and a new Local Law

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Dear John,
* Have any thoughts on our weekly newsletter? Share your feedback ([link removed]) in our annual community survey!
* Our team is currently searching for a new office in our updated district lines! For the time being, we are unable to offer in-person appointments with extremely limited exceptions. If you need help, call us at (718) 499-1090 or email us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
* 3-K and Pre-K applications are now open for Fall 2024 and are due 3/1! You can apply in one of three ways, online with MySchools.nyc ([link removed]) , over the phone at 718-935-2009 Monday-Friday between 8 AM and 6 PM, or contact a Family Welcome Center ([link removed]) . If you have questions about the process or need help applying, please contact our office at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Youth Fellowship Update

Over the last two years in office, my team has prioritized recruiting interested youth who live or go to school in District 39 into the fold of local government and civic engagement. Our Youth Fellowship Program has offered youth ages 14-18 a unique deep dive into local government. Fellows witnessed the day-to-day operations of my office from how we do communications, constituent services, advance the legislative process, and more. Over the course of this 8-month program, supervised by Hannah and Mus on my team, our fellows learned about the importance of enacting a universal composting program in NYC, and they even spread the word about the new law during our compost bin distribution events. They supported our monthly food distributions with Muslims Giving Back to address food insecurity in Kensington and added a critical voice to our Participatory Budgeting (PB) decision-making meetings ([link removed]) . We brought them to City Hall
to observe important hearings I chaired to understand the Mayor’s role in asylum seeker management and attend cultural celebrations like Diwali. In addition to getting to know the nuts and bolts of how local government works, they organized a monthly speaker series with leaders from advocacy organizations and city agencies. We’ve welcomed representatives from the Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice, the Brennan Center at NYU, and the Gowanus Canal Conservancy. These experts have opened up a window into the world of what a career in service could look like. It has been a joy to welcome these young leaders and watch them learn more about the issues that impact New Yorkers and begin to brainstorm how they want to play a role in making this city more just and compassionate. We’ve definitely seen some future elected officials in the making!

Stated Meeting Update

I’m proud to share that at this week’s Stated Meeting, I passed another bill! Intro 39-A ([link removed]) will build on existing programs like Home+ ([link removed]) and Project Safe ([link removed]) to provide free lock, door, and window changes and referrals to long-term services for survivors of domestic violence. Survivors shouldn’t have to choose between paying out of pocket for an expensive repair or putting themselves at risk. This program will be open to all New Yorkers regardless of immigration status and participants won’t be required to file a restraining order or police report in order to qualify. Survivors of domestic and gender-based violence deserve safety and security, and this program is a commitment to that.

I want to give a special thank you to the powerful and compassionate anti-domestic violence advocates and providers like the Asiyah Women’s Center, Sakhi for South Asian Women, Jahajee Sisters, Women in Need (WIN), New Destiny Housing, Safe Horizon, and Womankind, whose insights were integral to moving this bill to the finish line. See here ([link removed]) for coverage from Gothamist on the passage of Intro. 39-A.

Community Bulletin
* Does your loved one need help at home? Many older New Yorkers use Medicare and Medicaid together to pay for long-term, in-home care, but Medicaid access can seem complex. Join Heights and Hills for a free online workshop ([link removed]) on 2/13 at 6 PM that will help you understand the ins and outs of Medicaid access for long-term in-home care.
* Community boards ensure that local voices are included in major decisions affecting local communities! Help us build a better borough by applying ([link removed]) to join your local Community Board before the deadline on 2/19.
* The Summer Youth Employment Program application ([link removed]*3D&hmac=WIZw5roWaMRYrAm2i5gwcGQeNs3RuqPXLeYa9QWwqFg=&emci=edaf28b9-cabb-ee11-b660-002248223197&emdi=36edf558-5cbc-ee11-b660-002248223197&ceid=13812443__;JQ!!Pe07lN5AjA!TXIW5w_GzCNSpKqIcTh02U2avXErMyaoEZbIb_vlKPGPnSP-xhv5gxnUtAD3wN5ZsUu8CMWlRnB8CdLEt_8z-sCQ3kxcfKGXRgCB065H$) is open! This summer, young New Yorkers, ages 14 to 24, can get six weeks of paid work experience in a variety of relevant fields. The application closes on March 1, so make sure to apply before then.
* Our office is planning a job and volunteer fair for high school students in March! If you are a local employer that will be looking to fill summer jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities, please fill out our interest form ([link removed]) . Let us know if you have any questions or if you need support with the application.
* Pillars of Peace is a non-profit dedicated to providing educational resources to address the gap in services for Muslim survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. They are currently hiring for various positions, from a dedicated Shelter Director to Case Managers. Learn more about how to apply on their website ([link removed]) !

In Solidarity,

Shahana
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