and network with other school and community leaders from across the country!

For more information and to register, click here.

Mutual Aid, South Bronx Cafecitos, and More!

Reflecting on Dr. King’s Legacy

Yesterday we celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the tireless work of Black activists — those who have gone before us, and those organizing their communities today.

One of the foundational tenets of organizing is the concept of mutual aid. The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new wave of neighborhood-based mutual aid networks across the city. While these networks might be new, the concept and practice of mutual aid is no stranger to marginalized communities. Perhaps one of the best known mutual aid efforts was the free breakfast program established by the Black Panthers in 1969 where food donations from businesses and neighbors were collected and eventually expanded to 45 cities, feeding over 50,000 children.

Mutual aid is a tangible form of community resistance and provision. Neighbors are compelled to care for one another and empowered to change political conditions. We are inspired by the work New York City’s mutual aid networks are doing to provide and protect neighbors during these particularly unprecedented times. South Bronx Mutual Aid is one of many networks operating in the Bronx to ensure the needs of community members are fulfilled. Learn more and offer your support!

Advocacy Corner

Ranked Choice Voting Comes to NYC
Beginning this year, all New York City primary and special elections will use ranked-choice voting protocols. But what exactly is ranked-choice voting? Ranked-choice voting enables voters to rank up to 5 candidates in order of preference. If a candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, they win the election. If no candidates meet the 50% threshold, an instant run-off begins. The candidate with the lowest number of first-choice votes is automatically eliminated and their votes get redistributed to the second-choice candidate on the ballots. For example, if you voted for the candidate that had the lowest number of first-choice votes, your second-choice vote is then counted. This process is repeated for each round until there are only two candidates left. The candidate with the most votes wins.

Why is ranked-choice voting important? Studies show that cities that have switched to ranked-choice voting protocols have elected more women and people of color, making elected officials more representative of the communities they serve. With this model, voters are also able to support candidates who may not be their number one choice, but are still considered to be viable options. According to City & State, supporters “also argue that ranked-choice decreases negative campaigning since candidates are looking to be the second-choices of their opponents’ supporters, and that it encourages candidates to reach out to a wide coalition to build a broad base of support.”

Upcoming Events

Family Child Care Collective Response Convening: January 19 at 1pm
Join family child care providers and advocates as they strive to streamline resources and communication across NYC to support the workforce that provides early education to our youngest children!

Bronx Impact Food Access Collective: January 19 at 12:30pm
This group of community advocates is working to realize a collective vision of food justice for all Bronx residents by identifying policy and programmatic strategies to address the structural inequities which repress equitable access to food and nutrition. The group meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 12:30pm.

Supporting Your Child’s Virtual Learning Experience: January 28 at 6pm
Want to learn more about the platforms schools use for online learning, like email and Google Classroom? Need help troubleshooting internet issues or using a computer or tablet? Join SBRT along with Ariadna Phillips from South Bronx Mutual Aid and other Bronx parents as we discuss common issues and questions families have as their children attend school virtually. Don’t have Zoom? You can still join us on Facebook Live by going to SBRT’s Facebook page. This workshop will be in English and Spanish.

South Bronx Cafecito: February 10 at 6pm
Parents and caregivers! Let’s talk about our kids, our community, and the future we want for the south Bronx.

South Bronx Cafecitos

This month, we began hosting a virtual cafecito every second Wednesday of the month for parents and caregivers in the South Bronx. This virtual space is specifically designed for parents and caregivers to connect and share the visions they have for their families and communities. Interested in joining? Head to bit.ly/SBRTParents and register for our future cafecitos! Our next one will take place on February 10.

To learn more about our upcoming workshops and meet other parents in the South Bronx, join our virtual parent community Facebook group.

Partner Corner

Register for the 2021 Early Childhood Advocacy Day on February 2!
While the State Capitol may not be physically open to us, this virtual event will be an opportunity for those who would not normally be able to travel to Albany to make their voices heard. Anyone who believes that New York State should invest in its youngest children is invited to join. Let's make sure New York's budget prioritizes young children, families, and early childhood professionals.

BronxNet Interview
This week Sonyi Lopez at BronxNet interviewed SBRT’s Director, Christina Samuels, about digital equity and the future of education for students in the Bronx. Watch the interview here!

Meet the Team

We’ve taken the past few weeks to highlight staff members on our team. We wrap things up this week with our Policy Specialist, Kara Smith, who has been with SBRT since October 2019.

Kara is a dedicated advocate for justice and is passionate about utilizing data and storytelling to elicit systems change. Prior to joining SBRT, she worked as a data manager for a collective impact initiative in Michigan, focusing on cradle to career advocacy efforts. Kara completed her BSW and BA in sociology at Calvin University and earned her MSW from Case Western Reserve University with a concentration in policy and research.

Supporting Child Care Providers, Parent Community Workshops, and more!

Upcoming Events

Family Child Care Collective Response Convening: January 4 at 1pm
Join family child care providers and advocates as they strive to streamline resources and communication across NYC to support the workforce that provides early education to our youngest children!

Bronx Impact Food Access Collective: January 5 at 12:30pm
This group of community advocates is working to realize a collective vision of food justice for all Bronx residents by identifying policy and programmatic strategies to address the structural inequities which repress equitable access to food and nutrition. The group meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 12:30pm.

Healing-Centered Schools Community of Learning: January 5 at 4pm
Interested in supporting the mental health and well-being of students as they return to school and navigate online learning? This group meets to discuss best-practices related to creating healing-centered schools and gain insights from SBRT’s healing centered schools pilot.

Partner Corner

New York Public Library
NYPL has been offering a variety of remote learning resources for students, educators, and parents including free online tutoring with Brainfuse and college and career-readiness counseling. For a list of their resources, click here.

My.BronxImpact
My.BronxImpact.org is a search engine for free and low-cost services like food, healthcare, housing, legal support, education, transportation, and work programs all across NYC. Begin your search here.

NYC Department of Education
The DOE is hosting a series of virtual elementary admission events for families who want to learn about 3-K, pre-K, and kindergarten admissions. Click here to register.

Supporting child care providers

This past Wednesday we testified at a joint-hearing with the Committee on Education and Committee on Women and Gender Equity concerning the impact of COVID-19 on family child care (FCC) providers and families who rely on this form of child care. Here are a few highlights from our submission:

Family child care represents 81% of child care settings in the Bronx, making it the most common form families utilize. While providing quality care and early education, FCC settings also provide rich, culturally responsive care and are often capable of offering non-traditional hours, which is especially important for children of essential workers and other working families. However, the family child care system has struggled to survive throughout the duration of the pandemic. As the new year approaches and providers who had temporarily closed look to reopen, we hope the City of New York will address the following barriers:

Loss of Income
Provide financial compensation to FCC providers for the months of lost income in order for these small businesses to survive the pandemic. Additionally, funding should be provided in the form of direct grants, not via reimbursements, and be applicable to cover rent/mortgage payments, utilities, and other overhead costs.

Challenges to Enrollment
The backlog and delay of parent certification and eligibility applications must be resolved so that funding can resume.

Inadequate Payment
Increase payments to FCC providers that reflect the true cost of child care, incorporating hazard pay to FCC providers who have cared for children throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Virtual parent community

In October we launched our South Bronx Virtual Parent Community and are hosting several parent community workshops. You can find an archive of the workshops on our Facebook page in addition to clicking the links below. We look forward to facilitating workshops on digital literacy in the new year. Stay tuned for more information!

Every Child is a Super Reader (Spanish and English)
Talking to Young Children about Stress (English)
Talking to Young Children about Stress (Spanish)
Staying Healthy During COVID-19 (Spanish and English)
Food Access (Spanish and English)

To learn more about our upcoming workshops and meet other parents in the South Bronx, join our virtual parent community Facebook group.

Bronx Digital Equity

Two weeks ago we encouraged you to demand digital equity for Bronx students by signing on to a letter to NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and Chancellor Richard Carranza. Your voice was heard along with 204 others. Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza have received the letter and we will continue to hold them accountable to these demands:

• Provide appropriate digital devices to ALL students immediately

• Hold internet service providers accountable

• Improve communication to families around distribution of devices and other technology support

• Increase resources for technology assistance for students and families

• Establish digital security and privacy

• Address educational neglect cases involving technology issues

• Ensure quality of remote learning

Thank you for your support!

Meet the team

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be re-introducing our team to you and sharing a bit about ourselves. This week we’re highlighting our Early Learning Systems Manager, Lara Kyriakou, who has been with SBRT since October 2018.

Lara has over 10 years of experience in the early childhood field, with a particular focus on parents and children in the first three years of life. Prior to joining SBRT, she was a project manager at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Lara earned her Master’s Degree in Human Development from the University of Pennsylvania.

ACTION REQUEST: Sign the Bronx Digital Equity Letter

Upcoming Events

Bronx Impact Food Access Collective
December 8 at 12:30pm
This group of community advocates is working to realize a collective vision of food justice for all Bronx residents by identifying policy and programmatic strategies to address the structural inequities which repress equitable access to food and nutrition. The group meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 12:30pm.

Parent Workshop: Talking to Your Young Children About Stress (English only)
December 8 at 6:00pm
Join us as we discuss how to start conversations with young children about stress through a healing-centered approach. We will be welcoming guest speaker May Erouart from the Children’s Health Fund. Don’t have Zoom? You can still join us on Facebook Live by going to SBRT’s Facebook page

Cómo Hablarle A Niños Pequeños Sobre el Estrés
9 de diciembre a las 6:00pm
Únase a nosotros para discutir cómo iniciar conversaciones con niños pequeños sobre el estrés a través de un enfoque centrado en la curación emocional. Daremos la bienvenida a la oradora invitada Angie Vega del 'Children's Health Fund.' Esta conversación será dada solamente en español. ¿No tienes Zoom? ¡Todavía puede unirse a nosotros en vivo yendo a nuestra página de Facebook!

Family Child Care Collective Response Convening
December 14 at 1:00pm
Join family child care providers and advocates as they strive to streamline resources and communication across NYC to support the workforce that provides early education to our youngest children!

Parent Workshop: Every Child a Super Reader
December 16 at 6:00pm
Join us for a conversation about how you can raise lifelong super readers from the very earliest ages, and how you can keep the energy high for your older children as readers and learners. Don’t have Zoom? You can still join us on Facebook Live by going to SBRT’s Facebook page. Spanish translation will be provided.

Partner Corner

New York Public Library
NYPL has been offering a variety of remote learning resources for students, educators, and parents including free online tutoring with Brainfuse and college and career-readiness counseling. For a list of their resources, click here.

Raising Readers
Raising Readers is a book club program for adults aimed at promoting reading in homes and the community. Contact Edwin Scott or Jasmine Morera to enroll.

NYC Comptroller’s Office
The Comptroller’s Office and A Better Balance are surveying New Yorkers about flexibility in their workplaces. This survey will allow the City to understand how New Yorkers’ relationships to work and family are changing. COVID-19 has upended the experience of work, and they are also tracking the outcomes of new protections codified in City and State law. The survey data will help identify policy recommendations and gain a fuller picture of the New York City workforce.
Complete the survey by clicking here.

Bronx Digital Equity

Since March, many NYC public school students have been missing the two essential items needed to access the quality education guaranteed to them: reliable internet access and an age-appropriate device. As we enter into the tenth month of the COVID-19 pandemic, students still lack these crucial components. We are calling on NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza to do the following:

• Provide appropriate digital devices to ALL students immediately

• Hold internet service providers accountable

• Improve communication to families around distribution of devices and other technology support

• Increase resources for technology assistance for students and families

• Establish digital security and privacy

• Address educational neglect cases involving technology issues

• Ensure quality of remote learning

We encourage organizations and individuals alike to sign the Bronx Digital Equity letter.

Meet the team

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be re-introducing our team to you and sharing a bit about ourselves. This week we’re highlighting our Director, Christina Samuels, who started working with SBRT this past June!

Christina is dedicated to building equitable systems that allow low-income communities and communities of color to thrive. Before joining the SBRT team she worked in a range of for- and non-profit sectors and fields, most recently as the Policy & Impact Manager at HERE to HERE and the Education Policy Manager at the New York Immigration Coalition. Christina has a Master of Arts degree in Anthropology & International Development from The George Washington University.