United for Brownsville

06/10/2026

The Greg Jackson Center Newsletter just got an upgrade, and we want you to be the first to know about it.

Introducing The Jocko Journal, a monthly publication from United for Brownsville, built to inform, connect, and reflect the community it serves. Every issue covers what is happening in the neighborhood, who is making moves, and where you can find support. We want YOUR voice in it too.

Pick up a physical copy at the Greg Jackson Center, located at 519 Rockaway Avenue. Sign up for our mailing list through the link below and have every issue delivered straight to your inbox. The first issue is out now.

📬 Sign up. Stop by. Tell us what you think 🗣️

https://mailchi.mp/unitedforbrownsville/united-for-brownsvilles-mailing-list

06/03/2026

The month of May paved the way for some exciting collaborations to take place in Brownsville!

The UB team hosted Brownsville providers alongside leadership from NYC Public Schools and the Mayor’s Office of Child Care to answer some of our community’s most pressing questions regarding 2K. From topics like voucher acceptance, the differences between home based and center based regulations and early intervention efforts, a lot of information was shared from all sides.

If you missed this one, don’t let the FOMO get you down. Stay tuned for our event recap info sheet and announcements on what’s coming up next for 2K in Brownsville 👀

A big thank you to Deputy Chancellor Simone Hawkins from and Executive Director Emmy Liss from for bringing your readiness to inform and engaging conversation to the GJC!

05/29/2026

Tomorrow! Come out to the GJC to get free legal help regarding housing, healthcare and more! See the flyer for details.

05/27/2026

Today! From 1-4PM, United for Brownsville (in partnership with the Brooklyn Public Library) is having a game day complete with snacks and refreshments! Bring your toddlers, teens, seniors and everyone in between. Tell a friend, tell a foe--have fun with board games and Uno!

This event is free, all ages are welcome. No sign up required.

05/20/2026

We’re looking for someone passionate, driven, and ready to make an impact.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to apply for a job that actually matters… this is it.

Bring your skills, your energy, and your passion for helping the community! We’d love to learn more about you!

Apply today AND share with someone who’d be perfect for the role.

05/19/2026

Simone Hawkins (NYC Public Schools) & Emmy Liss (Mayor’s Office of Child Care) are here to answer your questions about the upcoming 2K rollout in Brownsville.

05/19/2026

Did you know that lower educational attainment is linked to things like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension? While we know that education is a strong predictor of later life health outcomes, children with developmental disabilities and delays continue to experience barriers to their education. We need change NOW.

Public health expert, Jeanette Stingone from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health urges policymakers to be cautious of the downstream effects of cutting funding from programs like Early Intervention (EI). https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2026/04/23/early-intervention-reading-math

In the NPR segment, Stingone discusses the latest evidence published in JAMA Network pointing to the benefits of investing in kids early. The research was conducted by the Mailman School of Public Health and the New York City Health Department and looked at the association between receiving EI services before 3 years of age and performance on standardized testing among children in third grade. You can learn more about that study at https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/support-services-children-disabilities-linked-improved-academic-outcomes

Infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays may benefit from therapy services before they even start school. Now, researchers have evidence of how early intervention is boosting children's test scores years later.

04/29/2026

Brownsville child care providers: this one is for you.

On Tuesday, May 19th from 6 to 8 PM at the Greg Jackson Center, United for Brownsville is hosting a community forum on Universal 2-K, and the people in the room will have real decision-making power.

Simone Hawkins, Deputy Chancellor of Early Childhood Education at NYC Public Schools, and Emmy Liss, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Child Care, will be there to answer your questions directly.

Universal 2-K is one of the most significant expansions of early childhood education this city has seen, and Brownsville providers deserve to understand exactly what it means for their programs, their families, and their futures. This is your opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and get real answers from the people leading the rollout.

Food and child care will be provided. Seating is limited, and priority goes to Brownsville-based providers. Registration is required.

Scan the QR code or head to bit.ly/universal2k to secure your spot today.

04/25/2026

Happening now at the Greg Jackson Center (519 Rockaway Ave) until 2pm: Bonello Foundation, United for Brownsville, and Brooklyn Backs Brooklyn — Community Threads clothing giveaway and food. Come on by! then join us at 2pm for a cooking demonstration.

04/25/2026

TODAY! Come out to the Greg Jackson Center for Threads of Love & the Baby Play Date + Snack Workshop! Bring your clothes donation, your unused electronics, your friends…and your babies! Check out the flyers for more information. We’ll see you there!