United Community Schools & Affiliated Programs
What We Do
United Community Schools (UCS) addresses the educational, emotional, social, and health issues that can stand in the way of learning. We serve students, families, school staff and community members through our 6 pillars: Health & Wellness; Academic Support; Educator Support; Out of School Time; Parent & Family Engagement; and Community Engagement.
Key Programs
For information about any programs below, please contact Sheba Giraldo: sgiraldovallejo@ucsuft.org
Mental Health Providers of Western Queens: Students can receive individual weekly therapy onsite during the school day through our Mental Health Providers of Western Queens clinic. Medicaid required. Western Queens also offers 8-10 week group therapy on topics like Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Social Skills and Kindergarten & 5th grade transitions. No insurance is required for groups. All programs service grades K-5.
NYU Langone Health: ALL PS 19 students can sign up for our in-house dentist, so that they don’t have to miss school for dentist appointments. Parents are allowed, but not required, to attend their child’s appointments. ENROLL HERE: English Enrollment Form - Spanish Enrollment Form
Helen Keller International: All students receive vision screenings and follow up eye care.
Food assistance for all PS 19 families: Any PS 19 family in need of food can contact UCS, or any school staff member, and we can come up with a plan together to regularly support you in meeting your family’s needs. We can also connect any community member to WIC and SNAP enrollment assistance. Food pantries are provided by Food Bank NYC and United Way.
Brighter Bites: Every other Thursday, the Brighter Bites program is on site at PS19 delivering fresh fruits and vegetables into the hands of our families. In addition, Brighter Bites sponsors monthly lessons focused on eating healthy, and teaches students and families how to create delicious meals using their produce.
Clothing assistance for all PS 19 families: Any PS 19 student/family in need of clothes or a winter coat can contact UCS. We have a Community Closet with sizes ranging from baby to adult.
Beautiful Me: 1st-5th grade girls can take part in 6-session “Beautiful Me” groups to build their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Afterschool activities: We will have a variety of enriching after school activities available next year. All students grades 2-5 will fill out an After School Interest Survey; we try to place students in one of their top 3 choices! Activities include: Chorus, Ukulele, Art, Cooking, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Coding, Gardening, PowerPlay (leadership and self-esteem for girls through sports) and more!
