On Tuesday, November 19, over 35 families joined Upper Manhattan Early Childhood Connect (UMECC) at the Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center for an afternoon of community building and learning fun. Over a dozen local partner organizations were on hand to educate and provide resources, including Literacy in Community (LINC), City’s First Readers (CFR), the New York Public Library (NYPL), NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital WIC Program, RENA Day Care Centers, School in the Square (Dos Amigos), FECWAHI (Family Enrichment Center of Washington Heights), Columbia University’s Office of Community Health, Columbia University Occupational Therapy, Columbia University CONNECT (Clinical Trials), the Family PEACE Trauma Treatment Center at New York Presbyterian, Children’s Aid Early Childhood Division, New Solution Home Care Services, NYC DOHMH- Newborn Home Visiting, Inwood Community Services, Fidelis, Mama Tingo Early Headstart, New Solution Home Care Services and Morris Jumel Mansion.
Attendees enjoyed face painting, free books, and family-friendly entertainment and activities. Perhaps most special of all was the bilingual storytime of I am Enough by Grace Byers. I am Enough emphasizes loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another. The story’s uplifting message of self-acceptance and self-worth is a perfect compliment to UMECC’s work: helping young children achieve health and well-being.
“We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.” – Excerpt from I am Enough by Grace Byers
Upper Manhattan Early Childhood Connect (UMECC) is committed to empowering families through the Early Intervention Program by providing comprehensive support and guidance from referral to evaluation and beyond. They provide tailored support, connect families to essential resources, and guide them through the early intervention process. Their goal is to ensure that families not only reach the evaluation stage but also receive the services their children are eligible for, setting a foundation for long-term success and development.
UMECC's toll free call center (347-503-7220)* is staffed by trained agents who speak Spanish and English and is available from Monday through Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm and 5:00pm-7:00pm. Their support staff can also assist in other languages.
* This service is currently only available for Northern Manhattan families who are expecting or have children up to 5 years old.
For more information, contact Michelle Vidals, Program Manager, Upper Manhattan Early Childhood Connect (UMECC) at mvidals@lincnyc.org or call (917) 566-2907.
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