Dear AMPHS Family,
As we dive into the new year, we are planning a lot of exciting new programming. Read on to find out what we’ll be up to this month!
The AMPHS team is now in the office Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Make an appointment to receive a health screening, get help navigating social services, or learn more about how to keep you and your family healthy.
AMPHS Events and Opportunities
AMPHS Mental Health Services for Chinese Speakers
Have you faced a traumatic incident? Experiencing feelings of sadness or hopelessness? Would you like to speak with someone? AMPHS now offers FREE mental health therapy in English and Chinese Mandarin, Cantonese and Taishanese! If you’re uninsured or underinsured and seeking mental health assistance, reach out to our licensed mental health counselor, Margaret Mui, to schedule an appointment by calling (212) 256-9036 or filling out this interest form.
We will also be holding six in-person group counseling sessions in Mandarin on Saturday mornings in February and March 2023, starting on February 25. Anyone can join the group, regardless of insurance. Sign up here.
Now Accepting Applications for ESOL Classes!
We’re still accepting students for the following 2023 English classes:
- Beginner: Monday/Wednesday, 9am-1pm; for residents of New York City
- High Beginner: Tuesday/Thursday, 9am-1pm; for residents of New York City
Register for one of these classes here.
Weekly Self-Defense Trainings
We will be hosting a series of six self-defense trainings on Saturdays starting March 4! Classes will take place from 1-3pm at Voces Ciudadanas (475 41st St, Brooklyn). Register here and reach out to safety@amphsonline.org if you have any questions.
Not ready for an advanced class? We are holding introductory sessions at our local senior centers and public libraries, including Sunset Park library, CPC Senior Center, and United Senior Center of Sunset Park. Keep an eye out for more information about upcoming public classes!
Call for Community Safety Volunteers
In response to rising safety incidents in Sunset Park, AMPHS is starting a new “Safe Zones” community safety project! Our goal is to create a network of businesses, faith-based organizations, and other institutions throughout Sunset Park that are trained in bystander intervention and de-escalation, so community members can feel safer while traveling through the neighborhood. If you are a small business owner or local resident looking to be more directly involved in efforts to create a safer community, please reach out to safety@amphsonline.org for more information.
We are also looking for volunteers to create a “Safe Walks” community safety accompaniment program. Volunteers will walk designated routes and act as additional resources for community members in case they encounter potentially unsafe situations. Sign up to volunteer here. Please note that you must attend a bystander intervention and de-escalation workshop through AMPHS in order to partake in this initiative.
Join the AMPHS Team!
We have positions open for Manager of Community Health, Coordinator of Food Care Services, Community Health Partner (Chinese-speaking), Social Worker, and Mental Health Therapist (Spanish-speaking). Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to personnel.resources@amphsonline.org.
Uninsured and don’t qualify or insurance is too expensive? We can help!
We can help you find an affordable healthcare option for free or low cost through NYC public hospitals’ NYC Care program! Reach out to gisel.garcia@amphsonline.org to receive assistance.
AMPHS is continuing to keep the public updated on the NYC Care program. We partner with various organizations to offer information sessions led by our Community Health Partners trained by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. If you are interested in requesting a session, please fill out this form.
2023 Snapshots
Lunar New Year Celebration
On Saturday, February 4, AMPHS celebrated the start of the Year of the Rabbit and Cat with hundreds of community members! With the help of numerous partner organizations and volunteers, we distributed groceries and hot food, watched cultural performances, decorated red lanterns and envelopes, held a Lunar New Year trivia with prizes, and provided giveaways and health information. We hope everyone had a joyful Lunar New Year!
Self-Defense Classes
Our weekly self-defense class series is underway! Supported by the AAF Hope Against Hate Campaign, we are offering a series of weekly self-defense classes teaching advanced skills to safely protect ourselves when facing immediate threats. Last month, we also offered three self-defense classes with local senior centers and libraries. Stay tuned for our next weekly class series beginning in March!
Public Health Updates
COVID-19 Rates
- COVID infection rates in NYC have decreased since last month—the daily average is currently 1,164 new cases.
- Protect yourself with a COVID-19 vaccine. Bivalent boosters are now available and should be received at least 2 months after your previous vaccine dose. To find a vaccination site—whether for your first shot or booster shot—call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) or check this website. For testing locations, call 212-COVID-19 (212-268-4319), text “COVID TEST” to 855-48, or check this website.
To help prevent the spread of COVID and the flu and protect yourself, we highly encourage you to wear face masks in public, regularly wash your hands, and stay home if you feel sick.
Need a mask or a COVID test kit? Visit the AMPHS office during our open office hours Tue-Sat, 10AM-6PM to pick some up for free!
Additional Resources
Free Tax Prep Assistance
If you earned less than $56,000 in 2022, or your family earned less than $80,000, you are eligible for free tax preparation assistance. Visit this website to search for free tax preparation opportunities, including in-person, virtual, and drop-off. These free appointments book up quickly, so make one today!
The Center for Family Life in Sunset Park also offers free tax preparation services. Visit this site to learn more!
Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Network
If you entered the U.S. after January 1, 2022 and currently live in New York, you are eligible for services and referrals by the Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Network, which was recently launched by the City. Visit this site to learn more and make an appointment, conducted in your preferred language.
Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program
Residential accounts with National Grid will receive a credit of up to $2,750 to forgive unpaid electric and gas bills through May 1, 2022. You do not need to take any action to claim this credit—it will be processed automatically by National Grid. If you had unpaid bills through May 1, 2022, look out for a notice regarding your credit amount. For more information, visit this site.
AMPHS News 