Senator Roxanne J. Persaud's Weekly E-newsletter

September 10, 2020

Dear Constituents:

Labor day has gone, and we have reached the unofficial end of Summer, and I hope you and your family are well. Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s e-newsletter. I hope you also share the information with others.

This Friday marks the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our country. Let us all take time to reflect and memorialize the lives lost on this tragic day in our history. We will never forget. If possible, I encourage you to participate in a service event such as the clean up of Rockaway Parkway around the area of the L Train station.

Schools across New York City will open next week. I am urging students, parents, and educators to remain patient with the new remote/in-person teaching models at our area schools. This school year will be untraditional, but the City agencies, Department of Education, and UFT are all taking the necessary precautions to ensure and promote a learning environment focusing on the wellbeing of all families during these difficult times.

On September 30, NYC restaurants will be allowed to move forward with indoor dining. Several criteria must be met for this development to be a success and ensure the health and safety of patrons. Please review the dedicated section in this e-newsletter.

Less than 20 days are remaining for you to complete the 2020 Census online or by telephone. Have you and your family filed your Census forms? If yes, thank you. By completing your Census information, you are helping your community to receive its fair share of federal funding. I urge you to take ten minutes or less out of your day and complete the ten questions for ten years of resources. Please take a moment to answer the survey today by phone at (844) 330-2020 or online at my2020census.gov. There are No immigration questions asked. It’s fast, easy, and completely confidential.

Completing the census has now become incentivized where you can win great prizes offered by the Census Bureau. Please see the information in this e-newsletter. Not only does the census determine funding for our schools and affordable housing, but it also impacts the funding for hospitals, emergency services, and critical healthcare programs. The Census guides the distribution of federal funds based on population.

Election Day less than two months away and this has become the most critical election cycle in our lifetime. Please review the Election section in this e-newsletter to see important registration dates if you are not already registered to vote and how to apply for an absentee ballot if you plan on submitting your ballot by mail. You will also have an opportunity to vote in person during early voting or on election day, November 3, 2020.

Lastly, our nation will celebrate Veterans Day on November 11. I am asking veterans in SD-19 to contact my office and give us your veteran status. Call us at 718-649-7653 or email senatorpersaud@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

NYS Senate

19th District

“WE ARE HERE TO SERVE, AND YOU DESERVE TO BE SERVED.”

About Us

The Office of Senator Roxanne J. Persaud proudly serves constituents in the communities of Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, and Starrett City.

For more information, check the official website. To stay updated on events and meetings, frequent the Senate District 19 Calendar. If assistance is needed, an upcoming event requires sharing, or someone wishes to sign up for this newsletter, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our office can also be followed via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Upcoming Events

Around the District

Food, Mask & Hand Sanitizer Distributions Across SD-19

My office has been continuously fighting the COVID-19 battle, with areas of SD-19 being some of the hardest-hit in all of New York City. I have held PPE distribution events across our district and will continue to do so. From Bergen Beach to Brownville, East New York to Sheepshead Bay and all communities in between, we have been tirelessly distributing facial masks and hand sanitizer at events across SD-19.

On September 4, 2020, I joined with Assembly Member Jaime Williams and 69th Precinct Community Council President Mr. Gardy Brazela at the 69th Precinct Community Council’s Food Distribution and Back to School Supplies Giveaway at 9720 Foster Avenue.

Please click on the picture above for more photos from this event

On September 9, 2020, I was joined by Assembly Member Jaime Williams as my office held its weekly food/mask/sanitizer distribution, in addition to a free backpack and school supply giveaway in the parking lot of Plymouth Congregational Church in Canarsie.

On top of that, we had census completion assistance, absentee ballot applications, and sign up for free pet food from the ASPCA.

A busy day to say the least!

Thank you all the sponsors so much for making today a massive success. Thank you to The Campaign Against Hunger, Broadway Stages, Brookdale University Hospital, Millennium Development, Staples, Emblem Health, St. Francis College, the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club, Saba live poultry for all the fresh eggs! Health First, Uncommon Schools, VillageCareMAX, All the volunteers that helped the community today - Dhani Imdarjit, Amar Dyal, Hector and the Millennium team. Gateway Staples staff Amanda White, Raven Green, Jameica Dennis, and Cindy Scott. Sharon Leid, Gardy Brazela, Ivelisa Black and Sandra Bryce from ACS, PO Benjamin (63rd pct), PO Rostant (69th pct) & PO Murray (Community Affairs- 1 Police Plaza). Thank you all very much. Thank you to Pastor Morrison and his team for allowing us to use their space. Thank you to my CoS Maylene, Gabby, Jevaughn, Jennifer, and Owen from team SD-19.

And as usual my Mom and sister were there assisting....

You deserve to be served.

For more photos from this event, please click on the picture above

Riding the KCC Welcome Wagon

On September 1, 2020, Kingsborough Community College President Claudia Schrader and I joined the KCC Welcome Wagon to welcome and greet Mr. Adrian Alfred, a Veteran/Transfer student outside his home in SD-19. To see a video of this event, please click HERE.

Canarsie Park Clean Up

On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, my office was represented by Staffmember Ms. Jennifer Viechweg-Horsford as we joined with Assembly Member Jaime Williams at Canarsie Park for a post-Labor Day clean up. We must remember to be more mindful when in our community parks. Do not litter!

For more photos of this event, please click the above picture.

67th Precinct Clergy Council Youth Program Closing Ceremony

On Wednesday, September 9, 2020, I was joined by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Council Member Farrah Louis with the 67th Precinct Clergy Council and the Rohan Levy Foundation hosting its Youth Program Closing Ceremony at Paerdegat Park. I was proud to speak and congratulate fifty-six promising youths of the Flatbush area of Brooklyn who successfully completed the youth programs. Twenty-five young men completed the 1st cohort of the Flatbush Leadership Academy (FLA) and thirty-one youths completed the SYEP Summer Bridge 2020. At the Closing Ceremony & Celebration, youths shared their experience with the program and presented their brilliant ideas for addressing some of the challenges plaguing our community.

For more photos, please click on the picture above

The Newton Foundation hosts 9/11 Tribute Ceremony

On Thursday, September 10th, I was invited by the Newton Foundation and Dr. Judy Newton to a 9/11 Tribute ceremony in Canarsie Seaview Park.

For more photos from this event, please click the image above.

SD-19 NYC Reopening Resource Guide

As New York State begins to reopen in phases, my staff has compiled a “Senate District 19 Reopening Guide” to help assist constituents on the what, where, when and how these processes will commence. To view this new guide, please click the banner below.

SENATE DISTRICT 19 NYC REOPENING RESOURCE GUIDE

Indoor Dining Resumes September 30th!

The Governor’s office has announced that restaurants can once again reopen for indoor dining starting on September 30, 2020. To the cheers of the many restaurateurs that I represent in SD-19, this has been a long awaited step toward normalcy. Please review the guidelines below as they are not completely identical to indoor dining options on Long Island or Upstate New York.

Learning Bridges Programs

As the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) resumes in-person schooling this fall, schools will operate on a blended learning model. Each week students will have some school days in person, and some school days remotely. Learning Bridges is a new program offering no-cost preschool and school age child care options for children from 3-K through 8th grade on days when they are scheduled for remote learning.

Learning Bridges child care programs (preschool for three and four year olds and Learning Labs for K-8) will provide opportunities for children to connect to their remote learning activities, and include time for art, recreation and other age-appropriate activities. The programs will follow rigorous health and safety precautions and will be operated by community based organizations. Daily breakfast, lunch and a snack will be provided.

To sign up, visit schools.nyc.gov/learningbridges. Families will be notified of their options on a rolling basis.

Learning Bridges FAQ

Enrollment

Who is eligible to attend a Learning Bridges program?

Students who have selected blended learning in 3-K through eighth grade are eligible to attend Learning Bridges. This includes NYCDOE elementary and middle school students and students enrolled with contracted 3-K and Pre-K programs.

The Learning Bridges program will prioritize the following populations:

Children living in temporary housing and NYCHA developments
Children of NYCDOE school and program personnel, including staff of Learning Bridges sites and NYCDOE staff who have been deployed for in-person teaching
Children receiving child welfare services
Students with IEPs
Children whose parent/guardian is an essential worker or were previously enrolled in a Regional Enrichment Center

How does a family enroll a child in Learning Bridges?

Parents may complete the Learning Bridges application form that can be found at schools.nyc.gov/learningbridges. Students will be matched with a local Learning Bridges program linked to their child’s school. Offer letters will be sent to families with program information.

Children will be matched to Learning Bridges programs in close proximity to their school(s), allowing them to attend programming with other children from their school(s) who have a similar schedule.

Where are the programs located?

Programs are available in all five boroughs. Program locations are linked to nearby schools and will be selected with consideration given to communities hard hit by COVID-19 and other disparities.

What is the schedule for drop-off/pick-up?

Learning Bridges programs are open from 8am to 3pm, five days a week. Students will attend programs on days when they are not in school. Specific drop-off and pick-up locations and practices as well as attendance schedules will be provided to parents by the program.

Will siblings be served at the same program?

Sibling enrollment will be considered to the extent possible.

Health & Safety

What kind of precautions will be in place to keep children and staff healthy?

Health and safety are the top priority at Learning Bridges programs. Risk mitigation is key to prevent outbreaks and avert the spread of the virus.

All programs will adopt “High Five”:

Wearing masks and daily health screening for children and staff,
Frequent hand washing,
Cleaning and disinfecting program space and common areas,
Physical distancing, and,
Cohorting that maintains group stability from school to program and small group size.

Nurses will be available for all programs for on-site visits and tele-health from 8am-8pm.

How will Learning Bridges manage a case of COVID-19?

Learning Bridges will follow New York State and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) guidance for handling confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in children, employees, and parents/guardians.
Health and safety practices will mirror those in place at DOE schools including reporting, closure and 14-day quarantine protocols for confirmed cases; and contact tracing.
Childcare providers will notify DOHMH and NYSDOH immediately upon being informed of any positive COVID-19 test result by an employee or child at their site.
Parents will be asked to report symptoms (child or family member) to Learning Bridges staff and to adhere to 14 day quarantine if necessary.
Children who become ill during the day will be isolated and monitored and parents will be contacted for early pick-up and referral for testing.

Important Dates Leading Up to Election Day (November 3, 2020)

Please review these upcoming voter registration deadlines.

Absentee Voting Information

Please review these procedures in obtaining an absentee ballot if you do not plan on going to your local polling site on election day.

To Apply for an Absentee Ballot online, please click on the graphic below.

For other methods of obtaining an absentee ballot

Please click HERE to download the application.

Email application to Apply4Absentee@boe.nyc
* Applications must be saved in a (.pdf) format to avoid delays *
Fax application to 212-487-5349
Mail application to local borough office
Calling 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692)

New Ballot Box Design

Ballot boxes will be strategically placed in all borough Board of Election offices, Early Voting Sites and Election Day Poll Sites across the five boroughs, affording voters over 1,300 locations to hand-deliver their ballots safely.

Employment Opportunities

H+H (Health & Hospitals) is hiring for several positions. Apply here: http://nyc.gov/getwork.
NYC is hiring 2,500 Contact Tracers. Apply here: Careers.
NYC is hiring licensed TLC drivers to deliver food to New Yorkers in need: NYC Food Delivery Driver Portal.
Available New York State Jobs and application deadlines can be found HERE.
Constituents looking for New York City employment can search HERE.
If you are interesting in becoming a poll worker for Election Day on November 3rd, please go to https://nyc.electiondayworker.com/start.aspx

Department of Labor - Unemployment Claims

To file unemployment claims or to make complaints regarding working during this pandemic, please click HERE. If you require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my district office.

In order to continue receiving your UI or PUA benefits, you must continue to certify every week. You do not need to re-apply or contact the NYS DOL, unless you are specifically told to do so. New Yorkers can certify online at labor.ny.gov/signin or on the phone by calling 1-888-581-5812 (for UI) or 1-833-324-0366 (for PUA).

To learn more about Extended Benefits, please visit the PEUC and EB FAQs at http://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/extended-benefits-faq.pdf.

Food Assistance Programs

Are you or someone you know is in need of food assistance but cannot leave their home or cannot afford the costs?

Click HERE to find a Meal Hub near you. No ID is required and each person can pick up 3 meals at a time (adults can pick up meals for their children).

Sisters with Purpose have been helping our community for months throughout the pandemic by partnering with New York Cares and the Food Bank for New York City to supply food for families in SD-19. Below please find their calendar for their remaining August dates at the Brooklyn Sports Club. Please share this information with those that may be in need.

Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens in SD-19

Please click HERE for a list of food pantries and soup kitchens in our district.

Grab-and-Go Pop-Up Pantry at Neighborhood Care East New York

Health & Wellness

YAI to offer Social Skills & Ballet-Yoga for Children with Autism in Brooklyn

YAI is excited to announce that registration is now open for the virtual Social Skills and Ballet-Yoga program. The 10-week program will begin Tuesday, September 29.

The combined Ballet-Yoga and Social Skills program is open to children ages 4-12 on the autism spectrum. Groups cover topics including communication, feelings, and friendship while incorporating creative movement and introductory yoga poses.

The hour-lone Zoom sessions will be on Tuesday and Thursdays at 4 PM from September 29 - December 10. To submit an interest form, please click HERE.

Express Emergency Room at Brookdale Hospital

Mental Health & Domestic Violence Resources

You do not have to feel alone. If you are experiencing stress or feel anxious, please contact the New York State COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline. Thousands of mental health professionals are available to help us during this pandemic.

NYC Counts Contest

All New Yorkers are being mobilized to complete the census immediately -- and now, they can win more than $15,000 in exciting prizes for doing it!

NYC’s future and recovery from COVID-19 depends on a complete count. Due to challenges like the pandemic, we are in danger of being undercounted and losing out on billions in funding and the political representation that are rightfully ours.

To improve self-response rates, NYC Census 2020 has launched a brand new contest series to boost our self-response rates. All New Yorkers, no matter where they live in the city, who complete the census can enter to win exciting prizes from Seamless, Lyft/Citi Bike, and MoMA over the next five weeks. There will be more than 100 winners in total!

To learn more and enter, please go to nyc.gov/CensusContest.

Public Safety

FDNY

Even though FDNY CPR classes are currently postponed, watch this #FDNYSmart video to gain an overall awareness of hands-only CPR, and to learn how #CPRSavesLives.

Visit www.fdnysmart.org/connect to watch the full presentation. Use these safety tips when performing Hands Only CPR, and remember that early recognition and action improve chances of survival and recovery for victims of cardiac arrest.

If you are interested in becoming part of NY’s Bravest, please click the graphic below to learn about employment opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines. #JoinFDNY

NYPD

Find out more on the New York City Police Department Precincts in the district, including crime statistics so you are aware of the trends and able to identify changes to help us fight for a safer community.