Our Mission
Who We Are
The Marine Park Young Adults Association is a social welfare organization, incorporated in the State of New York as the Marine Park Young Adults Association Inc., exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, and classified under NTEE code S80: Community Service Clubs. Founded in June 2024 by Sam Daniele and Vincent Sinatra, MPYAA is dedicated to promoting the common good by building connections, encouraging civic engagement, developing young community leaders, and bringing neighbors together through social, cultural, environmental, and volunteer programs.
How We Started, and How We Grew
MPYAA began as a social club. Our founders saw that there were few social and recreational opportunities for young adults in Marine Park and the surrounding neighborhoods, so they created a welcoming space where people ages 18 to 35 could meet, make friends, and get more involved in their community.
As the group grew, so did what our members wanted to take on. Today MPYAA is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization and a community service club. We kept everything that made the social club work and added service to it, so the same group that turns out for trivia on a weeknight also turns out for a cleanup on a Saturday morning.
That history is why our programming runs on two levels. Our core events are still built for young adults, while our community events and volunteer projects are open to neighbors of every age.
What We Do
One track built for young adults, and two open to the whole neighborhood.
Core Events for Young Adults
Our core events are for young adults ages 18 to 35, starting with our monthly meetings, where members plan upcoming programs, vote on membership matters, and get to know one another.
Around those meetings we host karaoke, board game and craft nights, trivia, murder mystery nights, and casual meetups at local spots like Marine Park Coffee. These events are free for MPYAA members and typically carry a small cover for guests, so anyone can come out and see what we are about first.
Open Community Events for All Ages
Our community events are open to everyone in southern Brooklyn, regardless of age or membership. We host concerts featuring local bands and free outdoor movie nights, including our August 2025 screening on the lawn of the historic Hendrick I. Lott House.
These gatherings are how we bring the whole neighborhood together, and for many of our neighbors they are the first introduction to MPYAA.
Volunteer and Service Projects
Our service projects are open to volunteers of all ages. In April 2026 we launched the Marine Park Litter Pickup Club, whose first cleanup brought neighbors out in cold, rainy weather along Quentin Road, with more cleanups planned every few months.
We also run Street Tree Care Days with NYC Parks through the Super Steward Program, along with school-supply collections, coat drives, and donation drives for local families.
Climate Cafe South Brooklyn
MPYAA also operates Climate Cafe South Brooklyn, an official chapter of Climate Cafe NYC and a community hub through Force of Nature. The program provides a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where residents can discuss their thoughts, feelings, and experiences surrounding climate change, connect with others, and develop hope and community resilience.
Gatherings focus on building emotional resilience, encouraging personal reflection, fostering community connection, and promoting climate literacy and local action. Climate Cafe South Brooklyn reflects our belief that meaningful community connections can help people respond to shared challenges and become more engaged in shaping the future of their neighborhoods.
Partners and Press
We work alongside NYC Parks, the Marine Park Alliance, Friends of the Lott House, the Salt Marsh Alliance, the Marine Park Community Association, and grassroots organizations such as the Community Heartbeat Foundation to support local families, improve public spaces, and strengthen connections throughout southern Brooklyn. You can see the full list on our partnerships page.
Our work has been covered by the Canarsie Courier, the Red Hook Star-Revue, and Atmos. Whether you are a young adult looking for a vibrant peer community, a neighbor interested in volunteering, or someone who simply wants to enjoy an open community event, we invite you to get involved, and young adults who want to go further can become members and meet our Board.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you're looking to volunteer, attend an event, or simply connect with like-minded neighbors, there's a place for you here. At Marine Park Young Adults Association, we believe that community starts with showing up, and every voice, every hand, every idea makes a difference.
Join Us Today