Email from New York City Council- District 18 Free programs, workshops, and opportunities you can take advantage of!     Hey Neighbor, Were you interested in RSVPing for the Bronx Zoo Family Nature Club? We’re sorry the RSVP link in our last email didn’t work — here’s the updated information so you can register and share with your family: RSVP As a reminder, The Bronx Zoo Family Nature Club is a free, family-friendly outdoor program being offered on Sunday, February 1, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Mitsubushi River Walk. It is designed to help children and caregivers connect with nature right here in the Bronx. Sessions encourage unstructured free play, exploration, and investigation of the local environment. Other upcoming dates are March 1, 2026 and May 3, 2026. This program is offered in partnership with the Bronx Zoo, and pre-registration is required for each session. In Community, Hon. Amanda Farías Majority Leader Council Member, District 18 🔎 PUBLIC PROGRAMS & BENEFITS Free Educational Workshop: Home Care Services Through Medicaid in NY Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | 4:00 PM (Zoom)  This free virtual workshop will help individuals and caregivers understand changes to Medicaid long-term care and how to access support to age in place at home.  Topics include: Medicaid guidelines for home care services Income trusts and excess income management MLTC & NYIA evaluations Veterans home care benefits Nursing Home Transition & Diversion (NHTD) PACE and OPWDD programs  Register for this Meeting → Free Lincoln Center Tickets for District 18 Residents  Through a partnership I secured with Lincoln Center, District 18 residents can access free tickets to select Mainstage performances as part of Lincoln Center’s Choose-What-You-Pay programming. Residents are eligible for up to three FREE tickets per performance, while supplies last. Use the code LCPCD18 at checkout. January performances include: globalFEST — Sunday, January 11, 2026 Pastoral — January 11, 12, and 13, 2026  For details and tickets visit LincolnCenter.org/Presents →  Free In-Person Workshop: Safety First (Fire Safety Education Program) Monday, January 12, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM  This workshop focuses on lifesaving fire prevention strategies, with special attention to older adults and at-risk communities. It will be held at JASA, Sue Ginsburg Older Adult Center – 975 Waring Avenue, in the Bronx  Register for this Meeting → Felony Trial Training Program (Mock Juror Experience) Friday, February 6, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM  A full-day, in-person opportunity for community members to participate as volunteer mock jurors as part of a felony trial training program. Participants will observe and engage in a simulated trial process. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Must be 18 years or older to participate.  Register for this Program → Winter/Spring 2026 Virtual Caregiving Workshops (NYC Public Schools) Zoom | Weekly Sessions  A free, trauma-informed workshop series for caregivers of NYC Public School students, focused on wellness, healing, and family support.  Schedule: Mondays: 5:00 – 6:00 PM Tuesdays: 7:30 – 8:30 PM  Monthly themes: January: Resilient Parenting February: Family Healing March: Family Connection April: Emotional Balance May: Mindful Support June: Compassion Across Generations  Monday Registration → Tuesday Registration → Access-A-Ride: MY AAR & OMNY ID Live Review Sessions Zoom | Weekly Sessions  Live review sessions designed to help Access-A-Ride customers understand and use MY AAR and AAR OMNY ID cards.  Sessions cover how to: Book and manage trips Use OMNY for free or reduced-fare rides Navigate the MY AAR portal  Session times: Tuesdays at 2:00 PM Thursdays at 11:00 AM Tuesday Registration → Thursday Registration → The Door- Free GED Program Advance & Earn is an innovative training and employment program for young adults between the ages of 18-24. Develop your career pathway with employer recognized trainings, earn credentials and certifications, enjoy paid internships and get comprehensive GED test prep.  Paid Internship for HSE Track: 250 hours total at $18/hour (approx. 25 hours/week)   Weekly Stipend for Pre-HSE Track: Earn $240/week (must attend at least 14 hours of programming) Interest Form → Mobile Food Distribution Every Thursday 10am - 2pm  For anyone age 65+ and has active Medicaid coverage. Pre Registration is Required. Located at 604 Castle Hill Avenue.  Call 347-315-4898 for more info. → Free Museum Memberships for SNAP Recipients SNAP recipients in New York can now enjoy free membership to the American Museum of Natural History — including FREE admission for up to four guests. This new benefit opens the door to one of NYC’s most iconic cultural institutions.  Get membership details → Food Distribution Friday, January 9th 12pm - 2pm  Located at 1000 Rosedale Avenue Bronx, NY 10472 Rain or Shine! Bring your bag and shopping cart Food will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. 🔗 STAY CONNECTED My office is here to help you navigate city services and access resources. We are accepting appointments for the services below. Call our office to schedule a day and time that works for you. For questions please call my office at 718-792-1140 New York City Council- District 18 | 778 Castle Hill Avenue | Bronx, NY 10473 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice