News from the UFT for Bronx parents and caregivers

Bronx parents, caregivers and community members at our last parent committee meeting about participatory budgeting.

Dear Parent / Caregiver,

I hope you’re having a great autumn. We at the UFT have been busy being part of citywide participatory budgeting.

At our October meeting, the NYC Civic Engagement Commission helped us work as a team to generate project ideas for the part of the city budget called “The People’s Money.” To learn more about the process or submit your project idea, see The People’s Money website.

Check out more events, news and resources below.

Sincerely,
Maria Morales
UFT Bronx Parent and Community Liaison
mmorales@uft.org

Stolen Benefit Replacement Event
If your SNAP or Cash Assistance benefits were electronically stolen, the Department of Social Services’ outreach team can help you submit a benefit replacement claim at this free, drop-in event.
Date: Monday, Oct. 30
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Mott Haven Library at 321 E. 140th St. in the Bronx

Free Halloween magic shows and trick-or-treating
There will be magic shows, a costume contest with prizes and trick-or-treating at participating stores at the Mall at Bay Plaza.
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 31
Time: 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Where: The Mall at Bay Plaza, 200 Baychester Ave. in the BronxSee the event listing

Certified home health aide classes
El Barrio offers tuition-free training to become a certified home health aide in English and Spanish. Eligibility requirements include citizenship or proof of legal residency, the ability to pass a background check and proof of public assistance. A GED or high school diploma is not required. Come to a class to learn more.

You can apply in-person or call 212-427-7080, ext. 132.
Dates: Mondays, Nov. 20 (English) or Nov. 27 (Spanish)
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 413 E. 120th St., room 401, in Manhattan

Free online workshop: Treating Obesity While Living With Diabetes
As part of National Diabetes Month, Montefiore Health System’s Office of Community and Population Health invites you to a virtual workshop about obesity and diabetes prevention and treatment.

There’s no need to register. Simply click the “Join the meeting” button below at the date and time of the workshop.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 8
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Where: Online via ZoomJoin the meeting

Vocational and educational support from Vibrant Emotional Health
Vibrant Emotional Health has three Adolescent Skills Centers, including one in the Bronx, that offer support to students and youth between the ages of 16 and 22 with job placement, vocational training and educational support. Contact or visit them for help finding employment, internships and other programs
.Find out more

Get support for common family challenges
The city’s Family Assessment Program supports families struggling with common challenges, including children running away or skipping school, without requiring a court visit. Instead, families are referred to services and support. There is a Family Assessment Program drop-in center in every borough.
Learn more

Know your rights: ACS in your home
If the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) tries to come into your home without permission, including by threatening to call the police, you have legal recourse. Contact the Family Justice Law Center to tell your story and get support.
Learn more

Bronx food pantries
Check out this list of food pantries in the Bronx if your family is struggling with food insecurity.
Check it out

Job opportunity: Housing inspector
The city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development is hiring new housing inspectors to help make sure New York City residents’ homes are safe. The salary starts at $61,598 and includes medical and retirement benefits.
Learn more

Reduced wait times on Section 8 waiting list
A new budget increase to the Department of Housing and Urban Development has decreased wait times for Section 8 Affordable Housing to under two years. New spots on the waiting list will open weekly until Nov. 15.
Apply online now