Serving Our Community
Care for city’s youngest on tap
At the Delegate Assembly on Jan. 14, UFT President Michael Mulgrew updated delegates on the union’s work to expand access to affordable child care and addressed a range of national, state and city issues affecting educators.
Katrina Thomas, PS 289, Brooklyn
Discarded plastic bottles inspired Katrina Thomas, the chapter leader at PS 289 in Brooklyn, to take the initiative to raise money to build a kindergarten in Ghana.
Thanksgiving luncheon and winter coat drive
Some 150 students living in temporary housing received coats and other winter gear at the UFT's annual Thanksgiving luncheon and coat drive, organized by the UFT Middle Schools Division.
Fueling student success
At food pantries and distribution efforts run by UFT-supported United Community Schools, monthly or weekly programs help meet the nutritional needs of struggling families across the city. The pantries are a safe haven for many immigrant families burdened by fear of being detained by ICE, even during grocery runs.
Matching families with needed child care
The UFT is making it easier for NYC families to find child care. NYC Childcare Navigator is an expansion of an online tool the union launched a year ago to help members find child care options and apply for programs that could offset the cost.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks
Hundreds of UFT members in all five boroughs and on Long Island participated in the Making Strides walks on the last two Sundays in October, raising money for breast cancer research and awareness.