Dear Neighbor,

I am writing to let you know about important resources for tax prep, applications for Pre-K and 3K, calls for donations, opportunities for Bronx artists, and more!

Please see the details below and do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you are in need of assistance.

In Community,

Hon. Amanda Farías

Majority Leader, Council District 18

New York City Public Schools applications for 3-K and Pre-K for the 2024-2025 school year are open now until March 1, 2024. Families can apply for 3-K and Pre-K enrollment in three different ways:

• Apply online on MySchools.nyc 

• Apply over the phone by calling 718-935-2009, Monday to Friday between 8 AM to 6 PM. 

• Apply in person at a local Family Welcome Center  

Virtual Rat Academy for Homeowner

• Wednesday, March 27, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. RSVP Here

Virtual Rat Academy for Community Gardeners

• Wednesday, March 20, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. RSVP Here

If you are interested in working with the Health Department to sponsor a virtual or in-person training, contact the Health Department and select Pest Control as a Health Topic.

If you earned $85,000 or less in 2023, file for FREE with an IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer.

The deadline to file a tax return for your 2023 taxes is April 15, 2024. Review checklist of documents you need to file your taxes.

The Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark is hosting a Prom Dress and Suit Drive until April 19th. We invite you to join us in this initiative by donating gently worn formal dresses, suits, shoes, accessories, and handbags.

To contribute, simply drop off your donations at the designated bin located in the welcoming lobby of 198 E 161st Street from 9am to 5pm. For any inquiries or further details, please don't hesitate to contact the Community Engagement Team at [email protected].

Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice (YMPJ) is calling for Bronx artists to propose temporary public art installations underneath a section of the Bruckner Expressway crossing Bronx River Avenue!

We invite you to attend our call to artists info session on February 22, 2024 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, to register click here. Details on this and how to submit for consideration can be found here.

Applicants must submit as a single PDF attachment emailed to both [email protected] and [email protected] with “Soundview Economic Hub Artist Submission” in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Proposals can be submitted via email by 11:59 PM (EST) by March 6th, 2024. 

Senior Prom is coming to the Sotomayor Community Center on February 23rd!

Make sure to RSVP yourself or the the older adults in your life before February 15th (tomorrow) by emailing [email protected].