January 31st, 2025

HWCLI's Community Services

Community Resources

Postpartum Diaries Live Panel

Prepare for an unforgettable and transformative experience at the Postpartum Diaries Live Panel! This powerful workshop and live panel discussion is designed to shed light on postpartum depression, a condition that impacts countless families yet often goes unspoken. Together, we’ll create a safe space for learning, healing, and empowerment.

This event brings together an extraordinary group of guest speakers and experts who specialize in women’s mental and physical health, all dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by mothers and their families. Whether you’re a parent, family member, caregiver, or advocate, this event offers invaluable insights and resources to help you support yourself and others.

What You’ll Experience:

🌟 Inspiring Panel Discussions – Featuring an incredible lineup of speakers, including:

• Compassionate doulas who offer holistic care and guidance
• Women’s mental health professionals who are transforming lives
• Social workers passionate about family and community well-being
• Expert OB-GYNs dedicated to maternal health
• Knowledgeable labor and delivery nurses and doctors who support mothers every step of the way

🌟 Interactive Workshop – Engage with professionals and peers as we dive into the realities of postpartum depression, sharing stories, strategies, and solutions to foster understanding and healing.

🌟 Community Connection – Connect with a supportive network of individuals who are passionate about maternal mental health and eager to make a difference.

Event Highlights:

• Learn from top experts in the field of women’s health
• Gain actionable tools and resources for navigating postpartum challenges
• Build meaningful connections in a warm and welcoming environment

Event Details:

📅 Date: February 1, 2025

📍 Location: 100 Thompson St, Port Jefferson, NY 11777

🕒 Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

🎟️ Free Entry with RSVP

Postpartum depression is a journey no one should face alone. Let’s come together to uplift, educate, and inspire change. Reserve your spot today to be part of this impactful event!

FREE Mental Health First Aid Trainings

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 2/5, 3/12, 3/21, and 3/26.

 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.

Parent Support Programs

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, in collaboration with EAC Network, is hosting Parent workshops and parent support groups. Come together with other parents to learn valuable information to promote and understand youth mental health, and gain support & share the challenges of raising teens. This is free and no registration is required. Upcoming dates for support groups and workshops include 2/3, 2/5, 2/10, 2/12, 2/14, 2/25, 2/27

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, is hosting FREE virtual Parenting and nutrition workshops for parents with young children. These are free classes but registration is required. ALL programs will be approximately one hour .

The Red Flags of Dating Workshops

The Red Flags of Dating, a partnership presentation between the Suffolk County Police Department and Long Island Against Domestic Violence will be held on February 6th, 2025 from 6:30PM-8:30PM at Brookhaven Town Hall (1 Independence Hill Road, Farmingville NY 11738). There will be two simultaneous workshops, one for youth, one for parents. You will learn red flags to be aware of, healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, forms of abuse, services available, and how to talk with your teen about unhealthy relationships. RSVP to Sharon Boyd at womenservices@brookhavenny.gov

FREE Narcan Training

To Cornell Cooperative Extension is now offering FREE Narcan Training. Trainings will include how to recognize an opioid overdose, how to administer Narcan, how to care for an individual until emergency services arrive. Individuals who complete the training will receive a Narcan kit. To schedule, please contact Cara Weiner Sultan at caw10@cornell.edu.

Blood Drive with FREE Islanders Tickets

On Saturday February 8th the New York Blood Center will be hosting a blood drive, in partnership with Senator Mattera and Senator Murray from 11:00AM-5:00PM in the center of Smith Haven Mall.

Each presenting donor will receive (1) voucher redeemable for two (2) complimentary tickets to a select 2024-25 New York Islanders regular season home game at UBS Arena.Join the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department for Operation Safe Child I.D. & Senior I.D. (11am-2pm Appointments preferred- scan the QR code above, or call 1-800-933-2566 / visit www.nybc.org.

Any further questions contact Jennifer 516-310-2382. Please remember to eat, drink, and bring your donor ID card or ID with name and photo.

FREE Women's Health Fair

The Galentine’s Women’s Health Fair, Wednesday, February 12, 2024, is a unique event that will celebrate health, wellness, and community among women in a fun, supportive atmosphere focusing on the women in your life. Timed to coincide with Galentine’s Day, it encourages women to come together for self-care, education, awareness, and empowerment.

The event aims to:

•  Raise awareness about women’s health issues, from preventive care to mental wellness.
• Provide educational resources, screenings, and interactive workshops led by local healthcare providers.
• Foster a supportive community atmosphere for women to connect, share, and support one another’s wellness journeys. 

Ask the Dietitian: FREE Diabetes Q&A

Cornell Cooperative Extension is hosting FREE Diabetes question & answer sessions with a nutrition expert. Ask your own questions, and receive healthy recipes shared monthly. Please note this is not a one on one nutrition counseling session.

Adelphi Breast Cancer Program

Join the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program on Monday, February 24, 2025 for an informative evening with Dr. Douglas Marks, Medical Oncologist from NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, who will discuss coping with the side effects of breast cancer treatment. Dr. Marks is a leader in treating advanced and metastatic breast cancer, and will speak about how to work with your medical team during your treatment journey to gain comprehensive support.

This program will be moderated by Angela Papalia, LMSW, Assistant Director of the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program and will be offered over ZOOM.

Black History Month Events

37th Annual Black History Month, African Americans and Labor Event

Date: February 24th, 2025

Time: 6:00pm

Location: Amityville Memorial High School (250 Merrick Road Amityville NY 11701)

For More Information: Contact the Department of Human Resources at 631-464-4340

Black History Month Celebration

Date: February 27th, 2025

Time: 6:00pm- 8:00PM

Location: H Lee Dennison Building (100 Veterans Memorial Highway Hauppauge NY 11788

Northwell Gun Violence Prevention Forum 2025

You are invited to attend Northwell Health’s sixth annual Gun Violence Prevention Forum, taking place Virtually on February 27, 2025.

The Gun Violence Prevention Forum community is a carefully curated group of Corporate CXOs, Healthcare Executives & Clinicians, Government Officials, Community Leaders, First Responders, Researchers, Activists and more to form alliances, drive strategy and elevate the national conversation around gun violence as a public health emergency.

Now in its sixth year, this ground-breaking healthcare summit is focused on mobilizing collective efforts across sectors, emphasizing solutions to gun violence that meet on common ground. Now is the urgent time to maintain the momentum we have seen in healthcare and beyond, and continue to foster effective solutions that resonate across all communities.

Date: Thursday, February 27th

Time: 9:00am–2:00pm ET: Main Event Program

Location: Virtual - Register to attend by clicking here

Winter Preparedness Resources

Need help with winter utility bills? Learn about programs that can protect your services and assist you in managing your bilis. Learn about programs that can protect you r serv1ces and assist you in managing your bills.

Please download and share DPS' Spanish and English Winter Preparedness flyer, Winter Preparedness Flyer which includes a QR code that opens directly to their webpage. Consider placing it in high traffic areas.

• Place it in a physical location like your office lobby area.
• Hand it out at exhibiting events or place on your table.
• Include it in digital or physical mailings to your community.

Virtual Tai Chi

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention is an evidence-based program that uses the principles and movements of Tai Chi in helping adults improve their balance, relieve pain, and improve flexibility and muscular strength. The National Council for Aging and Falls Free Long Island are offering FREE tai chi classes. Advanced registration is required. REGISTRATION is OPEN, for Workshops held January 13 - March 21, 2025. Visit their website for schedule and registration. Assistance is available (virtually) to explore the features of Zoom to help you get the most out of your tai chi practice. For questions, please email: fallsfree@stonybrookmedicine.edu. There are three levels of the program, each offered twice a week for 60 minutes, for eight weeks.

MHAW Active Parenting Program

MHAW has new Parenting Groups forming in February. This group is offered virtually at no cost to parents in Suffolk County and they have daytime and evening groups available. Through an evidence-based curriculum, Active Parenting groups offer an opportunity for information, education, and support for parents of youth ages 5-12. Reach out to Jasmine at jlucas@mhaw.org for more information. 

FREE Virtual Diabetes Support Group

If you or a loved one have diabetes or prediabetes join Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County's FREE virtual diabetes support group on the second Monday of every other month at 6:30PM.

Upcoming Meeting Dates:

• March 10th
• May 12th
• July 14th
• September 8th
• November

Zoom Information: Meeting ID: 918 0748 4123, Passcode: Diabetes 

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 and Events

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

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

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)

FREE Professional Development Opportunities for Child Care Providers

The educators of Cornell Cooperative Extension are pleased to bring you a variety of in-person and virtual professional training programs. This is a collaboration between the Early Childhood and Human Development educators of CCE. In-person programs will be held from 8:30-11:00am at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center’s Ag Hall, located at 350 Yaphank Road, Yaphank, NY. Doors open at 8:30am, programs begin promptly at 9:00am. Virtual programs will run from 6:30-7:30pm

Creating Healthy Schools and Communities

Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) is a New York State Department of Health chronic disease prevention initiative that is dedicated to improving the food and physical activity environments in schools and communities. Targeting the Towns of Babylon, Islip and Hempstead, CHSC promotes strategies that encourage children and adults to make the healthier choice the easier choice. We look forward to acquainting CHSC with HWCLI partners and are available to answer any questions. For further information, please contact: agibbons@wsboces.org and kkirschb@wsboces.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.

Parker at Your Door: Mobile Vaccination Program

Parker has joined thousands of individuals and groups in the fight to end the COVID-19 pandemic. We have teamed up with Parker at Your Door to bring the vaccine to people who are homebound, uninsured, and other high-risk people who need help getting access to the vaccine. 

They offer vaccines by appointment with their mobile vaccination program. To make an appointment, click the link below, scan the QR code, or call  (718) 289-2606. Participants will receive a $20 gift card to Amazon!

Interested in Hosting a Mobile Vaccination Program?

Parker at Your Door, in collaboration with multiple vaccine partners is providing COVID-19 vaccines at senior residential developments, senior centers, churches, community organizations, workplaces, and other locations throughout the region. If you are interested in hosting a vaccine event in your community, please call (718) 289-2606 or email payd@parkerinstitute.org.

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

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

Baby/Infant Drive

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

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.

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

988 Crisis Number

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.