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Yellow Cabs Are in The DNA of New York City, But Will That Last?

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Long Island Press
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Richard Wissak, vice president of 55 Stan.

For years, driving a cab and aspiring to own a taxi medallion was a great path for many, including immigrants, to achieve the American dream.

In the latest episode of Schneps Connects, Josh Schneps, CEO of Schneps Media, speaks with Richard Wissak, vice president of 55 Stan, a company that owns and operates a large fleet of NYC taxi cabs dating back to 1960 and based out of Long Island City, Queens.

We all know how much yellow cabs are part of the city’s DNA, but technology has changed the landscape of the industry and along with that, the streets of the city.

In this episode, we discussed that taxi medallions were at one time a great long term investment that was protected by supply and demand. You could only pick up people off the streets of New York City with a medallion, and those medallions were auctioned in small amounts by the City of New York.

In 2014, medallion values peaked at about $1.3 million each. However, the industry was massively disrupted by mobile apps that offer ride-hailing as well as ride-sharing. On top of that, the taxi industry was shaken up by risky lending practices to those who borrowed to buy medallions that are now underwater, the impact of which drove down the values almost 90 percent to about $140,000.

Hear what is being done for medallion owners that have been so severely impacted by technology and now, the Covid-19 pandemic. Every Thursday as part of our new Schneps Connects Podcast Series, we will feature exceptional leaders like Richard while we pull back the curtain on their proudest accomplishments, biggest challenges, and all the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

 Produced by Jill Carvajal and Josh Schneps.

 Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/embed-podcast/episode/4bmrirwsJMENdeQo4l9sVn.

Neurodiversity in The Workplace Webinar To Discuss Benefits of Hiring Those on The Spectrum

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Long Island Press
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neurodiversity in the workplace
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Neurodiverse individuals may have difficulties finding employment in adulthood. However, there are educational and corporate partnership programs dedicated to making the transition to the work world smoother for neurodiverse people.

These groups of professionals train those entering the workforce, advocate for them, and educate businesses that want to bring neurodiversity into their own companies. They also bring awareness to the skill sets and abilities that those with learning disabilities, autism, and ADHD have that would benefit the workplace.

On Thursday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m., join the following expert educators and corporate partners to discuss LD, Autism and ADHD Pathways to Success:

  • Anthony Pacilio, JPMorgan Chase’s vice president and global head of Autism at Work, an organization that forms corporate partnerships to identify roles for autistic employees and holds annual conferences educating businesspeople about the neurodiverse population’s beneficial skill set.
  • Jamell G. Mitchell, Global NCoE Ecosystem & Community Engagement Leader at Ernst & Young LLP, where he engages in public speaking to bring awareness to the advantages of working with neurodiverse individuals.
  • Jan Coplan, director of Career Connections at Landmark College, a university that caters exclusively toward individuals with learning disabilities and helps them transition to the working world. 
  • Solvegi Shmulsky, professor of psychology at Landmark College and director of the Center for Neurodiversity, the college’s entity that advocates for the neurodiverse population, helping the public to understand their benefits and unique contributions to society.

Topics discussed will include the mutual value of Landmark Colleges’ corporate partnerships, how an individualized educational approach creates professional success, and advantages of neurodiverse teams to your business.

Schneps Media, the parent company of the Long Island Press, offers webinars that address a variety of topics. Learn more about upcoming webinars at SchnepsMedia.com/webinars.

Register for “Neurodiversity in The Workplace” here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_foMI3mAjToKh-YtUwx0NiQ.

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What is The Best Italian Restaurant on Long Island?

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Long Island Press
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Pasta with meat, tomato sauce and vegetables on white background

Whether it’s a big plate of chicken, veal or eggplant parmesan, or a hefty bowl of penne, rigatoni or spaghetti, Long Islanders love their Italian cuisine. But what is the best Italian Restaurant on Long Island?

Long Islanders voted The Gallery Four Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant the Best Italian Restaurant on Long Island in the 2020 Bethpage Best of Long Island contest!

Originally founded in 1979, The Gallery Four Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant in Lynbrook has been serving up the best Italian food to Long Islanders for years, and when you sit down for a meal, you’ll understand why. From chicken parmigiana to shrimp scampi, their menu is full of classic Italian restaurant staples at reasonable prices. You can start off your meal with authentic Italian appetizers (or antipasti) that will hold you over until the meal arrives. The pizza at The Gallery Four Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant is made with classic ingredients that will satisfy any pizza fan. Stop by today and grab a slice, or pick up a meal to go!

The Gallery Four Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant is located at 93 Broadway in Lynbrook. It can be reached at 516-593-2539 or facebook.com/galleryfourrestaurant

To find all the other 2020 Bethpage Best of Long Island contest winners, visit bestoflongisland.com Vote for your favorite businesses and people in the 2021 Bethpage Best of Long Island program Oct. 1 through Dec. 15.

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Glen Cove Italian Renaissance Revival Asks $2.9M

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Long Island Press
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italian renaissance revival
This home in Glen Cove is listed for $2,999,000.

This stunning Italian Renaissance Revival is listed for sale at 8 Poppy Lane in Glen Cove.

Built in 2013, the house takes its architectural inspiration from the original Italian Renaissance movement of the 14th to 16th century, as well as its first revival in the late 19th and early 20th century.

The property is .58 acres with a circular driveway and electronic gates guarding this grand home, which sits on a total of .75 acres of land. The house’s front exterior is reminiscent of a hotel entrance — an overhang is connected to the house and held up with tall columns in the middle of the driveway.

Walk inside through the French double doors and you’ll be greeted with an even grander lobby, complete with checkered tile floors, a curved staircase with delicately designed, wrought iron railings on either wall, and a chandelier overhead.

The house has 13 rooms total, including its four bathrooms, eat-in kitchen, full dining room, a family room, and a home office. The master bedroom has its own chandelier, plus a master bathroom with a large, marble bath and shower.

An elevator in the house leads to the five bedrooms on the second floor and the walk-out basement. Several French doors open to second-floor balconies, as well as a veranda in the back. 

Other features include a one-car garage, cathedral ceilings, granite countertops, a pantry, walk-in closets, and a powder room.

The asking price is $2,999,000, not including the annual property tax of $30,708.

The real estate agent listed for the property is Giuseppe Gregorio, of NY Space Finders Inc, who can be reached at 516-801-6181. 

 For more real estate news, visit longislandpress.com/category/real-estate.

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Tips For Decorating Your Home For The Holidays

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Long Island Press
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Dee Ann Federico used small string lights and metallic poinsettias to create some holiday magic. And even a meditation area can be festive.

By Taylor K. Vecsey

More people than ever will be spending the holidays on the East End this year, and that means dressing up Hamptons homes more than ever for the season.

Even leading up to Halloween, “Everyone decorated way more this year,” says Jillian Griffiths, who runs Griffiths Property Management and takes care of estates from Montauk to Bridgehampton. It’s a trend that is sure to continue through Hanukkah and Christmas, and one that goes well beyond a few lights strung here and there and a wreath on the door. Some clients ask Griffiths to decorate their homes, from outdoor décor to setting up the presents and making sure the toys have batteries. 

“They say, ‘We just want to walk in and be like a kid on Christmas morning ourselves,’” she says. “If the Barbie Jeep needs the battery charged, we’ll take care of it.” 

Griffiths has even partnered with Meg Caswell, a Chicago-based interior designer who won HGTV Design Star season 6, to offer consultations virtually. Caswell offers the interior design tips and Griffiths executes them.

Holiday décor consulting is something that Dee Ann Federico, an interior designer based in the Hamptons who has 23 years of experience, also provides. 

“It’s like a holiday mini-makeover,” she says. 

Clients will lay out all their decorations and show her pictures of what they’ve done in the past, and she advises on a new way to set them up or how to include new pieces. The “holiday refresh,” as she calls it, simplifies and elevates a look “by blending family favorites with updated elements that can add new spirit and sparkle to their home.

“I absolutely love to decorate for the holidays. You can really just let yourself go,” Federico continues. “People have started to decorate their  bedrooms, not just the public rooms in their house…There’s pretty much not a room where you can’t put some holiday influence.” And she doesn’t just mean those old-school holiday hand towels in the bathroom.

For the full story, visit BehindTheHedges.com.

St. John’s Medical Group Enhances Its Outpatient Medical Service Offerings by Opening State-of-the-Art Health Center in Rockaway Park

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Long Island Press
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Beach 105th Street exterior

St. John’s Medical Group is enhancing its outpatient medical service offerings by opening its new medical practice at 105-38 Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Rockaway Park. Patients and community members will have access to high-quality medical care in a modern setting equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

The new medical practice will open in three phases: Services available in phase 1 as of Dec. 3 are adult and pediatric dermatology, adult endocrinology, behavioral health, and primary care. Breast surgery will be available in January 2021.

Phase 2 services to be added in spring 2021 are cardiology, general surgery, neurology, additional primary care, and vascular surgery. The Margaret O. Carpenter Women’s Health Center will open in fall 2021 as a part of phase 3 and feature 3D mammography, behavioral health, breast surgery, gynecology/oncology, imaging, maternal fetal medicine, nutrition, OB-GYN, and urogynecology.

Joining the medical practice this December are primary care clinicians Dr. Vladislav Chernyshenko, Dr. Yating Lee, and Nurse Practitioner Victoria Backus; pediatric and adult dermatologist Dr. Louis Siegel; adult endocrinologist Dr. Sophia Galustian; and Social Worker Jamie Svenson. Breast surgeon Dr. Sharon Koehler joins the practice in January. Additional clinicians will join the practice in Spring and Fall of 2021.

“We recognize that access to medical services is a prime concern for the communities we serve and that is why we are opening new offices and providing various services outside of the hospital,” said Rosemary Bonilla, MBA, CMPE, Vice President of Physician Practices and Ambulatory Care. “Our patients deserve excellent medical care close to home.”

The new Rockaway Park office will open on Dec. 3.

To schedule an appointment for primary care, dermatology, endocrinology, and behavioral health services, call 718-318-3434.

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Health & Fiscal Wellness Expo to Offer Life Tips for Adults 55+

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Long Island Press
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Getty Images

Join us for Schneps Media’s Annual Health & Fiscal Wellness Expo on Dec. 3! Due to the pandemic, this year’s event is going virtual with a two-part webinar series followed by a bonus “expo room” where you will meet more professionals who will be talking about their business and how it can help you! Additionally, on the fiscal wellness webinar, you will learn more about the importance of planning for your future and the future of your loved ones. 

We are pleased to announce our host of the series, former Good Morning America star Joan Lunden, celebrated American journalist, television anchor, author and influencer.  

You will also hear about Joan’s latest projects such as her book Why Did I Come Into This Room? A Candid Conversation About Aging.

This year’s virtual expo has a great lineup of experts that will discuss a variety of vital topics for 50s plus, including but not limited to the role stress plays in developing (or preventing) chronic disease, choosing assisted living communities, the risks of a sedentary lifestyle, the type of diets that help you live longer, seeking a healthier life, public safety in the midst of COVID-19, finding the right caregivers, when to retire and how to invest, downsizing, protecting your assets, refinancing mortgages, relocation, granting rights and who to select for your power of attorney and more.

Speakers will include:

Having the ability to have a healthy financial life is interconnected to your physical wellness and is important to not ignore. Things like managing your debts, having access to emergency funds, saving for retirement and being able to handle a financial crisis are key parts of living a healthier life and lowering stress levels. These things are equally important to getting outdoor exercise, working on your breathing, meditation, being physically fit and not missing your annual health screenings and exams.

Join your friends, colleagues, caregivers and others within the 55+ communities across Long Island and Queens to learn about health and fiscal wellness. Plus, a chance to win great prizes!

Register now! 

ZOOM:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GoRrEc0HSPKDHMACt20zKA

Our event will be re-broadcasted on North Shore Tower TV, and will have a special section in the Long Island Press and North Shore Towers Courier and will be featured in Dan’s Papers, and Queens Courier.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and to be a part of our incredible event, please contact: Joanna Austin, jaustin@longislandpress.com.

Sponsors for this webinar are:

OCLI  

Empire Blue Cross  

Broadway Stages 

Ronald Fatoullah & Associates   

Sunharbor Manor  

Atria Cuttermill

Home Instead Senior Care

Forest Hill Financial    

Advanced Hearing Center      

Nassau Knolls  

MassapequaCenter Rehabilitation & Nursing    

St. Michael’s Cemetery    

Over Sixty Shades of Gray

Right at Home   

The Grand Healthcare System  

GiftBasket.com

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Philanthropist Shares Why it’s Better to Give Than Receive

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Long Island Press
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L. to R.: Retired U.S. Army Col. E. David Woycik Jr. and James Metzger, CEO of The Whitmore Group

The giving season is back, and this year there are more people in need than any time in recent memory. 

How does someone so inclined to donate time or money prioritize where to channel donations? James Metzger, the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of The Whitmore Group, a Garden City-based insurance agency, has some ideas, having turned his business success into prolific philanthropy to help the most vulnerable. 

“There’s an enormous gratification one can derive from supporting charities, foundations, and communities,” Metzger says. “I really believe making a difference in someone’s life will make you feel better about yourself.”

He’s one of many benevolent people opening their hearts and wallets to give back to the community in its time of need. He spoke with the Press about why it’s important that those who can afford to give do so.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. 

What is the philosophy that guides your philanthropy? I don’t use the word philanthropy ever. I like to refer to my involvement as community service. It’s more impressive when people give anonymously but I started with three people 30 years ago in Roslyn and I’ve worked assiduously over three decades to build my company and I feel that often my contributions are directed at my clients’ community, which enables my clients to benefit, I bolster my relationship with my clients, and I also strengthen my brand and enhance my public image. I don’t pretend that I’m just a wonderful human being that does so much for so many. I know the value of brand building and marketing and my giving has enabled me to strengthen my company and give more. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Maybe if I had sons or I pass on to the next generation they’ll start out established and maybe they could do it anonymously, which is the most honorable, but I’ve done it my way, which is to give back to the community and build Whitmore’s image in the community as well.

What inspired you to step up your charitable giving this year? One of the things I did this year was to make a financial donation to the Hempstead Police Athletic League (PAL). We’ve been introducing the game of lacrosse for a decade to predominantly Black kids in Hempstead who haven’t been exposed to the game in the way that I was, growing up in Huntington, or many of my former teammates and players by and large have been exposed to the game, in the suburbs and some of the more exclusive areas. I gave them a five-figure donation this year just to beef up their uniforms and equipment. That’s been personally a very rewarding giveback. 

Why is that important? Historically Blacks dominate the NBA and the NFL, and I try to tell these young kids that lacrosse doesn’t have the sex appeal of football or basketball but the opportunity that exists there for their futures are much greater in that there isn’t the same level of competition. lacrosse can help them in so many ways and so many levels, including building relationships that will last a lifetime. But moreover lacrosse can help them gain entry to college, maybe attain a scholarship. There are 700 schools that play lacrosse in division I, II, and III. They could go to a division III school and have a lot of success as a lacrosse player and that could become the foundation upon which they build the rest of their lives.

Who else have you given to? The donations that I made to Hofstra University, that’s been an ongoing love affair that I have with my alma mater. I updated in February a locker room that I had already donated to and established. We did a major renovation. I had named it in honor of my former coach Harry Royale and my former teammate Vinny Sombrotto, who went on to become one of the greatest lacrosse players in the history of the game. It’s a state-of-the-art facility, in contrast to our locker room 40 years earlier that was like little tin-can lockers compared to that.

Much of your giving this year involved retired U.S. Army Col. E. David Woycik Jr. Why is that? He and I played together 40 years ago at Hofstra. He’s a prominent Garden City attorney and retired Army colonel. I decided to give him a six-figure donation. In his honor, he chose the charities, including America’s VetDogs, Canine Companions for Independence, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island. Dave and I are very close personal friends but I did not serve in the military. I went to the U.S. Naval Academy prep school for a year. He served in Desert Storm. He did a couple tours of duty and I really do admire that. I think there’s no greater sacrifice than going to war and defending the country. I just wanted to honor my friend for his service to the country.

How has the pandemic affected your giving? During Covid I found that the money is even more important to many of these organizations and charities. And I think because almost every industry, with the exception of maybe hand sanitizer companies, the vast majority of companies and industries have been negatively affected by Covid-19 — some, more than others. 

What advice do you have for others who are unsure if they should donate? It’s hard to ask other people to do that. I will say that it’s the greatest joy in my life to be able to give back to the community. When you can impact someone’s life through which they derive benefit or directly to individuals, when the money makes a difference, I think it’s one of the great feelings one can have. I value people who lend their time and energy, their sweat equity, if you will. I admire that. I have been more inclined to give financially. I think the older I get the more important it has become to me.

Has being diagnosed with the coronavirus changed your perspective on giving? I’ve spent the better part of 12 days in bed. I lost my sense of taste, my sense of smell. I’ve had no appetite. I’ve been literally knocked-out exhausted. It’s made me think about people who are more vulnerable, have underlying health conditions, and how we utilize masks and social distancing to keep everyone safe. I’m fortunate in that I think I’m a young 60-year-old. I know that I had a relatively mild case compared to all the poor folks who’ve been on ventilators or spent a significant amount of time in the hospital. In terms of giving, it just makes me more concerned for my fellow man. Maybe I’ll focus on a give back to the medical community. 

Anything else you want to add? I do believe that my future focus will be on veterans. We can’t do enough for those folks.

Cost-cutting Tips For A Fiscally Healthy Retirement

By
Long Island Press
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The average person will spend more than 50 years in the employment sector. As retirement draws closer, many professionals begin to daydream about giving up the commute and having more time to pursue their personal interests. 

Even if planning for retirement has been many years in the making, it can take some time for a person to become acclimated to having less income. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, older households, which are defined as those run by someone age 65 and older, spent an average of $45,756 in 2016, or roughly $3,800 a month in 2016. That’s roughly $1,000 less than the monthly average spent by typical American households. Housing, transportation, healthcare, and food are some of the biggest bills retirees will have to account for. Aiming to have savings in addition to any other retirement income or government subsidy coming in to cover that amount is a step in the right direction. 

Retirees can make their money go further if they take inventory of their spending and make some cuts where possible.

Know where your money is going. It’s impossible to save without knowing what your expenses are each month. Many people are surprised to learn how much little things add up over the course of a month. For example, spending $4 for a takeout coffee each day can quickly become an expensive luxury. Add all expenses and see where you can trim, especially if there’s a deficit each month.

Consider extra health insurance coverage. In the United States, Medicare participants can choose Medicare Supplement Insurance plans to help reduce out-of-pocket health care costs. Medicare Parts A and B cover only some of your healthcare costs. Supplemental insurance can cover some of the costs not covered by original Medicare, such as copayments, deductibles and coinsurance, according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Pare down your possessions. Take inventory of what you have and scale back where possible. If you are no longer commuting to work, you may be able to become a one-car household. Downsizing your residence can help seniors avoid spending too much of their retirement time and money maintaining their homes. 

Take advantage of senior discounts. Take advantage of the many discounts offered to seniors. Retirees can usually save on restaurants, travel, groceries, and much more by simply shopping on specific days or verifying their age when checking out.

Purchase less expensive life insurance or consider canceling it altogether. According to Cheapism, a site that advises consumers about how to be more frugal, the chief purpose of life insurance is to replace income to ensure the financial security of dependents in the event of death. Retirees may have no dependents and little income. Therefore, a large life insurance policy may not be necessary, especially if you’ve already set aside funds to cover funeral costs.

Pay off a mortgage. Housing is many people’s most substantial expense. Paying off a mortgage can free up more money each month and allow retirees to spend their golden years doing as they please. 

As retirement nears, adults can employ various strategies to reduce their monthly expenses.

-Metro Creative Connection

21 Long Island Nonprofits To Donate To Benefitting The Neediest

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Long Island Press
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long island nonprofits
Getty Images

It’s the season of giving. Donate to any of these 21 Long Island nonprofit organizations to make a difference in the lives of Long Island’s most vulnerable residents.

Angels on Call

Mission: For more than two decades, Ginger Hoernig has been running Angels on Call every holiday season out of her Huntington Station home. She buys and takes donations of new children’s toys, and then has volunteers help wrap and deliver them to local children in need.

Need: New toys, volunteers to wrap Christmas gifts for children in need.

Contact Ginger at happyginge@aol.com.

Bethany House

Mission: Bethany House started as a small homeless shelter in Roosevelt responding to a growing homeless population in the late 1970s. It now operates five homes on Long Island and serves 85 people on a nightly basis. The organization provides women and children with the services they need to transition to permanent housing when they leave.

Need: Sheet sets, blankets, pillows, mattress protectors, comforter sets or bedspreads, cleaning supplies, paper products, instant oatmeal, cereal, juice boxes, fruit snacks, cookies, cake and brownie mixes, condiments, salad dressings, pasta, spaghetti sauce, Metro cards for bus transportation.

Bhny.org

The Book Fairies

Mission: The Book Fairies is a Freeport-based nonprofit organization that collects and donates books and other reading materials to people in need throughout Long Island and New York City. Books are donated to children living in poverty.

Need: Books for all age groups, volunteers in several aspects of the organization, monetary donations

Thebookfairies.org

Center for Family Support  

Mission: The Center for Family Support helps people who have developmental disabilities and their families with care coordination and support services. The organization serves Long Island, New York City, Westchester and New Jersey.

Need: Monetary donations

Cfsny.org

CARECEN Long Island

Mission: CARECEN protects Long Island’s immigrant population by providing families with the legal services they need to affirm their status in the country. The organization also offers a pathway to citizenship program and a child refugee unit for unaccompanied children resettling on Long Island.

Need: Monetary donations, volunteers, interns

Carecenny.org

Community Solidarity

Mission: Community Solidarity runs five weekly food distribution events for individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. The food share is strictly vegetarian. Locations are in Farmingville, Wyandanch, Hempstead, Huntington and Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Need: Vegetarian groceries, clothing, books, toys, school supplies, volunteers to sort and distribute food each week

Communitysolidarity.org

Family & Children’s Association

Mission: FCA serves vulnerable communities on Long Island. Some of the organization’s focuses include drug addiction prevention, treatment and recovery services, mental health for children, family support, residential care and senior services.

Need: Monetary donations, volunteers

Fcali.org

Helping Hands Rescue Mission

Mission: Helping Hand Rescue Mission, located on Broadway in Huntington Station, holds a year-round food pantry. Families in need can visit at certain times from Monday through Friday to pick up groceries. The group also holds special clothing, food and toy drives around the holiday season.

Need: (For toy drive) Unwrapped toys for kids ages 0-13, gift cards for kids ages 14 and up, volunteers to wrap toys. (For food pantry) Peanut butter and jelly, snack items, tomato products, canned soup, canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, juice boxes, water bottles, soaps and shower gels, cleaning supplies, diapers sizes 4-6, baby wipes

Helpinghandsrescuemission.org

Hispanic Counseling Center

Mission: Hispanic Counseling Center works to provide mental health, family support, domestic violence and addiction recovery services to Long Island’s Latino residents. Their staff offers services for Hispanic individuals of all ages, including seniors.

Need: Monetary donations

Hispaniccounseling.org

Island Harvest

Mission: Linda Breitstone founded Island Harvest in 1992 to “end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island.” Today, staff and volunteers collect food that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it to a network of Island Harvest pantries across Long Island.

Need: Food items, monetary donations, volunteers

Islandharvest.org 

Life’s WORC

Mission: Life’s WORC serves people who have autism and other disabilities through its Family Center for Autism and Trust Services, which assists with financial planning for adults with disabilities. Based in Garden City, the organization provides a variety of services for Long Islanders as well as residents of Queens and Manhattan.

Need: Monetary donations, volunteers

Lifesworc.org 

Long Island Against Domestic Violence

Mission: Long Island Against Domestic Violence has been a leader in assisting women in need of safe shelter since it started as the Long Island Women’s Coalition in 1976. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services to help people of all genders facing domestic violence find the support they need.

Need: Food and household items, monetary donations. Check the website for a shelter wish list.

Liadv.org 

Long Island Cares

Mission: Musician and social activist Harry Chapin founded LI Cares, the first Long Island-wide food bank, in 1980. The organization takes a comprehensive approach to hunger aid and partners with hundreds of community-based member affiliates to provide an array of services, from children’s nutrition to emergency recovery.

Need: Food items, monetary donations, car donations

Licares.org

Long Island Coalition for the Homeless

Mission: Tackling homelessness head-on is no easy task, and Long Island Coalition for the Homeless has been doing it since 1985. The organization coordinates services for homeless Long Islanders, all the while advocating for them and educating the public about homelessness.

Need: Blankets, backpacks, school supplies, winter coats, job interview clothing, monetary donations

Addressthehomeless.org

Long Island Crisis Center

Mission: A member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Long Island, the Long Island Crisis Center runs a 24/7 crisis hotline. Volunteer counselors are always there to speak with anyone who is in crisis or feeling suicidal. It also offers educational and empowering programs and initiatives to engage people about mental health issues.

Need: Monetary donations, volunteers for 2021

Longislandcrisiscenter.org

Long Island State Veterans Home

Mission: Long Island State Veterans Home is a 350-bed nursing facility for veterans in need of rehabilitation, nursing care or adult day care services. It is located on the Stony Brook University campus.

Need: Monetary donations. Check the website for a wish list.

Veteranshome.stonybrookmedicine.edu

Mary Brennan INN

Mission: The Mary Brennan INN is a soup kitchen in Hempstead that has other INN locations in Long Beach, Freeport and Central Islip. It offers hot meals and additional support services for those facing food insecurity and/or homelessness.

Need: Meals for soup kitchen, food items, new clothing, holiday gifts for children, gift cards to local stores, kitchen and cleaning supplies, monetary donations

The-inn.org

Maureen’s Haven 

Mission: Maureen’s Haven is a homeless shelter in Riverhead that provides homeless outreach services to those in need on the East End of Long Island. Its programs also include an emergency winter shelter, a kids daycare center and summer weekend lunch program.

Need: Food items, personal hygiene items, clothing, monetary donations, volunteers

Maureenshaven.org

Smile Farm

Mission: Developmentally disabled adults find employment through Smile Farms, a nonprofit that started in 2015. The organization employs hundreds of people to garden and grow flowers and produce at its seven campuses on Long Island. Those products are sold in the local community, plus, having a job provides adults with special needs financial security, socialization, and fulfillment.

Need: Monetary donations

Smilefarms.org

STRONG Youth

Mission: STRONG Youth works with at-risk youth and their families to prevent gang violence and other youth violence in the communities they serve. Based in Uniondale, staff and volunteers provide counseling and community programming.

Need: Monetary donations

Strongyouth.com 

United Way of Long Island  

Mission: United Way of Long Island helps Long Islanders on their path to financial stability. The organization offers various income, education, health and workforce readiness programs.

Need: Monetary donations

Unitedwayli.org

Editor’s note: Life’s WORC was founded by Victoria Schneps-Yunis, founder of Schneps Media, the parent company of the Long Island Press.

-Compiled by Briana Bonfiglio

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