Preview - NYC Community Affairs Unit Update 12.26.2022

Dear New Yorker,

Happy Kwanzaa! May the seven principles light your way. Warmly wishing New Yorkers all the happiness, hope, and harmony of Kwanzaa!

Merry Christmas! May your homes be filled with peace, joy, and love. Wishing New Yorkers a season that’s merry and bright this Christmas!

For the latest updates, please follow CAU on Twitter and Facebook, and be sure to check out the Mayor’s ‘Week In Review’ video below!

All the best,

Fred Kreizman

Commissioner, Community Affairs Unit

Key Updates:

It's that time again! Mulchfest starts December 26!

Wrap up your holiday season and say goodbye to your tree at Mulchfest. Join NYC Parks and the New York City Department of Sanitation in the NYC holiday tradition of recycling your Christmas tree!

Put on your boots and haul your tree to a Mulchfest location — we'll chip your tree into wood chips that we'll use to nourish trees and make NYC even greener.

The kindergarten application is open! Apply by January 20, 2023. This year you can add G&T programs to it, too!

In New York City, children enter kindergarten in the fall of the calendar year they turn five, and are guaranteed a kindergarten seat at a public school. Once your child starts kindergarten, they can remain at the same school until its final elementary grade. Watch our video series to learn more about kindergarten admissions.

Need an elementary school for your child now?

Learn if your child has a zoned school by entering your address at schoolsearch.schools.nyc(Open external link) (this website includes schools' contact information) or by calling 311.

Contact your zoned school directly to enroll.
If you don't have a zoned school, contact schools of interest directly or visit a Family Welcome Center for help finding a school.

Keep swimmers safe next summer by becoming a lifeguard!

Take the qualifying test this month and protect New Yorkers. More info: http://nyc.gov/parks/lifeguards

In case you missed it:

It was a pleasure to attend a creative and informative #Christmas celebration by Noreen Carol with the #Pakistani Christian community. @mayorsCAU Muslim Women Coordinator presented certificates to acknowledge the great work being done in the community! pic.twitter.com/2dnSohSyD6

— Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (@mayorsCAU) December 22, 2022

.@mayorsCAU #Bronx Borough Director had a great time at the @NYPD44Pct Christmas Toy Giveaway. Thank you to the event sponsors: @Yankees, @foodBank4NYC, and N.A.I.C.A for bringing holiday joy to the community! 🎅🎁 pic.twitter.com/7j44rk1Ny1

— Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (@mayorsCAU) December 21, 2022

Highlights From the City Hall Press Office:

“The Gate of the Exonerated” Unveiled in Central Park: Mayor Adams unveiled the “Gate of the Exonerated,” inspired by the acquittal of the Exonerated Five from the 1989 case, where five young men were wrongly convicted of a crime and unjustly served prison sentences from six to twelve years. The Gate of the Exonerated is a product of extensive, in-depth dialogue among the Harlem community and a response to their desire for healing and belonging in the aftermath of the case of the Exonerated Five and its impact on Black and Latino New Yorkers. Twenty years ago, the convictions of Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, Korey Wise, and Yusef Salaam were vacated. The newly named gate honors all who have been wrongfully convicted and recognizes the ongoing struggle and fight to ensure justice for all. Located on Central Park North between Malcolm X Boulevard and Fifth Avenue, the gate keeps with the park’s tradition of the naming of original entrances in honor of the people of New York City.

Health Guidance Issued Ahead of Holidays: With cases of COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) rising, Mayor Adams and DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Vasan reminded New Yorkers to stay safe heading into the holidays by staying up to date with vaccinations, masking in indoor public settings when possible, testing regularly, and staying home if sick. The city also announced that flu and RSV testing, as well as Tamiflu prescriptions, are now available at 50 NYC Health + Hospitals' Test to Treat units.

Mayor Highlighted Public Safety Achievements: Mayor Adams highlighted key public safety achievements made during the Mayor’s first year in office. While acknowledging that more work must be done to make all New Yorkers safe, the Mayor pointed to key indicators of progress, including double-digit decreases in shootings and homicides; a recent downtick in major crimes, both on the streets and in the subways; an increase in weapons found in jails; increasing fire safety training; and a reduction in pedestrian deaths; among other items.

Additional Resources:

Food Help NYC: Free food locations including food pantries & soup kitchens.

NYC Well: Free, confidential mental health support in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365. Call 888-NYC-WELL or text “WELL” to 65173.

Mental Health For All: A comprehensive hub with helplines and services that offer a range of free, direct support to meet the needs of all New Yorkers.

Buildings After Hours: Free in-person information session with DOB staff every Tuesday from 4 PM to 7 PM at your local borough office.

Notify NYC: Enroll for free in New York City’s dedicated emergency public communications program.

311: Non-emergency municipal services available online, by texting 311-692, or by calling 3-1-1 from within the City or 212-NEW-YORK outside the five boroughs. TTY service is also available by dialing 212-504-4115.

{{Disclaimer}}

Mayor's Office--Community Affairs
253 Broadway 9th Fl
New York, NY 10007
United States

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