Garden City, N.Y., (February 23, 2021) – The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation has awarded a $294,126 grant to FCA to support the organization’s Newcomers Resource Center. This collection of services will guide newcomers and those immigrants already residing in Nassau and Suffolk Counties on their journey to successful lives here in our communities.
Msgr. Gregory Mustaciuolo, Chief Executive Officer of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, commented, “We honor the legacy of Mother Cabrini by funding activities, programs, and initiatives that help bridge gaps in health services, bolster the health outcomes of diverse communities, and eliminate barriers to care. FCA’s Newcomer Resource Center is aligned with a mission we share to support Long Island’s most vulnerable communities.”
In response to the growing needs of the immigrant and refugee population, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FCA is proud to continue to offer these much-needed empowerment services for the second year. Services include case management and referral services, supportive counseling, school advocacy, legal guidance, vocational/educational training (including ESL) and short-term childcare.
The Newcomers Resource Center provides struggling young immigrants with greater access to the necessary services needed to begin and build their lives for not only themselves, but also their families in their new home on Long Island.
In just nine months, the Newcomers Resource Center received over 680 calls, responded to the needs of 1,900 individuals & provided case management to over 75 families. More than $2,500 in gift cards secured from FCA fundraising efforts and $10,000 in relief money were distributed. Financial assistance was provided to over 50 families for the Back-to-School initiative and during the holiday season with the Adopt-a-Family Program.
The Newcomers Resource Center’s bilingual program staff are available to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking parents and children. FCA’s Lynn Vanderhall Nursery Co-op childcare program provides program participants with additional family support as part of this initiative. As parents attend classes and receive other WISE services, their children can thrive at the Nursery Co-op and enjoy an educational, safe, and nurturing environment. The Co-op fulfills a significant need as most of the newcomer families are young parents without the support of family nearby to help care for their children.
FCA is deeply aware of the needs of these individuals and families. They come to FCA from struggling and, often dangerous, regions in Central America and around the world seeking safety and are determined to offer their children a better life.
Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, FCA President and CEO, commented, “As Long Island’s population changes and community needs evolve, we remain focused on creating services that are responsive and allow disadvantaged families to not only survive, but thrive as a critical part of our neighborhoods. We are grateful for this continued support from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and look forward to achieving transformative results.”
Mayra Correa, FCA Prevention & Family Support Director, stated, “Our helpline is unique and a first on Long Island, providing multiple bilingual services where individuals in the immigrant communities can feel welcome, supported, educated and safe. We would like to thank the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation for teaching us the power of love, compassion, protection, equality and how to serve all individuals at the highest level possible. It is an honor to continue sharing Mother Cabrini’s mission to all immigrant communities especially during these most trying times.”
With this generous gift from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, FCA looks forward to another year of empowering this population through the Newcomers Resource Center in Hempstead, NY and further exemplifying the organization’s mission of making Long Island an even better place for all to live.
About FCA
FCA is a not-for-profit agency helping more than 30,000 Long Islanders each year. For the last 135 years, the organization has worked to protect and strengthen vulnerable children, seniors, families and communities on Long Island.
FCA believes in the potential of Long Island – a place where no child, senior, family or community is left to struggle alone with barriers to health care, education, employment or economic prosperity. Long Island continues to be one of the greatest place in the world to live and raise a family for many; FCA exists to ensure that be the case for all.
For more information about FCA, visit FCALI.org.
About Mother Cabrini Health Foundation
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with the mission to improve the health and well-being of the vulnerable New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of targeted communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. The Foundation – which is named in memory of a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor – provides flexible support for new and innovative approaches that enhance health and wellness across New York State. For more information, visit https://www.cabrinihealth.org/.
