You're invited - Thursday at 6PM: Talking Racial Justice with Kids, plus Resources

Dear Parents and Families in the Save for College Community,

Amid these challenging and important times, we want to highlight a few things happening now in the Save for College Community:

– NYC Kids RISE stands in solidarity with the Black community and all those working toward racial justice and equal opportunity for all of our children. One way our community is addressing racial inequality is through a fundraising campaign by the Astoria Houses Tenants Organization to raise $1,000 for the NYC Scholarship Accounts of every K-2 student living in Astoria Houses. Anyone who would like to contribute to the campaign can do so here. And if you want to launch your own Community Scholarship campaign, please reach out to us. We would be glad to work with you.

– Check out some of the many wonderful highlights below from 529 Day (May 29th) – our schools and community came together in support of our children’s dreams for their futures. We loved seeing and sharing the photos and videos that so many of you posted!

– We continue to provide COVID-19-related family resources and information. If you are in need of financial support at this time and have not yet received a $150 gift card from NYC Kids RISE, please fill out the form here or contact us to join the waitlist for a card. You will also find more COVID-19 resources at the end of this email.

I hope that you will join us this Thursday at our town hall on how to talk to your child about this moment in history and racial justice. As we work towards building a better future for children and ensuring that Black children have access to the same opportunities, we will continue to share resources with our Save for College Program community on how to navigate these times and what steps families can take.

With best wishes to you and your family,

Debra-Ellen and the NYC Kids RISE Team

Tune in Thursday at 6pm ET

Join parents, educators, and other experts for a Town Hall discussion about how to talk to your K-2 child about racial justice and this moment in our country’s history. The panelists will share tips for how parents can equip their children with important information, lead by example, and cope with the many challenges that parents are facing right now. We will also discuss what we can do to help our kids learn and participate, starting while they are young. We will also have time for questions and tips from parents in the audience.

RSVP Here

The featured speakers include:

Matt de la Peña – New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning author of children’s books
Karen Fleishman – Founder of Racy Conversations, Mom and Activist
Kenneth Hamilton – Third Grade Teacher and Equity Chair at The Dalton School
Esu Ma’at – Manager of Diversity and Inclusion for the USTA and Dad
Ebony Young – Former Executive Director LIC YMCA, Mom, and Community Builder

Moderated by Murray Abeles, Astoria Parent and Chief of Administration and Finance at NYC Kids RISE.

You can watch live and ask questions via the NYC Kids RISE Facebook page. You can also watch via our YouTube channel.

To catch the next town hall, like us on Facebook | Subscribe to NYC Kids RISE on YouTube

Community Scholarship for the Children of Astoria Houses

Astoria Houses Tenants Organization Launches Community Scholarship Fundraising Effort for Students in Astoria Houses

The Astoria Houses Tenants Organization has launched a fundraising effort to raise $1,000 for each of the 134 students enrolled in the Save for College Program living in Astoria Houses. Claudia Coger, President of the Astoria Houses Tenants Organization, writes: “This is not only a real financial foundation that our children can rely on in 10+ years when they graduate from high school and set off on their career path. It is also sending them a message TODAY that their community believes in them and knows they can succeed. With all the fear and pain our children are living through right now, that message is in some ways more important than ever.” Read more from Claudia Coger on investing in the future of the children of Astoria Houses.

Also, if you are interested in launching your own Community Scholarship campaign, please reach out to us. We would be happy to work with you.

In Case You Missed It

On the eve of 529 Day, experts shared with families early savings options to consider and the benefits for each option, how to manage savings in times of crisis, and how to use NYC Financial Empowerment Center resources at this time. Click below to watch a recording of the Town Hall on Facebook:

Save for College Program Flashback

529 Day – Friday, May 29, 2020

Families, schools and the community came together to share their stories and support children’s dreams for their future on social media via the #Together529 and #Juntos529 hashtags. Here are some highlights. Check out all the posts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

NYC Kids RISE Resources

Need support with setting up your child’s remote learning or information about resources in your neighborhood? Our team can help. Call (833) 543-7473 or Email [email protected]

First-Come, First-Served – Emergency Cash Support – NYC Kids RISE is distributing $150 cash disaster relief gift cards to families in the Save for College Program. If you are in need of financial support at this time and have not yet received a $150 disaster emergency relief cash gift card from NYC Kids RISE, please fill out the short form as soon as possible to be added to a contingent waitlist for a gift card. Click here and fill out the form provided on this page. Filling out the form does not guarantee a cash disaster relief gift card will be provided to you. If your family is confirmed to receive a card because funding is available, you will be notified by email once a card has been shipped to you.
Your child’s accounts – We continue to be available by phone and email to support you with your family’s scholarship and savings accounts. Please contact us for support with completing the 3 Building Blocks or other support with your accounts. We are invested for the long term in your child’s college and career training future.
Remote Learning Support – Need support with setting up your child’s remote learning or information about resources in your neighborhood? Our team can help. Call (833) 543-7473 or email [email protected]

Important Resources Across the Community

These are just some of the resources available from schools, community-based organizations, the City and State government, and other local partners. We are keeping an updated list on our blog at nyckidsrise.org/covid-19.

Click on the need you have to see list of resources available.

– NYC Kids RISE Resources

– Remote Learning

– Food Assistance

– Financial Relief

– Utilities

– Small Businesses

– Immigration Rights

– Health and Mental Health

– Childcare

– Housing

– Elected Officials

Did you fill out the Census?

Every New Yorker Counts. Filling out the Census is important for getting money into our community for schools, jobs, hospitals, and more.

Fill it out now at: My2020Census.gov

There are NO questions about immigration or citizenship. Your information is confidential and cannot be shared with anyone–not law enforcement, not the government, not your landlord.

City and State Elected Officials

Click here to contact your city and state elected officials who represent the School District 30 community. Their offices are sharing important resources and updates, and they can connect you to other resources.

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