Day: August 13, 2025

AS THE NEW school year approaches, children in East New York received free haircuts on Monday, thanks to a back-to-school event

The post Brooklyn kids receive free haircuts for back-to-school season appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

Губернатор Кэти Хочул назначила Фриду Д. Фостер председателем, а Рене Дельгадо заместителем председателя Совета по компенсациям работникам штата Нью-Йорк (WCB ). Фостер, член Совета с 2009 года и бывший заместитель председателя, […]

Nearly 400 people gathered last week at the Ateres Golda Ballroom to celebrate the contributions of young people who spent their summer working across Maimonides Health’s hospitals and clinics.

The Aug. 6 ceremony recognized almost 300 students from four youth employment initiatives, including 254 from the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), making Maimonides the largest hospital-based SYEP site in the state. The health network also honored participants from the 1199 Youth Mentoring Program, its own internship program and the Department of Education.

This year’s turnout marked a decades-long commitment to workforce development. For more than 28 years, Maimonides has hosted more than 5,000 SYEP participants — more than any other funded site in the city.

“Through SYEP and our other youth programs, we maintain strong bridges between Maimonides and our community,” Ken Gibbs, president and CEO of Maimonides Health, said in a release. “We’re proud to create an environment for growth and learning for our students and youth as they build their own futures and envision themselves as part of the future of healthcare leadership in our city. We extend our sincere gratitude to each of them for their time, contributions, and service to our mission.”

The evening featured performances by SYEP participants Damian and Devon Headley, as well as remarks from participant Reece Parascando. Guest speakers included labor leaders, city officials and community partners who support the programs.

Fifteen students received Special Recognition Awards for their “extraordinary efforts in fulfilling their roles.” They are Shane Christian, Robert Rivero, Akeelah Alexander, Liwen Chen, Matony Wang, Emily Wu, Jay Pizarro, Yisrael Friedman, Akila Llewellyn, Momota Begum, Mujahid Hussain, Sabrina Gonzalez, Rhonasha George, Nathaniel Motov and Oliver Parra Paz.

Maimonides Health partners with a network of community organizations — including the Chinese-American Planning Council and the Police Athletic League — to “make these programs possible.” The hospital also hosts students from the Industry Scholars Program and District 75’s Occupational Training Center.

In addition to hands-on work experience, the initiatives aim to introduce young people to healthcare careers and connect them with mentors. Many alumni, according to hospital officials, have gone on to pursue jobs in nursing, administration and allied health fields.

Inside Government with PoliticsNY is new a Q&A series that gives New Yorkers a glimpse inside the role of the elected officials who represent them.  This edition of Inside Government features New York State Assembly Member Maritza Davila. Assembly Member Davila represents the 53rd Assembly District in Brooklyn which includes portions of the neighborhoods of Bushwick and East Williamsburg. 

Q: What piece of legislation are you most proud to have passed this legislative session?

A: The legislation I am most proud of is A.2497 The Benefits Cliff Task Force. Benefits cliffs occur when small income increases trigger large losses in public assistance, discouraging work advancement. This task force would study how programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and childcare subsidies contribute to this issue. It will recommend policy changes to reduce or eliminate cliffs, helping families improve their financial well-being without losing vital support.

 

Q: How does your office work to support your constituents in their day-to-day lives?

A: Since the beginning, my office has focused on providing one-on-one support through direct social services. For example, we assist constituents, especially those who speak only Spanish or other languages, with completing paperwork and navigating government systems. We also host free legal housing clinics twice a month where residents can receive advice or representation. Above all, my office remains an open and accessible space where constituents know they will be heard and supported.

 

Q: What is the most prevalent issue facing your constituents and how are you working to resolve it?

A: Right now, the most pressing issue is fear, particularly around the impact of federal funding cuts. In response, we are organizing a series of town halls across the district to create space for open conversation and ensure people get the information and reassurance they need. We are also working closely with fellow elected officials at every level to make sure our community has answers and support.

 

Q: What do you hope to accomplish by the end of 2025?

A: As chair of the Social Services Committee, my goal is to protect and strengthen New York’s social safety net, especially for low-income communities. That means preserving essential programs and making smart, effective policy decisions in partnership with my colleagues in the Legislature.

 

Q: What is the proudest moment of your political career?

A: Passing my first piece of legislation, A9021D in 2014, was an unforgettable milestone. It gave Wyckoff Medical Center the ability to refinance and stay open at a critical time. The hospital continues to serve the community today and provides jobs to hundreds of my constituents.