Dear AMPHS Family,
Happy March! As we say goodbye to Black History Month and hello to Women’s History Month, we are reflecting on the intersection of these histories and the ongoing need to highlight the contributions of Black Americans and women to immigrant justice efforts throughout history. Learning about these contributions should not be contained to just one month. Look out for posts on our social media about this topic!
We have lots of other activities planned for March—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
Care/Full: An AMPHS Student Performance
AMPHS adult literacy students will perform Care/Full, a storytelling experience about experiences with mutual care and healthcare created by students in collaboration with Gung Ho Projects, this Sunday, March 12th at 5pm. The event will take place at L’Wren Bar at 4004 5th Avenue in Sunset Park and will be followed by snacks and a party. You don’t want to miss this! Reserve your free spot here.
Hypertension Prevention Event
AMPHS will be holding an event all about preventing hypertension, or high blood pressure, on Friday, March 17th at 10am at the United Senior Citizen Center (475 53rd St #3, Brooklyn). Supported by TD Foundation, this free event will include a presentation on hypertension and blood pressure checks for all participants, with an opportunity for those needing further case management assistance to pick up a free blood pressure monitor and obtain additional coaching support, while supplies last. Register here.
Tax Prep Workshop
Tax season is here! If you have any questions about preparing your taxes, come to AMPHS’ virtual tax prep workshop on Wednesday, March 22nd at 4:30pm. Register here.
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 in-person group counseling sessions in Mandarin on Saturday mornings in March. 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 are hosting a series of six self-defense trainings on Saturdays starting last Saturday, March 4! Classes will take place from 1-3pm at Voces Ciudadanas (475 41st St, Brooklyn). There’s still time to sign up! 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!
BQE Walk & Talk Series
Do you have any ideas or stories to share about the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE)? Join Transportation Alternatives for a walking discussion about the BQE on Saturday, March 18th from 10am to 1pm. The group will meet at Cough Triangle and walk along the south section of the BQE (running through Sunset Park), stopping right by AMPHS’ office to hear about our relationship with the BQE! Register here.
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, 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.
February Snapshots
Self-Defense Classes
Our first weekly self-defense class series wrapped up in February! Supported by the AAF Hope Against Hate Campaign, this series taught advanced skills to safely protect ourselves when facing immediate threats. See above for information about joining the next self-defense series, which started last Saturday, March 4th!
Public Health Updates
COVID-19 Rates
- COVID infection rates in NYC have significantly decreased since last month—the daily average is currently 669 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 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 