Neighborhood Services

 

 

 

 

Good morning STEP Scholars, Parents & Families!

The Proyecto Access Hostos STEP Team is excited to share that the application for our 2026 Free IN-Person Summer Program is Now Open! Apply here.

Do you have a New York State 7th-11th grade student?! Apply to our  2026 STEP Summer Program!

The STEP In-Person Summer 2026 Program begins on July 7th, 2026 and runs until August 5th, 2026. We have a new & improved schedule as well as new classes and research topics!

We look forward to seeing you all during the summer for our free STEP Summer 2026 Program!

Join Excellence Community Schools at the Bronx Week Parade!

Dear Excellence Community Schools Families,

We are excited to invite you and your family to march with us in this year’s Bronx Week Parade on Sunday, May 17, 2026!

Bronx Week is a proud tradition that celebrates the vibrant culture, talent, and spirit of our borough—and we want our Excellence Community Schools community to show up strong and represent!

📍 Parade Location: Mosholu Parkway starting at Hull Avenue to Van Cortlandt Avenue East
📅 Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 10am
🎉 Who Can Join: All ECS scholars, families, and staff

This is a wonderful opportunity to:

• Celebrate our students and families
• Show your school pride
• Connect with the broader Bronx community
• Enjoy a fun and festive day together

We encourage all families to come out wearing your school colors, including gym uniform t-shirt or sweatshirt, or the uniform polo and bring your energy and excitement as we march together in unity and pride!

Please register here:

Bronx Week Parade & Festival 2026 Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 10am – Fill out form

Let’s come together and demonstrate the excellence, strength, and joy of our ECS community. We can’t wait to see you there!

 

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Come support Excellence Community Schools on Sunday, May 17 at the Bronx Week Parade & Festival...

 

Dear Neighbor,

The Office of Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson invites all Bronxites to join us for a special evening of fellowship, reflection, and community at our annual Bronx Ramadan Iftar: Unity in Diversity.

During this sacred month of Ramadan, we come together to break bread, celebrate our rich diversity, and strengthen the bonds that unite us across all faiths and cultures.

Doors Open: 3:30 PM
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026

Program Begins: 4:00 PM
Iftar (Breaking of Fast): 5:52 PM
Location: Bronx Borough Hall – Rotunda
851 Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY 10451

This meaningful gathering will bring together community leaders, faith-based partners, and residents from across the borough for an evening centered on unity, respect, and shared humanity.

All are welcome. Please register here: BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT VANESSA L. GIBSON  RAMADAN IFTAR DINNER

 

Stamford Excellence Toy Drive

December 1-18, 2025

 

Christmas Tree Lighting

Dec 9, 2025, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Marcus Garvey Square

3500 White Plains Road (Under the 2 train)

Presented by council member Kevin C. Riley & Mosholu Preservation Corporation

Come enjoy some hot chocolate, sorrel, holiday tunes, bear making, face painting, gift raffle, and light the tree up with us.

Children are welcome to bring handmade ornaments to add to our community tree.

 

Holiday Jazz Night Under the Direction of Christopher Palmer

Wednesday, December 10, 6:30 PM

Mind Builders Creative Arts Center

Come swing into the season with jazzy takes on your favorite holiday tunes. Enjoy a special performance by the Mind-Builders Stage Band, with possible guest appearances from other music students and faculty.

Free event. Space is limited. Click here to RSVP: https://www.vancoevents.com/us/events/landing/60712

 

Winterfest Fair & Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Thursday, Dec 11, 2025, Pre-Mosholu Lighting at 5 PM, Tree Lighting from 6 PM - 7 PM

Mosholu Parkway & Bainbridge Avenue

Presented by: State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Bronx Community Board 7, and Future of Mosholu Parkland

Come and enjoy this year's Winter Wonderland featuring hot chocolate & apple cider, holiday treats, snowflake making, pine code bird feeder activities, special entertainment, and the superb tree lights!

 

Holiday Toy Giveaway

Friday, Dec 12, 2025, 4 PM

177 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475

First come, first serve. While supplies last.

For more information, call (718) 547-8854 or email senatorbailey@nysenate.gov

 

Winter Wonderland - 4th Annual Community Holiday Party & Toy Giveaway

Saturday, Dec 13, 2 PM - 4 PM

Bronx River Art Center (BRAC), 1087 E. Tremont Ave,

Enjoy an afternoon of food, music, dancing, and holiday cheer.

Toys are first come, first served. RSVP (718) 579-6990 or bx06@cb.nyc.gov

 

Holiday Toy Giveaway

Sunday, Dec 14, 2025, 3 PM - while supplies last

Presented by Pelham Bay Little League & Softball

Join us for music, cookies, and hot chocolate.

For more information, contact Erika, 917-530-5201

2680 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10461

pelhambayLL2@gmail.com

 

Kwanzaa Community Events Week

Tuesday, Dec 16 - Thursday, Dec 18, 2025

Location: Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center, 3415 Olinville Ave, Bronx, NY 10467

Join us at Mind-Builders for free, feel good events for all ages celebrating community, culture, and togetherness.

Limit space. For more schedule of events and to RSVP, go to mind-builders.org or call (718) 652-6256.

 

Soul Santa is Coming to Town - Toy & Coat Giveaway

Thursday, Dec 18, 5 PM - 7 PM

Mount Vernon City Hall, One Roosevelt Square, Mount Vernon, NY 10550

Music, candy & cookies, hot chocolate, and more

 

Holiday Toy Giveaway

Friday, Dec 19, 2025, 6 PM

177 Dreiser Loop Auditorium

First Come, first serve. While supplies last.

Each child must be present.

Performance by "Music with a Message"

Presented by council member Kevin C. Riley & Co-Op City

Accessibility requests & accommodations can be requested by contacting Kevon Bolt at (718) 684-5509 or D12Events@council.nyc.gov at least three business days before the event.

 

Our Kwanzaa: Story, Song, Spirit

Friday, Dec 19, 6 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center

Join us at Mind-Builders for an intimate Kwanzaa celebration that honors our ancestors and lifts up the strength, creativity, and unity of the Mind-Builders Community. Through story, music, and moments of reflection, we will embrace the core principles of Kwanza and the joy of coming together. This special gathering is for families of all ages to connect, commemorate, and be inspired.

Free event. Space is limited. RSVP required.

 

Holiday Toy Giveaway

Saturday, Dec 20, Noon

Northeast Bronx YMCA

1250 E 229th Street, Bronx, NY 10466

Music, raffle prizes, food. 

RSVP required: www.bit.ly/YMCAToyGiveaway25

Child must be present. While supplies last.

 

Toy Giveaway Event

Tuesday, Dec 23, 4 PM - 6 PM

Oyate Group Headquarters, 276 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451

For ages 5-14

We’re excited to invite you and your family to our upcoming Toy Giveaway Event! This special event is our way of spreading joy and supporting families in our community.

• Limited to 1 toy per child and 3 toys per family

• All children must be present and accompanied by an adult to receive a toy

• Toys are available while supplies last and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis

• Please bring a bag to take your toy home

Register here.

 

Thanksgiving Food Distribution

Saturday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m.

FREE Turkeys & Halal Chicken, Groceries & Fresh Produce, and more...

Sonia Sotomayor Community Center

1000 Rosedale Ave, Bronx, NY 10472

First Come, first serve, while supplies last. Please bring a cart.

For more info, call (347) 709-3179 or email info@caribbeanequalityproject.org

 

Thanksgving Turkey Distribution

Thursday, Nov. 20, 3 p.m.

National Council of Negro Women Child Development Center - North Bronx

4035 White Plains Road, Bronx, NY 10466

First come, first serve, while supplies last

Please bring your own bag or cart to carry distibuted goods.

Accessinilty requests & accomodations can be requested by contacting Kevon Bolt at 718-684-5509 or D12Events@council.nyc.gov at least three business days before the event.

 

Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway

Thursday, Nov. 20, 4 - 6:30 p.m.

Life Together Works NYC

They’re giving away FREE Thanksgiving turkeys to families in our community. Come by, pick up a turkey, and share the joy of the holiday with your loved ones. Supplies are limited, so arrive early!

More information: https://lifetogetherfellowshipny.subspla.sh/y6wpfr7

 

All Together Healing Inc. and ASPIRA Food Drive Event

Friday, Nov. 21, 5 - 7:30 p.m.

ASPIRA of New York, 345 Brook Ave.

Free

All Together Healing Inc. and ASPIRA of New York are teaming up to make sure everyone in our community can join in our food drive. Sign up to be a part of it! We’ll have some snacks and drinks while they last, and registered guests get priority. Don’t forget to bring your ID and be ready to fill out some forms.

For more information, visit eventbrite.com/e/all-together-healing-inc-and-aspira-food-drive-event-bronx-ny-tickets-1755038470309. 

 

Co-Op City Thanksgiving Giveaway

Monday, Nov. 24, 2 p.m.

Bartow Mall (behind the mall)

Asch Loop & Adler Place, Bronx, NY, 10475

Please bring your own bag or vart to carry turkeys and any other goods.

Accessibilty requests & accommodations can be requested by contacting Kevon Bolt at 718-684-5509 or D12Events@council.nyc.gov.

 

Annual Turkey Distribution

Monday, Nov. 24, 5:30 p.m.

Office of Assemblymember Karines Reyes, R.N.

1973 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10462

First come, first served, while supplies last.

 

Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway

Tuesday, Nov. 25, 10 am

Northeast Bronx YMCA

1250 E 229th Street Bronx NY 10466

RSVP Required - While Supplies Last

Prease brong your own bag or cart to carry turkeys and any other goods.

Please RSVP by calling 718-684-5509 or emailing D12Events@council.nyc.gov

Stay SAFE & WARM This Winter

With the winter weather comes some safety challenges. Here are some tips to ensure your home is #FDNYSmart and prepared throughout the colder months:

Space Heaters

• Always use certified space heaters and ensure they are placed on flat, non-flammable surfaces.
• Keep them at least 3 feet away from flammable materials, like curtains, furniture and bedding. Give space heaters space.
• Never leave a space heater unattended.

• Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet and never use an extension cord or power strip.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness

• Install working carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, particularly near sleeping areas.

• Never use an oven or stove to heat your home.

Shoveling Snow

• Warm up with some light stretching before going outside.
• Dress in layers and wear boots with good traction to prevent slips and falls.
• Use a lightweight shovel and push snow instead of lifting whenever possible.
• Take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion.

• Stay hydrated, even in cold weather.

Candle Safety

• Use flameless candles whenever possible. If using traditional candles, keep them in sturdy holders and away from anything that can catch fire.

• Never leave candles burning unattended or within reach of children and pets.

   

Other Safety Tips and Information 

• Be sure to stock up on winter essentials, including flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food and bottled water.
• Create a family emergency plan and ensure everyone knows what to do during a fire or severe winter storm. Check on elderly and vulnerable neighbors.
• Keep fire hydrants clear at all times. Buried hydrants can cause critical delays, increasing the danger and difficulty of fighting a fire. Make sure to clear snow and ice from fire hydrants after storms.

• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working, and test them monthly.

For more winter safety tips visit https://www.fdnysmart.org/winter-safety/

Get Paid - Emergency Snow Shoveler

Become a paid Emergency Shoveler to help remove snow and ice from bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants, and other public areas.

Due to blizzard conditions in the current winter storm, pay for this weather event starts at $30 per hour and increases to $45 per hour after the first 40 hours worked in a week.

To be eligible, you must be:

• At least 18 years old
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Able to perform heavy physical labor

To register, workers must have:

• Two original forms of ID, plus copies (if possible)
• Social Security card
• Walk-in registration is now available from 9 am – 8 pm at Sanitation garages.

For more information, visit: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dsny/careers/civilians/emergency-snow-shovelers.page

 

Indoor Safety Tips

When the Indoor Temperature in Your Home is in the 80s Degrees Fahrenheit

People with pre-existing health conditions such as mental illness, heart conditions, and diabetes can be more vulnerable to heat. Speak with your doctor about your risk to heat.

On hot days:

• Close your shades or curtains to keep the sun from heating your home more during the day.
• Limit use of the stove and oven—it will make you and your home hotter.
• Taking a cool (but not freezing) shower or bath can help cool you down.

If you or someone in your home uses an electric medical device that is important for health, make a plan in case of a power outage:

• Register the device with your utility company in case of a power outage.
• Make sure you have back-up batteries on hand, and extra equipment like oxygen tanks, if you need them.
• Sign up for Notify NYC to receive free emergency alerts when extreme heat and other emergencies happen. Sign up at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or by calling 311.

If you do not have air conditioning at home:

• Open windows and use a fan to bring in cooler outdoor air. This may be most useful at night, when temperatures go down.
• Find a cool option nearby that has air conditioning. This could be a friend’s place, a mall, museum, coffee shop, or a library.

If you have air conditioning at home:

• Set your AC on low cool or 78° F to provide a comfortable, safe environment and help save on electricity bills.
• Close your shades or curtains to keep the sun from heating your home more during the day.

When the Indoor Temperature in Your Home is in the 90s Degrees Fahrenheit

It is not a safe temperature in your home. Turn on your AC or seek out an air-conditioned space nearby. Examples include visiting the air-conditioned home of family or friends, an indoor shopping center, your favorite museum, your local coffee shop, or your local library. Using fans will not be enough to stay cool and safe.

During heat emergencies, you can also find locations designated by the City as cooling centers by calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Services, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visiting NYC.gov/beattheheat.

If you leave your home to spend time in an air-conditioned space, be careful when returning home, if it is still hot indoors. Continue to seek out cool spaces each day as long as it remains hot, and for a few days after if your home is still hot.

For more information on how extreme heat affects your health, visit NYC.gov/health.

 

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