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Dear Neighbors,

New York City's economic recovery has begun. As a member of the City Council's Budget Negotiation Team, I am focused on ensuring that our city budget, and incoming Federal relief dollars, are used in the most efficient and equitable way possible.

Our small businesses and working New Yorkers have been profoundly impacted by the pandemic shutdown. Please read below for important new resources for businesses and job seekers.
 

A reminder that New York City's Primary Elections for Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough Presidents, and members of the City Council are on June 22nd. Ranked-choice voting will be used in this year’s Primary and Special Elections. Learn more here.

If you wish to vote using an absentee ballot, please request one as soon as possible. You can request an Absentee Ballot here; and request an Accessible Ballot here.
  • Track your absentee ballot here after you have submitted your application. Data in the system may take up to 72 hours to appear. 
  • Questions? Assistance is available in multiple languages. Please call 1-866-VOTE-NYC or email [email protected].

Next Week: Benefits Webinar for Older Adults!
You may be eligible for housing, healthcare, utility, and other benefits that you are not currently receiving! Join us on Tuesday, April 27th to learn more. Register here.


 

Free Assistance for UWS Small Business Owners
The NYC Small Business Resource Network (SBRN) is a private/public partnership providing local businesses with free, personalized guidance during the pandemic. Business owners should complete a brief intake form here, and they will be matched with their own Business Support Specialist who will guide them through a variety of economic recovery resources. 

SBRN is funded by a $2.8 million grant from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation and led by the Partnership for New York City, the NYC Economic Development Corporation and all five borough Chambers of Commerce. It leverages the city’s corporate, financial and professional services sectors, as well as universities, philanthropies and expert volunteers to help small business owners gain access to a range of programs and services.
 

Community Board 7 Environmental Justice Survey
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and full involvement of all persons (regardless of race, color, national origin or income) in the process of carrying out environmental laws, regulations, policies, and activities, including the distribution of environmental benefits to all.

Please click here to share your thoughts on environmental justice with our local community board. You can also complete the form in Spanish.
 

Take a Stand Against Street Harassment with Hollaback
Have you ever witnessed street harassment, wanted to step in, but had no idea what to do? Hollaback!, L’Oréal Paris, the NYC Commission on Gender Equity, and the NYC Mayor's Office to End Domestic & Gender-Based Violence have joined forces to help people safely intervene when they experience or witness harassment in public spaces through virtual bystander intervention trainings. Women.nyc will be hosting a training on Thursday, 5/13 at noon. Click here to sign up!
 

Muslim Volunteers for New York’s Ramadan Food Drive
Ramadan is a month of self-reflection, fasting, charity and compassion. As part of this special time, Muslim Volunteers for New York has launched a food drive to support the NY Common Pantry, West Side Campaign Against Hunger, and City Meals on Wheels.

These providers are directly serving our city’s most vulnerable and food insecure families & homebound seniors, while experiencing escalating demand due to the pandemic. I hope you will support MV4NY's drive which ends this Sunday (4/25). Click here to donate.
 


Warmer weather and normal life are gradually returning. I was delighted to meet these MS 54 students at a recent Upper West Side farmers market!
COVID-19 Updates

April 27th Webinar: Science & Regulatory Backstory of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
Join John Jay College President Karol V. Mason, scientists, legal professionals and others as they discuss the story behind the development, production, and testing of the new Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine. Tuesday, April 27th, 5pm. Click here for viewing info

1.) Walk-Up Vaccination Sites Now Open for New Yorkers Age 50+. Please click here for Manhattan locations where persons 50+ (and a companion) can receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine without an appointment. Vaccination sites continue to be added/changed -- we will share updates as we receive them.

2.) All New Yorkers 16 years and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine! Vaccinations can be scheduled via the City of NY’s Vaccine Hub, its Vaccine Finder, or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC or 877-829-4692.

Please check the NYS Dept of Health website and the NYC Dept of Health website regularly for vaccination updates and additional information on vaccination locations, how to schedule a vaccination, and the State form you will fill out prior to vaccination.
 
3.) NYCHA's Douglass Houses is offering COVID-19 vaccinations in their senior center for three weeks (beginning April 15th). The pop-up center is open Thursday - Sunday, from 8am-6pm, and is offering the Moderna vaccine.

To make a vaccination appointment, NYCHA residents should phone (332) 240-3330. Learn more here.

4.) Live performance, film and tv workers have a new dedicated vaccination site in Times Square, located at 47th Street & 7th Avenue. To schedule an appointment, please call (917) 281-5937 or email [email protected] with your name and phone number.

5.) Fully homebound New Yorkers who wish to receive an in-home vaccination: Please click here or call 877-829-4692. You will receive a phone call to confirm your eligibility and schedule the appointment; on that call, please also make sure to request in-home vaccination for other eligible household members (eligibility criteria listed here). Please note that there is high interest in this program -- but you will receive a call back.

6.) The Vaccine for All Corps is enlisting 2,000 New Yorkers to support City vaccination efforts across the five boroughs. Hiring for the first tranche of these positions is live at nyc.gov/vaccinejobs. Healthcare experience is not required for many of the positions. 
Residents from NYC communities hit hardest by COVID-19 are especially invited to apply.
 
7.) Assistance with Pandemic-Related Funeral Expenses. FEMA is now accepting applications from persons seeking financial assistance with COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Please check FEMA's website to learn more.

Veterans: VA New York Harbor is offering vaccinations to veterans 65 and older who are enrolled in VA Healthcare. Click here to learn more or call 1-877-877-9267.

Transportation for Seniors to Vaccination Appointments
New Yorkers age 65+ who make a vaccination appointment at a City-operated site will be asked if they need transportation to get to and from their appointment. Transportation is available if you:
  • Have Access-a-Ride: (877) 337-20172.
  • Have Medicaid-provided transportation: Use your regular contact number to schedule transport, or call (844) 666-6270.
  • Are a homebound 65+ or disabled New Yorker who needs ambulette services: Call Hunter Ambulette at (718) 991-2211.
Anyone 65 and older who does not qualify for 1-3 above can schedule a free ride with Curb at (646) 349-0289.
 
Resources for Immigrant Communities During COVID-19
Many city services are available to all New Yorkers no matter their immigration status or ability to pay. View the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs’ (MOIA) resource guide at nyc.gov/immigrants/coronavirus. 

If you have questions about immigration or how to access City services during the COVID-19 crisis, call the City's hotline at (212) 788-7654 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or email [email protected].

Public Charge: In New York City, healthcare is a human right. Use of health services related to COVID-19 will not be considered under the public charge rule and will not impact your ability to apply for a green card or citizenship. For more information visit: nyc.gov/publiccharge.

Stay Informed! Helpful COVID-19 information sources include: 
Assistance for NYers Who Test Positive for Covid
NYC Health & Hospitals' Test & Trace Corps provides special services for New Yorkers who test positive, and their close contacts. This includes equipment so a household can quarantine safely, free hotel rooms if quarantining at home is impossible, pet care, and more.
 
COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment for Manhattan Businesses
Business owners in need of supplies for themselves and their employees should email the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce at [email protected].

Employment & Public Service Opportunities


Careers in Cybersecurity
There are 30,000 cyber jobs in the NYC metro area -- you can apply for a free cybersecurity bootcamp scholarship from Fullstack Academy and the NYC Economic Development Corporation, designed to prepare New Yorkers impacted by COVID-19 for a well-paying job in this rapidly growing industry. Click here to learn more and apply by this Saturday, 4/25.

Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) is Hiring
The Civilian Complaint Review Board is hosting a virtual recruitment event next Tuesday, April 27 from 6pm-7pm, moderated by Director of Recruitment, LaShawn Lindsey. All interested applicants are invited to join and learn about: 
  • CCRB's hiring process
  • CCRB's organizational culture & typical job duties for a CCRB investigator
  • Career path for CCRB investigators 
  • CCRB efforts to support staff during the pandemic
Sign up for the event and submit your questions for CCRB's panelists by sending an email to [email protected] no later than 1pm on Tuesday, April 27th.
 
City Cleanup Corps (CCC)
Mayor de Blasio has announced the launch of the City Cleanup Corps (CCC), a New Deal-inspired economic recovery program to directly create 10,000 jobs and make New York City the "cleanest, greenest city in the United States."

Part of the Mayor’s Recovery For All of Us plan, the CCC will be funded via federal stimulus dollars. The first 1,000 New Yorkers will be hired this month, with more positions opening this summer. Hiring will take place across 10 City agencies, including the departments of Parks & Recreation, Transportation, Environmental Protection, and the NYC Housing Authority.

The CCC will focus on revitalizing New York City’s public spaces and neighborhoods -- prioritizing areas identified by local communities and elected officials, business districts, and the 33 neighborhoods hit hardest by the pandemic. Learn more and apply here.

NYPD Recruiting New Officers
The NYPD is recruiting for its next Police Officer class. Registration is required and will be open through April 27th, 2021. Learn more about becoming an officer here.

To register for the exam, visit www.nyc.gov/oasys. For more information, contact 212-RECRUIT or visit the NYPD's website.

Lincoln Center Workforce Development Program
Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic are accelerating the renovation of David Geffen Hall, now scheduled to reopen in fall 2022. 

The renovation project is expected to create a significant number of construction and other jobs, and includes a commitment to 30% minimum participation by Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and 40% minimum workforce inclusion from underrepresented populations. To that end, Lincoln Center has launched a workforce development program focused on its three surrounding zip codes, including residents of nearby NYCHA residences, community organizations, and local high schools.

Program participants will receive five weeks of full-time paid training in 8 different construction trades, a paid apprenticeship, and long-term employment and career opportunities in an in-demand and hands-on field. Program graduates will be offered full-time employment as an apprentice with either Turner Construction (which is the Hall’s construction manager) or one of Turner’s sub-contractors. Learn more here.

Nontraditional Employment for Women
Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) is a nonprofit organization offering free training for women to start careers in trades, utilities and facilities maintenance. Average starting wages are over $19.00/hour.

Learn more about NEW here. Online information sessions are available Mondays at 6pm and Tuesdays at 10am. Enroll now at www.new-nyc.org/enroll.

Volunteer Healthcare Workers Needed!
Ryan Health is looking for volunteer staff to help administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Qualified healthcare professionals who are interested in volunteering should email [email protected].
Resources for Small Businesses
 
Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Women 50+
NewVenture 50+ is an entrepreneurial bootcamp for women ages 50 and up, offered in partnership with WE NYC and NYC Small Business Services (SBS). On Thursday (4/29), learn how to take your business from idea to action plan in six weeks, covering everything you need to know to launch a profitable small business in any sector. Application deadline has been extended. Click here to apply by Thursday (4/22).

Support for Black Entrepreneurs
NYC SBS has launched BE NYC Startup Intensive, an initiative to advance Black Entrepreneurship in NYC. The no-cost, 40-hour intensive instructional course provides Black entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills they need to launch and run successful businesses in NYC. Application deadline: May 2nd. For more information, click here.

The program features the unique perspectives of thriving Black entrepreneurs. With the guidance of experienced facilitators, business experts, and a network of supportive peers, participants will: 
  • Learn techniques to overcome barriers such as limited access to capital, atypical work experience, and continuing education needs; 
  • Learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and refine their business concepts; 
  • Identify the components of a strong business plan; and 
  • Gain the knowledge and skills they need to launch a profitable business, including identifying existing opportunities, organizations, and resources available for Black entrepreneurs in NYC. 
Federal Relief for Businesses
The deadline for applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been extended to May 31st. The program currently offers:  The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) has launched Fair Share NYC, offering free webinars, technical assistance and access to lenders to help businesses interested in applying for PPP loans. For more information, visit nyc.gov/PPP or call 888-SBS-4NYC.

Listen to City of NY "town calls" for arts, entertainment, hospitality and nightlife businesses and workers re: the latest federal loans and other assistance programs: Pace University offers a variety of grants for small businesses. Learn more here.

Webinars for Businesses
The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce offers on-line programs covering a variety of topics important to small businesses. Click here for viewing information.

For Public School Families

 
On-Line Discussion: Students With Physical Disabilities Talk About NYC Public High Schools
Four years ago, several students with physical disabilities came together to speak about their experiences applying to NYC’s public high schools. Come hear what the students have to say about their high school experiences as they prepare for their next adventure.

Date: Thursday, April 22nd, 6:30pm. Register here. Sponsored by Parents for Inclusive Education and Advocates for Children of New York.
 
New York City's Summer Youth Employment initiative offers paid work experiences and project-based learning opportunities for 70,000 young people. Application deadline is April 23rd.

Applications and information now available by clicking here! You can also call 311 or the NYC Dept of Youth & Community Development's Community Connect at 1-800-246-4646.

Summer IEP Services Pre-Registration Survey
Families of students with 12-month IEPs should submit this survey by April 23 to pre-register and indicate their preference for in-person or remote services this summer. Survey responses will help determine the DOE's planning process for summer programming and scheduling. 

Summer Rising, the DOE's new free summer program, is available to all K-12th grade students, including students with disabilities. Beginning April 26, families of students in grades K-8 will be able to sign up through Discover DYCD. Schools will be reaching out to high school students and students with 12-month IEPs to discuss participation and program options. Learn more here.

3-K for All Expansion
The DOE is expanding 3-K for All to every school district, and will be adding up to 15,000 more seats by the end of the 2021-22 school year. The City says there will be approximately 43,000 3-K seats available across all 32 community school districts.

Applications for 3-K for All have been extended to May 28th. Programs in new school districts will be added to the applications as options for families in April and May. Families can visit nyc.gov/3k to sign up to receive email updates when new programs are added, and to learn how to create a MySchools account to explore and apply to programs.

2021 Education Council Elections
From May 1 to May 11, parents of public school students can vote for members of NYC's Education Councils -- parent candidates are running to represent their school community at the citywide and local levels. Learn more about the Education Councils and the upcoming elections in this Voting Guide FAQ, and find a list of upcoming forums on the DOE website.

Financial Aid for College
The Student Leadership Network has put together free resources to help guide high school seniors through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process. Click here to learn more!

Families are reminded that applications to the Shawn Carter College Scholarship Fund --specifically for households with an income of $75,000 or less-- are due by April 30th. Learn more here.

Community Reminders & Resources

 
1 in 2 NYC households are eligible for FREE tax prep!
Learn more at nyc.gov/taxprep or call 311 and ask for “tax preparation assistance.” Services available in multiple languages.
  • The deadline to file 2020 tax returns has been extended to May 17, 2021.
  • Do you have questions about federal stimulus payments or claiming tax credits? Did you receive unemployment insurance in 2020 and need help filing your taxes?
  • Use NYC Free Tax Prep to file for free and keep your WHOLE refund.
If you earned $68,000 or less in 2020, learn how you can file for free with the help of an IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer. Preparers can help you file your taxes, claim important tax credits (including federal stimulus payments), and avoid tax preparer fees.

Use the safe and reliable online options – including Self-Prep with Help - to save you time. Please note that in-person and drop-off services are extremely limited. 

Recycle Your Food Scraps!
The number of food scrap drop-off locations in our area continues to increase! NYC Veterans Survey
Are you a veteran, active duty service member, reservist, guardsman, veteran family member, military spouse, or military caregiver who lives in New York City?  If so, the NYC Dept of Veterans’ Services (DVS) wants to hear from you!
 
DVS is conducting a survey to help NYC policymakers identify and best understand the needs of our veteran community. Your response will remain anonymous unless you opt-in to receive support services from DVS. Take the survey here.

FDNY urges New Yorkers to always close the door when escaping a fire. Closing the door isolates fire and prevents smoke, heat and flames from spreading to hallways and stairs. Please visit https://www.fdnysmart.org/connect/ for more safety tips.

B & D Subway Service
A reminder that Manhattan Bridge inspections will be taking place this weekend (April 23-26), and there will be no B or D service in Manhattan. See alternative travel options here.

Tired of spam calls and looking for ways to block them? Click here for tips.
We're Here to Help

My office assists people with housing issues, seniors, the disabled, the recently un (or under) employed, the food insecure, and all those suffering the many consequences of this pandemic, to help in any way we can. We also provide on-going advocacy with our public schools and other public services.

Please call (212) 873-0282, leave a message and we will call you back as soon as possible; email [email protected]; or check our website, HelenRosenthal.com. We update it on a regular basis with information about public benefits, non-profit resources, and health facts Upper West Siders need to get through this crisis. 

Warmly,



P.S. Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested, or have them subscribe to my e-blasts here. Also, follow my social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and/or Instagram.
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