Abuela Neighborhood Maintenance (ANM) is a grassroots art and stewardship organization based in Southeast Queens (SEQ). Our goal is to increase access to cultural programming and beautify public spaces suffering from neglect. We blend art and activism to create more community unity and advocate for solutions to quality of life issues affecting our neighborhoods. ANM was founded in April 2020 by Angela Miskis, a first-generation Ecuadorian American BIPOC woman.
Ongoing Projects
Rain Gardens
On April 24, 2023, we trained with the Department of Environmental Protection to become Harbor Protectors to maintain a few of the rain gardens in our area. If you want to volunteer with us, please sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram for upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Community Cleanups
As of September 2023, ANM has collected approximately 9,700 pounds of trash and organized 40 community cleanups in SEQ. We have partnered with multiple local community organizations and government agencies like the NYC Sanitation Department, the National Park Service, NYC Partnership for Parks, and the LIRR to organize community cleanups.
Illegal Dumping
We monitor illegal dumping activities along the Hollis LIRR and advocate with elected officials and city agencies to bring permanent solutions and stop the historic abuse imposed in our community by bad actors treating our public streets like their private trashcans. This work is ongoing. See pictures of past dumping in Hollis -> https://tinyurl.com/Stop-Illegal-Dumping-Pic
Past Projects
2023
Lefferts Playground’23
Our dedicated volunteers achieved so much during our Lefferts Playground beautification day (9/16). We protected four tree pits with mulch, planted 1,000 seeds to support pollinators and birds, and removed 9 bags of weeds and dry leaves from the entire park. A big thank you to our sponsors and partners for their invaluable support of our stewardship efforts.
Hollis Park Revamp’23
Painting Day Success at the Hollis Playground: 27 Park Benches Revitalized with 39 Dedicated Volunteers on July 30, 2023! Heartfelt thanks to all who joined us.
Fitness and Health Fair’23
On July 1, 2023, WeRunHollis invited us to join their 3rd Annual Fitness and Health Fair at the Hollis Playground. We held our "Queens Represent!" spray-painting event and over 50 shirts showing people's pride in Hollis and other neighborhoods in SEQ.
Civics Fair’23
On June 17, 2023, King Manor Museum invited us to join their Civics Fair. We held our "Queens Represent!" spray-painting event and made 50 shirts showing people's pride in Queens and their neighborhoods.
Earth Day’23
On April 23, 2023, we hosted our third earth day event with The Littoral Society, South Queens Womens March, The 4AirProject and many more. We gave out 58 pots and plants, 66 seed packs, and at least 100 books. We also learned about Jamaica Bay, climate justice, and self-care. We hosted the event at the Hollis Playground in Hollis, Queens.
2022
Warren Triangle
We wrapped up the fall planting season with our first event at the Gladys Warren Triangle on November 06, 2022. We welcomed over ten volunteers helping us plant over 500 flower bulbs, rake leaves, and pick up litter. We can't wait to see the new flowers bloom next year. Thank you to NYC Partnership for Parks for supporting us in this work through their NYC GREEN RELIEF & RECOVERY FUND.
Hollis Playground
On October 29, 2022, We hosted our second annual fall bulb planting event at the Hollis Playground. We welcomed over 20 volunteers and planted over 600 flower bulbs covering the longer garden beds along the park's fence. Thank you to NYC Partnership for Parks for supporting us in this work through their NYC GREEN RELIEF & RECOVERY FUND.
Fall Kids Fest’22
On October 22, 2022, We led a "Sensory Bottles" workshop during The4AirProject's Fall Kids Fest. We helped over 40 participants create their sensory bottles using glitter and beads. Kids and adults can use their bottles to help them calm and relax their bodies and minds - as they shake them and see the content of the bottle shift inside.
Summer Wellness Series’22
On August 20, 2022, The4AirProject invited us to join their Summer Wellness Series. We stenciled shirts with positive affirmations selected by the kids participating in the program, like "I'm loved" or "I'm Strong," We hope their shirts will comfort them when they need it the most.
Family Field Day’22
On May 15, 2022, we hosted our second Queens Represent! T-shirt Workshop! We spray-painted t-shirts with stencils of positive affirmations or representing neighborhoods in Queens! Thanks to SEQ Cleanups for inviting us to participate in their SEQ Family Field Day at Roy Wilkins Park.
Earth Month Expo
The Eastern Queens Alliance invited us to co-lead an art workshop and engaged folks to build a "village by the marshland" using recycled materials. We interacted with approximately 20 people of all ages on Saturday, April 30, from 10:30 to 3 pm at the brand-new Idlewild Environmental Center in Springfield Gardens, NY.
Earth Day’22
On April 24, 2022, we hosted our second earth day event with NYC Parks, PlantitaPower, and The4AirProject. We painted terracotta pots, transplanted seeds or seedlings, and talked about our relationship with the environment and how to deal with stress. We hosted the event at the Hollis Playground in Hollis, Queens.
2021
Toy Drive’21
On December 18, 2021, we hosted our first toy drive and free warm food distribution event in partnership with God’s Gospel Cafe. We gave toys to approximately 20 kids and served 15 plates with fried chicken, string beans, and Mac and cheese. We were happy to join in this effort to bring some holiday joy to Hollis, Queens.
Fall Bulb Planting’21
On November 7, 2021, we hosted our first fall bulb planting event at the Hollis Playground. We planted over 700 flower bulbs and covered four garden beds inside the park. Thank you to NYC Partnership for Parks for supporting us to do this work through their 2021 NYC GREEN RELIEF & RECOVERY FUND.
T-shirt workshop’21
On October 7, 2021, we hosted our first “Queens Represent! T-shirt workshop!” funded by a City Artist Corps grant. We brought four artists to help people decorate t-shirts with iron-on images and spray-paint stencils that show off their pride for Hollis and Queens. It brought us so much joy to see so many people engaged in the workshop and happy to show their love for Hollis, Queens!
Earth Day’21
On April 18, 2021, we hosted our first earth day event with NYC Parks, Korea Art Forum, and Mom’s Who Care. We distributed free books, played games, cleaned the park, and had an “apartment composting” demonstration. Our event was hosted at Weeping Beech Park in Flushing, Queens.
Video
Press
Queens Chronicle, 07/13/23
Read the latest developments in the fight against illegal dumping involving the pilot program between Queens's DA office and DSNY. To support decision-making, we have shared a comprehensive list of illegal dumping hotspots along 99th Ave with Council Member Nantasha Williams. We continue to monitor and track the progress of these efforts.
Queens Chronicle, 03/30/23
The Queens Chronicle quoted our opinion about the expansion of collecting yard waste from residents. “Angela Miskis, whose group Abuela Neigborhood Maintenance has spearheaded cleanup efforts in Southeast Queens, said the move “makes sense” given the Adams administration’s push to expand curbside compost citywide by the end of 2024.”
Queens Chronicle, 11/17/22
The Queens Chronicle mentioned our take on the new initiative, "Get Stuff Cleaned," by Mayor Adam, and how SEQ is underserved in this citywide cleanliness effort.
Queens Chronicle, 08/11/22
The Queens Chronicle quoted our take on a policy change proposing delaying the hours when trash bags can be put on the street before collection.
Queens Chronicle, 03/24/22
The Queens Chronicle mentioned our take on Mayor’s Adam Economic Blueprint and his plan to improve street cleanliness.
The City, 02/27/22
The City reported on our organization’s story and our work to stop the illegal dumping in Hollis, Queens. Read the full article by clicking on the image.