Councilman Dinowitz makes the rounds

Councilman Eric Dinowitz has been on the move in recent weeks to promote literacy and improve educational and mental health institutions in his district.

On Sunday, April 6, Dinowitz presented a $50,000 check to Mosaic Mental Health at the institution’s annual 5K event, which kicked off at the northwesternmost portion of Van Cortlandt Park.

The investment in the Mosaic clinic located at 5676 Riverdale Ave. will help expand its crisis intervention programming and mental health support services, including trauma-informed care for survivors of domestic violence, continuing his commitment to further expand access to mental health care and crisis intervention within Council District 11.

“Mosaic shows up every day for people in crisis and provides care with dignity, compassion and professionalism,” Dinowitz said. “I will continue fighting for the resources Mosaic needs to grow their impact and reach more people in need of services.”

The same day, Dinowitz presented official New York City proclamations to Netta Park and Ari Vogel in recognition of their leadership in organizing the weekly “Run for Their Lives” gathering. The run beings at Bell Tower Memorial park and has taken place every Sunday since the October 7th Hamas attacks in Israel.

The proclamation presentation, which highlighted the walk/run raising awareness for the remaining hostages held in Gaza, took place at Bell Tower Park. 

At the Kingsbridge Library on April 2, Dinowitz joined Literacy, Inc., also known as LINC, to celebrate their Diversity Through Literacy program and the allocation of $10,000 in discretionary funding.

The Diversity Through Literacy initiative fosters a love of reading and promotes diverse voices in children’s literature.

The $10,000 secured by Dinowitz for the LINC program will go towards helping expand LINC’s reach in the Bronx.

LINC provides reading and learning opportunities for children to grow into competent readers by equipping children with foundational literacy skills essential for academic achievement.

“The Diversity Through Learning program ensures that children in our community are exposed to books that reflect their identities and experiences,” Dinowitz said.

The councilman, who previously taught special education for more than a decade, also mentioned the program makes reading more engaging and impactful for young readers and learners.

“Instilling a love for reading at an early age is critical for academic success and lifelong learning,” Dinowitz added.

“We are grateful to Council Member Eric Dinowitz and his office for supporting the Kingsbridge ‘Diversity Through Literacy’ event,” LINC chief programs officer Laura Walsh said, adding LINC appreciates Dinowitz’s commitment to empowering families and strengthening literacy access for everyone.

The same day, Dinowitz presented another allocation of $100,000 to Matilda School in Wakefield for academic technology upgrades including new computers, tablets and smart boards.

“As a former educator, I know firsthand the power of technology in the classroom," Dinowitz said.

Dinowitz added every student deserves access to modern technology.

“With this investment, we are ensuring that students have the tools they need to thrive in a 21st century learning environment,” he said.

Late last month, Dinowitz, alongside NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, presented a $1 million check to P.S. 94 Kings College School in Norwood for a major renovation of their cafeteria, as previously reported by The Press.

At the check presentation, Dinowitz added the $1 million investment in P.S. 94’s future Halal-certified cafeteria will ensure students have a welcoming space to eat, recharge and connect with their peers.