July 2025

HWCLI's Community Services

Do you serve Medicaid clients on Long Island? The HEALI Social Care Network is here for you! We can help connect them to free or low-cost services that support their health and wellbeing. Have your Medicaid clients reach out to HEALI to get screened and see what services they may qualify for. It’s quick, confidential and can make a big difference. Call us at 516-505-4434, email us at healihelp@hwcli.com or complete a self-screen at www.healiny.org and one of our Community Health Workers will follow up.

HWCLI LIVOAD: Extreme Heat Resources

With dangerously high temperatures affecting our region this summer, HWCLI's LIVOAD will be consistently sharing resources and cooling centers to help protect Long Islanders during extreme heat.

Please click here to view our most recent Heat Resources Alert sent Please Note: The linked email includes information on cooling centers, which may not be available at the time you're reading this. However, other resources—such as cooling assistance programs, utility payment support, and information on preventing heat-related illnesses—remain current and accessible.

HWCLI Upcoming Events

HWCLI Gala

Save the Date! Join HWCLI at our Endless Summer Soirée on the Bay on Tuesday, September 9th! Take part in an unforgettable evening featuring a sunset cocktail hour, curated dinner, and inspiring honoree program—all set on the beautiful Great South BayDon’t miss your chance to be part of this powerful night of impact and community!

Community Events

8/2 FREE Gordon Heights Community Parade

Attend a Gordon Heights FREE Community Paradthis Sunday August 2nd at 9AM at 495 Granny Rd. #3 Medford, NY 11763.

8/2 Breastfeeding Support & Awareness Event

Presented by Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine, The Office of Women’s Services & The Suffolk County Women’s Health Coalition: The Suffolk County Women’s Health Coalition and community partners invite you to join them for a breastfeeding support and awareness event in recognition of World Breastfeeding Week to celebrate breastfeeding and support parents and families in the community! Join them on Saturday August 2nd from 10AM-12PM at Babylon Town's Tanner Beach Park Senior Center (Baylawn Ave., Copiague) There is NO parking fee or residency required for the event!

8/4 & 8/18 Circle Time / Hora del Circulo

8/4, 8/11, 8/18, 8/25 Pregnancy and Infant Feeding Workshops

Building Healthy Habits Pregnancy and Infant Feeding Workshops are being offered in English and Spanish throughout the month of August! Earn a certificate of completion- workshops are free! Contact Cornell Cooperative Exrension of Suffolk County to sign up now by emailing Michelle Saavedra-Cedeno at ms2863@cornell.edu or by text/call at 631-759-9355

8/5 National Night Out

Catch HWCLI at the National Night Out on Tuesday August 5th from 5PM-8PM at Fireman's Memorial Park (725 Middle Country Road, Ridge)!

8/9 Ovarian Cancer in Multicultural Communities

Ovarian Cancer is a silent killer. 80% of women with the disease are diagnosed after it has already spread. African American women are more likely to die of ovarian cancer than their white counter parts. There is no reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer. Join us for an important morning of information that could save your life! Learn the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer you need to know. Refreshments provided.

Date: Saturday August 9, 2025 10am-12pm

Location: Longwood Library 800 Middle Country Rd., Middle Island, NY 11953

For more information, please contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Office of Minority Health at 631-854-0378 or email omh@suffolkcountyny.gov

To register please go to: https://forms.office.com/g/CyA54uU8KR

Presented by: Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Minority Health, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, The Witness Project of Long Island and Dare to Dream 

8/13 FREE Fair Housing Webinar: Gratutia Justicia en la Vivienda Webinario

Long Island Housing Services will provide a FREE/GRATUITA training to educate the GENERAL PUBLIC on how to recognize fair housing violations under New York State Human Rights Law. Join them on August 13, 2025/13 de agosto de 2025 (10:30 am – 12:00 pm).

Register in advance for this webinar/Regístrese con anticipación:   

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dwU8fOOjSRiUfLvQlFlCCA

ASL interpreters are available upon request by August 1, 2025. Esta capacitación GRATUITA proporcionará servicios de interpretación en español.

This training will include information on:

• The different types of prohibited housing discrimination, including:
• Source of income (like Section 8 vouchers)
• Having children in the household
• Certain convictions and arrest histories
• Disability and support animals
• Citizenship and immigration status
• How to document and report housing discrimination
• Best practices for landlords on assessing applicant’s credit and criminal legal system backgrounds – based on New York Homes and Community Renewal policies

8/13, 8/27, 9/5, & 9/ FREE Mental Health First Aid Training

FCA's FREE Mental Health First Aid Classes are free for attendees who interact in ANY capacity with ANY Nassau County residents who are 55 yrs old and over (friends, family, colleagues, patients, clients, etc.). Upcoming dates include 8/13, 8/27, 9/5, and 9/10.

The class attendees must be 18 or over but do not need to live or work in Nassau, nor do the interactions need to take place in Nassau. They use the same manual that is for adults aged 18 and over and include information about topics specific to older adults (dementia, Alzheimer's, medical induced psychosis vs. mental illness and more). The MHFA organization provides a 3 year certification and there is an opportunity to receive a $30 gift card after completing the course. The course funding is provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Any questions, please email Jeanne Cacciatore, LMSW AT JCACCIATORE@FCALI.ORG or call/text 516 619-6786.

8/14 Seizure First-Aid Certification Lunch and Learn

The Epilepsy Foundation Long Island invites you to attend the  Lunch and Learn at the Art League of Long Island in Dix Hills on Thursday, August 14 from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm. To register please email Janet Romeo at jromeo@epicli.org

The lunch program will include the Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification Training (certification is good for 2 years) as well as networking and resource sharing opportunities. It will be held in the elegant Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery that showcases the work of local and regional artists.

They are offering this program as an awardee of the national Epilepsy Foundation's Multicultural Outreach Program, Social Determinants of Health Minority Outreach Mini Grant Project.

8/15, 9/18, 10/23 FREE Vascular Disease Screening in Holbrook and Centereach

Stony Brook Medicine’s health screenings help detect and prevent potential health issues early – often before you notice any symptoms. Take advantage of our screenings to help reduce the risk of disease and stay up to date on your health.

During a vascular screening, three simple tests are conducted that detect vascular disease and can save your life:

• Carotid ultrasound: to check for clogged arteries in the neck, which can lead to stroke 
• Abdominal aortic ultrasound: encourages early identification and treatment of an aortic aneurysm
• Ankle brachial index (compares blood pressure in the ankle to blood pressure in the arm): to check for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is associated with other serious conditions and may predispose you to a heart attack and/or stroke

Those who are over 50 with one or more of the following risk factors will benefit most from the vascular screening:

• Current or past tobacco use
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Personal or family history of vascular or heart disease, aortic aneurysm (a weak spot in the wall of the aorta that begins to bulge); or stroke

Availability:

Holbrook Location (280 Union Ave, Holbrook)

Friday, Aug. 15, noon to 4 pm

Thursday, Sept. 18, 1 to 4 pm

Thursday, Oct. 23, noon to 4 pm 

Centereach Location

23 South Howell Ave, Suite H, Centereach, NY 11720

Screenings are held every Thursday from 1 to 4 pm.

Registration required. To learn more and to schedule a free vascular screening, please click here.

8/27 Back to School Healthy Snack Tour

8/28 FREE Dental Care Services for Children

Stonybrook SChool of Dental Medicine is offering FREE pediatric dental care services for children 1-17 years old, including dental screening, cleaning, sealanta, and fluoride treatment. Parents will receive a FREE string backpack, school supplies, and dental health kit. Join them on Thursday August 28th from 2PM-4PM at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine (1 South Drive, Stony Brook, NY).

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Events

Since 1926, the CCE Suffolk County Community Education Program educators have worked in partnership with the College of Human Ecology of Cornell University to translate cutting-edge research into practical educational programs and professional trainings related to nutrition, parenting, and healthy living. Their team of dedicated professionals provides accessible resources to support the residents of Suffolk County at each stage of life. See below events, trainings, and programs that are being held throughout July.

Parent Education Programs: Join us for FREE virtual programs for parents to learn valuable information on how to promote & understand youth mental health.

Available dates/times below. Click here to learn more or register.

• Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Thursday, August 14, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
• Monday, August 4, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
• Thursday, August 21, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Summer School for Parents: School’s out but summer school for parents is in session. Join us for free weekly parenting programs via Zoom to gain valuable information and skills that will make parenting more effective and enjoyable. Pre-registration is required.

Available dates/times below. Click here to learn more or register.

• Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
• Thursday, August 7, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
• Thursday, August 14, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Ask the Dietitian: Join for a FREE Diabetes question and answer session with a nutrition expert.

Available dates/times below. Click here to learn more or register.

• Friday, August 15, 2025, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Friday, September 19, 2025, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Friday, October 17, 2025, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Friday, November 21, 2025, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Grupo de apoyo virtual gratuito sobre la diabetes:

• Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
• Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
• Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Diabetes Support Group: If you or a loved one has diabetes or prediabetes join this free virtual diabetes support group.

Available dates/times below: Click here to learn more or register.

• Monday, September 8, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
• Monday, November 10, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Free Virtual Baby Basics Class: Held on the 1st Monday of each Month from 6PM-7PM in English, and 7PM-8PM in Spanish. Join any session by clicking here or calling in at 1-646-568-7788 (Meeting ID: 923 0683 0122, Passcode: 1)

Other Trainings and Events: Click here to learn more or register for these events and more!

• August 4th 10AM: Guiding Good Choices

Community Resources

PSEG Long Island Community Advocate Resources

PSEG Long Island wants to help consumers stay cool this summer! Check out their Summer 2025 newsletter to learn more about their household assistance program and payment agreement options, community partner resources, free cooling programs, and more! Click here to download now!

Falls Free Long Island: Fall Prevention Trainings

Falls Free Long Island is providing free falls prevention programs. Their programs are all evidence-based, meaning they offer proven ways to promote health and prevent falls among older adults. They are based on research and provide documented health benefits, so you can be confident they work. 

Workshops are held regularly virtually on Zoom from 1PM-3PM on Wednesdays starting July 9th through August 27th. Sign up for a workshop today and start your journey towards a happier, healthier you. Programs are available in-person or online. 

National Grid Home Energy Affordability Services

National Grid’s Home Energy Affordability Team (HEAT℠): Services are free of charge for income-eligible customers, whether they own or rent. If they qualify, HEAT℠ will make arrangements with one of our skilled energy specialists to conduct a no-cost Home Energy Assessment of the home. The energy specialist will perform a top-to-bottom evaluation of the home, both inside and out, to find areas where they can save money.

Customers may also qualify for no-cost energy-saving improvements such as:

• Health and safety testing
• Installation of programmable or smart thermostats
• Installation of faucet aerators or low-flow showerheads
• Installation of carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors
• Attic insulation, weather stripping, duct sealing, and air sealing (In certain cases, we may repair or replace natural gas appliances (heating systems, domestic hot water heaters)

For households that are above the household income threshold, we still may be able to serve them if the account holder grosses less than $95,264 annually.

Anyone interested in learning more can call the toll-free number directly at 1-844-375-4328 to enroll in the program or email NGridLIHEAT@clearesult.com. You may also visit ngrid.com/li-affordable to learn about programs to help income-eligible customers and customers needing special assistance meet their energy needs.

First-Time Home Buyer Grant Assistance

Are you looking to purchase your first home in Nassau or Suffolk County? Community Housing Innovations can help with down payment, closing cost, and renovation assistance in up to $60,000 in grant assistance. Contact them today to learn more by calling 914-595-0973 or email intake@communityhousing.org

HIV/Aids Support Services for Nassau and Suffolk Residents

Are you living with HIV or AIDS and facing challenges with housing stability, food security, and paying utilities? EOC of Suffolk Inc. is now offering support services to assist you in meeting these needs.

To apply contact the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk Inc.'s Centralized Intake Coordinator Franchesca Rosario by email at frosario@eoc-suffolk.com or by phone at 631-289-2124 x 123.

They can assist with:

• Emergency Rental Assistance
• Emergency Utility Assistance
• Security Deposit
• Moving Expenses
• Brokers Fee
• Emergency Food Package
• Housing Advocacy

Eligibility:

• Persons Living with HIV/Aids (PLWHA)
• 500% the Federal Poverty Guideline
• Suffolk/Nassau County Resident

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Resources

FCA's Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Program is here to help you with free services including support groups, education series, free in-home consultations, family consultation, in home respite, day services and overnight stays, access to volunteer caregiver companions, memory cafe events, online support and dscussion, and more!

FREE Diabetes Prevention Program

The Nassau County Department of Health (NCDOH) is pleased to offer the “Power to Prevent T2.” This multi session initiative is part of the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) and is proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes through achievable and lasting lifestyle changes. We are encouraging health care providers to recommend this program to their patients if they are at risk for type 2 diabetes, have a diagnosis of prediabetes, or have a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes. “Power to Prevent T2” provides a trained lifestyle coach, group support, and teaches participants how to eat healthier, increase activity and reduce stress. When patients join the program, they will receive a full year of support. Sessions are weekly for 1 hour for up to six months and then monthly for the rest of the year.

To sign up today call 516-227-9694 or visit nassaucountyny.gov/preventdiabetes

Housing Opportunities for People Living with HIV/AIDS

There are permanent affordable housing opportunities for single adult men and women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. This opportunity includes case management and supportive services available to all residents, newly renovated single rooms that meet EPA Energy Star requirements, 6 different locations in suffolk, all of which have rent that is 30% of resident's income.

Individuals must provide proof of diagnosis from a physician to be eligible. For more information and assistance contact UVBH HQ by email at info@uvbh.com or by phone at 631-665-1571.

MHAW Active Parenting Program

MHAW has new Parenting Groups forming in August. The Active Parenting Program is an opportunity for parents of youth ages 5-12 years old to engage in an evidence based, comprehensive parenting program and receive mutual support from other parents. These groups are offered at no-charge to parents residing in Suffolk County.

They will be offering two options virtually for parents to select the time that works best for them. They will be offering a daytime session and an evening session (parents will be asked to select one session to remain with for the duration).This group will take place virtually and is available to parents residing in Suffolk County. 

For more information, contact Jasmine Lucas, Coordinator of Mental Health Education and Training at jlucas@mhaw.org | 631-471-7242 x1315

Suffolk County Eviction Diversion Initiative

The Suffolk Eviction Diversion Initiative (EDI) is a project of the Center for Justice Innovation and the Office of Court Administration. EDI establishes a resource hub for Suffolk tenants and landlords in Suffolk County’s 5th and 6th District Landlord/Tenant Courts in Ronkonkoma and Patchogue.

Suffolk EDI assists litigants in navigating and understanding the court process while simultaneously collaborating with agencies, legal services, charities, and other human service providers to address issues that are interconnected. Suffolk EDI’s goal is to ensure access to the holistic resources needed to prevent eviction and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing. Suffolk EDI is part of a nationwide pilot with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) that includes a data collection and evaluation component to generate a better understanding of the current state of eviction cases and impact of various interventions. NCSC’s interim report found that participation in an eviction diversion program led to fewer eviction judgments, higher appearance rates, and stronger connections to community resources. 

Who is eligible for EDI?

• Any tenant with an eviction proceeding in Suffolk County 5th or 6th District Courts (in Ronkonkoma or Patchogue) that would like assistance navigating the court process or connecting with resources.

How does EDI help people in Landlord/Tenant Court?

• EDI conducts an in-depth intake with each participant, makes connections to local service providers and agencies, offers information about the court process, and serves as a support system before, during and after the legal proceeding. EDI assists tenants with rental assistance applications but does not pay arrears directly.

How do you get help from EDI?

• Many participants respond to EDI’s direct outreach to the tenant after their landlord has filed a case. Participants can also be referred by the Court, legal services, or clerks. 
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For more information contact Rebekah Odidi, Project Manager, Suffolk Eviction Diversion Initiative, by emailing rewallner@nycourts.gov

Hope for Youth Foster Care Program

Your love could be the light in a child's life. Consider fostering. Learn more by clicking here or email Devyn at dryan@hfny.org or call 631-782-6515.

FREE Seizure First Aid Certification

The National Epilepsy Foundation has launched the first and only Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification training to support the 3.4 million people in the U.S. with epilepsy. This training provides information to increase the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to recognize seizures and safely administer seizure first aid. The Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification training program was developed with input from a panel of experts, including physicians, nurses, public health professionals, people with epilepsy, and other leaders in the field of epilepsy. Content for the curriculum was derived from the National Epilepsy Foundation’s website, the CDC’s Epilepsy Program, and the International League Against Epilepsy. 

What You Will Learn

• How to recognize signs of a seizure
• How to respond with proper seizure first aid
• When to call for help

Why should you know Seizure First Aid?

Seizures can happen anywhere and at any time. Knowing how to help someone during a seizure can make a difference and save a life. The Seizure First Aid Certification training provides information to increase the knowledge, skills, and confidence in recognizing seizures and safely administering seizure first aid.

For more information, please contact:

Janet Romeo at (516) 739-7733, option 1, ext. 145, or jromeo@epicli.org

1500 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554

Stony Brook Cancer Center Resources

Stonybrook Cancer Center has health education opportunities that can help raise awareness and promote cancer prevention and screening. Contact them today to schedule a FREE health education program at your organization!

Interactive presentations are available in-person or virtual, can be tailored to any audience, and are available in English and Spanish for the following topics:

• Cervical Cancer/HPV
• Skin Cancer/Sun Safety
• Lung Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• General Cancer Overview
• Clinical Trials

To reach out to the Office for Community Outreach and Engagement contact COE@stonybrookmedicine.edu or 631-444-4263.

FREE Cancer Screenings

WDI Child Care Scholarship Program

WDI's Child Care Scholarship Program provides financial support for working families to help cover child care costs. Apply today! Limited capacity by region. Questions? Contact scholarship@wdiny.org

Dental Financial Assistance for Veterans

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in partnership with NYU Dentistry’s Veterans Oral Care Access Resource (VOCARE) is helping Veterans with blood cancer gain access to dental care. Any Veteran, regardless of dental benefit class, who requires dental procedures to begin lifesaving therapy for a blood cancer, or as a consequence of therapy for a blood cancer, will be eligible for financial assistance to cover the costs of dental services. 

Care will be provided at the NYU Dentistry Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities. Although treatment takes place in New York City, the program is available to all Veterans as long at they reside in the U.S., or a U.S. territory, and can travel to New York City. All expenses for the required dental care will be covered, as long as funding is available. Veterans can receive services more than once. Covered expenses include, but are not limited to, extractions, root canals, jaw surgery, dentures, cavity fillings, and gum disease.

To apply, call an LLS Information Specialist at (800) 955-4572 and a knowledgeable Specialist will assist you in determining your eligibility and help you apply.

Financial Assistance for Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Co-Pay Assistance Program provides eligible CLL patients up to $4,500 annually for treatment-related expenses.

They can help pay for:

• Medical insurance premiums
• Treatment-related co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance (for expenses covered by the program)
• Co-pays for prescription medication related to prescribed treatment
• Co-pays for labs, scans, and tests as follow-up care after being diagnosed.

Healthcare professionals may apply on behalf of a patient. Based upon historical and recent trends, we anticipate the CLL Co-Pay fund will be open through the summer 2024.

For a full list of covered expenses, visit our website at www.LLS.org/copay

Questions?

• Visit: www.LLS.org/copay (for English) or www.LLS.org/copagos (for Spanish)
• Email: FinancialAssistance@LLS.org 
• Call: (877) 557-2672

Family Service League Health Families FREE Family Support Specialist Program

Healthy Families is here to support you in your most important role: being a parent. Their FREE in-home program offers support with:

• Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care
• Building a strong bond with your child- even before they are born
• Interactive play and activities that help your baby learn and grow
• Managing the day-to-day stresses of parenting
• Connecting with resources in your community
• Much more!

Meet with one of their family support specialists to ask questions, share thoughts, and receive reliable information based on your own family's needs.

SCDHS Office of Minority Health Smart Start

PSEG Long Island Programs

Energy bills can be a significant household expense and it’s understandable that it can sometimes be a struggle to keep up. Unemployment, disability, a medical emergency or other unexpected event can impact your ability to pay. Energy assistance programs from PSEG Long Island and other sources are available and we can help get you the aid you need.

Energy costs can be a significant part of any household’s budget. Household Assistance Program (HAP) can lower your electric bills by about $40 every month. Eligible customers receive a monthly discount for instant savings on every bill. PSEG will also enroll most HAP customers in our convenient Balanced Billing program, which will help you budget with equal monthly payments. For more information, visit psegliny.com/assistance. If you have someone who needs immediate assistance with their bill, call our Advocacy Hotline at (631) 755-3407.  

Free English, Life and Job Skills Courses on any Mobile Device

Cell-Ed is a tool for use on any mobile device to learn English and build skills. It is sponsored by the New York State Office for New Americans. Cell-Ed is free, secure, and available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. No smart phone or internet is required since it is available through dial-in. Cell-Ed is accessible through WhatsApp. 

Cell-Ed helps users build skills for life and work, learn English or Spanish, and take their next steps in work and education. Users can learn at their own pace, anywhere and at anytime by participating in 3-minute lessons with real-life examples. Coach assistance is available in English, Spanish and Mandarin. Learners earn certificates of completion for completed courses.

How do I sign-up?

Call the free, multi-lingual New York State New Americans Hotline to be connected to your local Office for New Americans partner: 1-800-566-7636. The Hotline is available Monday - Friday, from 9 AM - 8 PM. Have other Cell-Ed questions? Contact NewAmericans@dos.ny.gov

Support Groups

Friends and Family Support Group

Association for Mental Health and Wellness is offering a support group for relatives and friends of persons in recovery from mental illness. They welcome anyone in Suffolk County who supports someone in their life who experiences a mental health condition. Family support is a way to gain awareness, hope, community, and guidance for supporting and advocating for loved ones. 

This weekly group is offered at no cost to participants and takes place virtually. Join them on Wednesdays from 7-8:30PM virtually via Zoom. Contact Jasmine Lucas, MHC at 631-471-7242 ext. 1315 or at jlucas@mhaw.org to learn more or register to attend!

*A telephone conversation is recommended in advance of group attendance. Please contact Jasmine Lucas, Group Facilitator at 631-471-7242 x1315

This service is provided FREE OF CHARGE thanks to a contracted support with the New York State Office of Mental Health and the Suffolk County Division of Community Mental Hygiene Services.

Senior & Caregiver Support Groups

Family Service League We offer both group and individual counseling as well as educational resources for caregivers of an aging or elderly loved via Zoom and in person. Weekly counseling sessions are available to help the caregiver handle their stress, better understand their role and options, and secure any assistance that maybe available.

Educational sessions are provided to community groups and businesses in a “lunch and learn” format, with topics such as dementia care, elder law, nutrition and long-term care planning. Groups are specialized to meet the needs of adult children and spouses of those with loved ones who have dementia. New groups will be forming in the new year.

SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE.  The program is  funded by the Department of Health and Human Services through the New York State Office for the Aging and the Suffolk County Office for the Aging.

For more information, contact 516-406-1085 or beth.signore@fsl-li.org

Caregiver Support Groups

Parker Jewish Institute and Willing Hearts Helping Hands are offering Caregiver Support Groups in-person and virtually. These meetings allow caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's to connect with caregivers in the community, access informative education sessions and receive answers to specific questions regarding their loved one's care. All support groups are subject to change.

Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center Caregiver Support Groups

The Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center provides Caregiver Support Groups. If you are providing care for someone with Alzheimer's Disease or another Dementia you DO NOT have to meet these challenges alone. Attend a Caregiver Support Group where you will be provided emotional, educational and social support.

FREE Lactation Support Groups

FREE breastfeeding/chest feeding support groups for expecting an new parents (and their families)! Sessions are available virtually or in person, and in English, or Spanish. Sessions entirely in Spanish are led by bilingual and bicultural lactation professionals. Please direct any questions to BFREE@northwell.edu

Parker Jewish Institute Support for Caregivers and Loved Ones of a Family Member Diagnosed with a Terminal Illness

Professional Trainings and Workforce Development

Career Pathways Training Program

The demand for healthcare professionals has never been greater. The Career Pathways Training (CPT) program is our solution. This transformative experience enables students to further their education, advance their career and make a meaningful impact in their community—all at no cost to you. Whether you are just starting your educational journey or are looking for growth opportunities in your current role, the CPT program can help.

Program Offerings:

• Financial Assistance
• Wrap-Around Support
• Paid Release Time
• Job Placement Assistance

Target Occupations:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Certified Pharmacy Tech (ChPT)
• Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)
• Registered Nurse (AAS, BSN, RN to BSN)
• Respiratory Therapist (RT)
• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Physician Assistant (PA)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Parker Jewish Institute Scholarships for Nursing  

Unlock Your Nursing Career

We are pleased to announce the Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation scholarship programs to provider financial help to students pursuing licenses as certified nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse, or registered nurse. The aim of this special program is to support the career advancement of health care workers by providing them with financial aid to grow both professionally and personally.

The scholarships will be awarded based on several qualifications, including being enrolled in a healthcare program, living in the catchment area, being in good academic standing, and demonstrating financial need.

Scholarships are available for the following categories:

• Up to $1,250 for students pursuing a license as a Certified Nursing Assistant
• Up to $5,000 for students pursuing a license as an Practical Nurse
• Up to $10,000 for students pursuing a license as a Registered Nurse

Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis.

Full Scholarships for CASAC Training for Suffolk County Residents

The Suffolk County Department of Health has established full scholarships for Suffolk County residents who wish to obtain CASAC certification at OTI, out of the first phase of the Opioid Settlement funds in Suffolk County. Scholarships will cover the full cost of all coursework for recipients, valued at $5,950 per person. In addition, 40 students will receive paid internships at Outreach, with each receiving a stipend of $1,500.

The Suffolk County Workforce Development Scholarships (SCWDS) scholarships will be targeted at individuals seeking to pursue their CASAC certification and who have demonstrated an interest and passion for helping people in the Suffolk County community. These individuals be those who work in Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and Office of Mental Health (OMH) programs, human and social service agencies, or at health facilities. They may have been involved in volunteer work in their communities and/or religious, civic, or cultural institutions. They could be individuals in recovery who provide peer-to-peer support to others.

If you have any questions, please contact Anthony Pereira at p (718) 847-9233 ext. 2309 eor anthonypereira@opiny.org

Improving Doula Access and Integration Community of Practice

The New York Coalition for Doula Access (NYCDA), in partnership with Health Leads and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, is launching a 12-month Improving Doula Access and Integration Community of Practice (CoP) — a learning community for people with common interests, concerns, or challenges in reproductive healthcare. As Medicaid reimbursement for doulas in New York State rolls out, this CoP of doulas, clinicians, advocates and subject matter experts has a unique opportunity to broadly support and increase the accessibility of the expanding doula workforce to birthing individuals.

They are recruiting NY based providers like OBGYNs, Midwives, L+D Nurses, Nurse Managers, Hospital Administrators and Doulas that are interested in better birth outcomes. If you are interested in joining the Improving Doula Access and Integration Community of Practice, please complete this interest form. Participants will learn and share best practices that address barriers to doula care in hospital settings, build cross-sectional relationships, reduce barriers to doula integration and improve maternal health outcomes. For more information or questions, please email NYCDA@HealthLeadsUSA.org.

Nonprofit Professional Services

FREE Grief in the Workplace Training

COPE is now offering a FREE Grief in the Workplace training, which provides actionable tips for coping with one’s grief in a professional environment and teaches insightful strategies for both employers and employees on creating and sustaining a supportive, grief-informed workspace.    

COPE is a nonprofit grief and healing organization that supports and connects grieving individuals with others facing similar losses through professionally led support groups for families, healing workshops, a grief support phone line, a bereavement camp for children and parent/caregivers, and trainings for community partners.

Please connect with COPE if you are in need of support for your healthcare staff, trainings about bereavement and grief, and crisis support for your professional community. Trainings are provided by Thanotologist and Social Worker, Rashida Sanchez. Contact us at 516-832-2673 or info@copefoundation.org.

Microsoft Nonprofit Grants

Microsoft Tech for Social Impact is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible technology to help nonprofits of all sizes achieve their mission. Microsoft offers grants and discounts for their products and services to eligible nonprofits. To learn more about Microsoft’s most popular nonprofit offers, download the Microsoft Nonprofit Grants Proposal.

To get started with Microsoft nonprofit grants and discounts, register and confirm your organization’s eligibility. Already registered as a nonprofit? Login to your Microsoft Nonprofit page and access Admin Center. Watch our guided demo to help you get your free Microsoft 365 licenses.

New York Institute of Technology (NYIT): Consultants for Public Good

Are you a Non-Profit interested in increasing your volunteer capacity? Learn more about New York Tech's premier volunteer program, Consultants for the Public Good. This is a skilled-based volunteering program that encourages students, faculty, and staff to apply their expertise in a volunteering capacity. For example, UX/UI students can work on updating a Non-Profit organization’s website, outlining the plans for an app, or even interior design/architecture students can consult on a space. Overall NYIT can source students for a specific project that an organization has in mind- whether long or short-term projects and even simply helping at events. Projects can vary in length if the deliverables are clear. 

516-483-1110

connect@hwcli.com

www.hwcli.com

Join the HWCLI 2025 Network to support our ongoing commitment to a better Long Island! Email connect@hwcli.com with any questions.

Established in 1947, the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI) is a regional, nonprofit umbrella organization for health and human service providers dedicated to improving the lives of Long Island’s most vulnerable residents by responding to their needs through the promotion and development of public policies and direct services. To learn more, visit www.hwcli.org or call 516-483-1110.