Another heartwarming tale of nonprofit collaboration unfolds! Recently, we connected one of our 2022 CMM Cares families, who had sought refuge from Ukraine and now call Long Island their home, with the incredible local organization known as Splashes of Hope. Splashes is a local nonprofit dedicated to creating art to transform spaces, enrich environments and facilitate healing.
A remarkable group of skilled artists, who graciously dedicate their time as volunteers at Splashes, came together to craft a unique and personalized piece of artwork for the young girls. The talented artists included Tyler Knabe, Sandy Caracciolo, Elizabeth Schafer, Carol Hough, Denise Rubcewich, and Ed Courtney. Their creative intention was to evoke the fond memories of the girls’ Ukrainian homeland, filling their hearts with memories of happiness while embracing their new home in New York.
As a bonus, the girls were extended an invitation to Splashes of Hope’s art studio, where they were generously offered a complimentary painting session. This experience was both enriching and uplifting.
When a U.S. veteran on Long Island needed support, several local nonprofits joined forces to help.
The organizations collaborated in an effort to assist AnnMarie Ayers, a veteran who had served in the U.S. Navy. After her military service, Ayers had struggled with not only cancer, but also military post-traumatic stress disorder and a layoff triggered by the pandemic.
CMM Cares, a Ronkonkoma-based nonprofit, was among the organizations ready to assist. Founded in 2019, the organization says it was built on the belief that by bringing the Long Island community together, it can make a “huge difference in the lives of its neighbors.” So when Ayers was nominated for the CMM Care’s Adopted Family Program, the organization got took note.
Ayers was able to keep her family in their home through a mortgage remodification program she learned about from UnitedWay of Long Island. John Diaz, United Way’s director of community impact, guided Ayers’ through the process and then took that assistance a step further by nominating her for the CMM Cares program.
Members of CMM Cares developed a program that specifically addressed the challenges Ayers was facing.
“It’s incredible the impact we can make by working together, pooling our resources and combining our efforts as nonprofit and for profit organizations,” Joe Campolo, chairman of the board at CMM Cares, said in a statement.
“Individually nonprofits help many, together we can change lives,” he added. “We look forward continuing to help those in need, one Long Island family at a time.”
Each year CMM Cares supports three to four Long Island families in need. After hearing Ayers’ story, the organization was determined to further help her get back on her feet and make a lasting impact on her life.
CMM Cares approved a customized support plan designed to provide Ayers with both short-term and long-term assistance. In addition to purchasing immediate household necessities, the organization helped her create a long-term plan to pay down her debt and get ahold of her finances, which was a factor in her PTSD recovery.
CMM Cares then introduced Ayers to Lisa Gatti, CEO of Islandia-based Pal-O-Mine Equestrian.
Gatti welcomed Ayers into Pal-O-Mine’s military program, which includes equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions. As an Eagala Designated Program, they have Eagala-certified professionals on site with specialized training and experience working with the military community. Its onsite Eagala certified professionals who are specialized training and experience working with the military community. Through the program, Ayers spends time at the farm, building relationships with the horses to reduce anxiety and find peace from her military PTSD.
Ayers was also gifted a complete solar energy system donated by SUNation Energy’s not-for-profit SUNation Cares.
SUNation CEO Scott Maskin, who serves as a board member for CMM Cares, stepped in to help alleviate some of the Ayers’ monthly expenses. Once completed and connected, this renewable energy system is designed to aid Ayers and her family with lower monthly electricity bills and more control over their energy. Through the donation of 21 solar panels, along with equipment and labor for the installation, this solar energy system will generate approximately 5,344 watts of energy annually. This is estimated to offset about 74% of the Ayers home energy use and greatly reduce their monthly electricity costs, according to CMM Cares.
Also collaborating on supporting Ayers was Salvatore Ferro, a councilman at Town of Huntington.
Our Golf Outing on June 5, 2023 at St. George’s Golf and Country Club was a tremendous success. The day was filled with perfect weather, enthusiastic participants, and a spectacular golf course. From the moment the golfers teed off to cocktails at sunset, the event was full of energy. We would like to extend our gratitude to the honorees, John Miller, President & CEO of America’s VetDogs, and David W. Clausen, CEO of Coastal Insurance, the participants, and the sponsors who made this event possible. Together, we raised funds to take care of our Long Island Adopted Families.
We were introduced to Navy veteran Annmarie Ayers by our nonprofit partners at United Way of Long Island. This mother of two, with a daughter in college and a son in high school, has struggled for years with a variety of health issues. Being laid off due to COVID exacerbated her symptoms and struggles with cancer and military PTSD. It was very difficult for her to head back to work full-time. Being unemployed due to the pandemic has left her in significant debt and unable to provide all the necessities for her family. CMM Cares has been the helping hand that she’s needed to focus on treating her medical issues while working to provide both financially and emotionally for her family. We’ve been a source of hope and support, giving her a renewed faith that she can and will overcome all the challenges she has faced.
CMM Cares crafted a customized Support Plan to provide her with both short-term and long-term assistance. Helping her with the immediate necessities she was struggling to provide, we quickly covered expenses for household items such as a vacuum, new towels, bed linens, and pet food. We purchased larger items as well, such as a new mattress, oven, and Chromebooks for her children. Most importantly, we helped her create a long-term plan to pay down her debt and get ahold of her finances that has been a major factor in her PTSD and getting back on her feet financially since COVID.
Working with our nonprofit partners, we’re able to expand our Support Plan even further as we introduce our Cares Families to additional resources available through other local nonprofits within our community. Our friends at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian have welcomed Annmarie to participate in their Military Program, which provides Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) sessions at the farm. As an Eagala Designated Program, they have Eagala Certified Professionals on site with specialized training and experience working with the military community. It’s a wonderful support to her as she embraces the time she spends on the farm building relationships with the horses to reduce anxiety and find peace from her military PTSD.
Additionally, the Ayers family was also gifted a complete solar energy system donated by SUNation Energy’s not-for-profit SUNation Cares. SUNation CEO Scott Maskin, who serves as a board member for CMM Cares, stepped in to help alleviate some of the Ayers’ monthly expenses. Since completed and connected, this renewable energy system will aid Ayers and her family with lower monthly electricity bills and more control over their energy. Through the donation of 21 solar panels, along with equipment and labor for the installation, this solar energy system will generate approximately 5,344 watts of energy annually. This is estimated to offset about 74% of the Ayers home energy use and greatly reduce their monthly electricity costs.
If you’re interested in helping us support this family with in-kind donations, and financial support for our plans, or if you know local businesses that may be interested in participating, please contact Victoria at vtringone@cmmcares.org.
Collaborating with fellow nonprofits and business leaders is key for CMM Cares, a charitable foundation with a vision of making a difference in the lives of Long Island families. We’ve recently worked with the Guide Dog Foundation, a Smithtown-based national nonprofit organization that trains and places guide dogs for individuals who are blind, visually impaired or have other disabilities, to identify a career change dog that could be matched with one of our 2021 Adopted Families.
In 2021, CMM Cares supported three families including The Neikens and their son, Casey. Casey is a 13-year-old boy who was diagnosed shortly after birth with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a group of rare diseases that cause fragile, blistering skin. With our funds raised and the support of the business community, we were able to make significant changes to Casey’s life which were celebrated at our annual Wine & Dine Gala in September of last year.
After introducing John Miller, president, and CEO of the Guide Dog Foundation, to Casey’s father John Niekens, the Guide Dog Foundation was able to identify a career change black Labrador Retriever that has now been adopted into the Neikens family! The dog provides Casey with companionship in his everyday activities and allows Casey to enjoy the natural therapeutic support that comes with forming a close bond with a dog in the comfort of his own home.
“I want to thank CMM Cares for introducing us to John Miller and the Guide Dog Foundation,” Beth Neikens, mother of Casey, says. “Our dog is an absolute joy. Casey is such a different kid, so happy and so full of energy. She is the absolute perfect, sweetest little dog.”
“The Guide Dog Foundation is proud to work with a great partner like CMM Cares in placing this career change dog with the Neikens family,” said John Miller. “It is so impactful when local nonprofits can join forces on initiatives like this. We are eager to watch the bond grow between Casey and the pup and work with CMM Cares on future projects.”
“We are so thankful for the Guide Dog Foundation and their generous offering for the Neikens family,” says Victoria Tringone, Executive Director of CMM Cares. “By working together with organizations like the Guide Dog Foundation, we can compound our efforts and continue supporting our Adopted Families beyond our yearlong commitment.”
Following a successful year, we are pleased to share that we are able to support two families for 2022! Learn more about them and how you can get involved here.
Sammy Ortiz, an 11-year-old patient of Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, and his family were nominated for our program by their medical social worker. At 4-years old, Sammy suffered an illness that led to encephalitis with severe neurological devastation (nonverbal) and became wheelchair-bound. The doctors informed the family that Sammy was expected to be bedbound with limited function in movement and would require total care.
Through his parents’ persistence, they have obtained the services and equipment to afford him every opportunity to progress and have meaningful movements. Some equipment was covered through their insurance, but much of his adaptable equipment was not. Committed to giving Sammy every opportunity available, his parents have taken loans to secure all items and equipment that are beneficial to his well-being and recovery.
The family relocated to a school district that has been instrumental in providing Sammy with adequate academic support to further his functional progress. Despite the odds, Sammy can walk with two people’s assistance and is able to minimally gesture with physical/facial movement. He recognizes the familiar faces of those who are frequently involved in his care. However, he still requires total care and 24/7 shift nursing as he still suffers from minor seizures throughout the day and cannot be left unsupervised.
On April 24, 2022, the family faced yet another devasting challenge. A fire destroyed their apartment unit and all of Sammy’s expensive adaptable equipment and supplies. Grievously, all family items were lost. Stony Brook Children’s Hospital’s discharge planning team has been working with supply companies and insurance companies to replace his basic supplies. However, the adaptable equipment (that the family is still paying off loans for) that has been so beneficial for Sammy’s progress unable to be replaced by the hospital. For the first time, the family found themselves without a stable home and unable to provide for their basic needs. They qualified for emergency housing, but it has limited accommodations for a family with a special needs child.
CMM Cares Support
With the help of our donors and fundraising efforts, CMM Cares has been able to offer the support need to help this family get back on their feet and relieve some of the financial burden of replacing all that was lost in the fire.
CMM Cares purchased Sammy a brand-new Sit to Stand lift, which is an assistive device for patients who do have some mobility but still need help moving from one position to the next. This piece of equipment ensures Sammy’s parents and aides can safely support and transfer him as needed. This specific piece of equipment retails for over $3,000, and without renter’s insurance at the time, Sammy’s original lift was lost in the fire.
Also lost in the ashes was Sammy’s adaptive tricycle which has proven instrumental and beneficial to his daily care. Adapted sports bicycles enable children and adolescents with physical disabilities to improve leg strength, posture, balance and range of motion. While not a medical necessity, replacing Sammy’s Rifton Adaptive Tricycle has given him back the opportunity for exercise and recreation and to experience the joy and freedom of independent movement.
Another piece of equipment that Cares purchased on behalf of the Ortiz family is a hygiene and toileting system that serves as both a as both a toilet and shower chair. The commode system is designed to improve the health and lives of clients and caretakers and because it accommodates toileting, showering and bathing, the Rifton HTS eliminates the need to buy separate equipment for each activity, making it versatile in their tight space.
In addition to replacing equipment already proved beneficial to Sammy’s care, CMM Cares fulfilled the Ortiz Family’s biggest wish, to make their new apartment feel like a home. With a small grant from Bob’s Discount Furniture Foundation, we purchased new furniture to furnish their home. The Ortiz family now has a new dining room table with chairs, new dressers, nightstands, and mattresses. We were able to go even a step further and purchase items beyond the basic necessities, such as winter coats, boots, lamps, a television, and even a new Christmas tree, giving them a renewed sense of comfort as they replace all that was lost.
A special thank you to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital for nominating and introducing us to this incredible family, to MedMart for helping source the medical equipment, to Bob’s Discount Furniture of Nesconset, and our CMM Cares Board for their support of this family. We wish the Ortiz Family the very best in the future and hope we have made a lasting impact on Sammy and his parents.
If you’re interested in helping us support this family with in-kind donations, and financial support for our plans, or if you know local businesses that may be interested in participating, please contact Victoria at vtringone@cmmcares.org.
The five members of the Stelmashcuk Family are Ukrainian refugees who have shown strength and perseverance through the unimaginable. Having fled their home in war-torn Kyiv, they are now trying to rebuild their lives here on Long Island. Click here to watch their touching video.
Nataliia Akinina, born in Ukraine and a legal permanent US resident, urged her family in Kyiv to come to New York and escape the war in Ukraine. Reluctant to leave their homes and husbands, Juliia (age 32) and her two girls Karolina (age 5) and Kristina (age 13), along with Viktoriia (age 36) and her daughter Marharyta (age 4), began their escape. The journey included living in bomb shelters and driving more than 48 hours to cross the border into Poland. Viktoriia experienced a terrible injury during their travels that required emergency surgery, leaving her in two long leg casts and unable to move without assistance. The next challenge was to secure the necessary documentation via the Embassy for all to legally come to the United States. With the help of Sen. Charles Schumer, Rep. Tom Suozzi, and Northwell Health advocating for the family, their visas were granted, and all five refugees arrived in New York on April 8, 2022.
Viktoriia is now under the charitable care of Northwell Health, which took her from the airport by ambulance to Lenox Hill so that doctors could address her medical status. We hope that Viktoriia will be able to bend her knees again and walk without the support of a walker or need assistance from a caretaker.
They don’t know when they will see the families, homes, and friends they left behind in Kyiv or their husbands, who stayed behind to protect the country. Currently, the five family members are settling into the home of their friend Ruby, for whom Nataliia provides full-time care. Ruby and her family are helping Juliia and Viktoriia get settled into life here in New York.
Local media outlets have covered their harrowing trip into New York. Newsday | ABC7 New York
As all five refugees are settling into life in Lynbrook, CMM Cares is working closely with the family to identify the best support plan to assist them. To date, we’ve covered expenses for therapeutic horseback riding at Sagamore Hill Stables in Northport. The restorative benefits of horseback riding have provided a source of joy and comfort in the wake of their dangerous journey to get here. While recreational, it’s also an outlet and source of healing and therapy.
Additionally, the girls have received over 100 hours of virtual English lessons. Through Varsity Tutors, CMM Cares has covered the expenses of the weekly face to face virtual sessions. Improving their language skills has been instrumental in adjusting to life here in the States. The customized lessons plans have helped overcome the communication barrier in both the classroom setting and the community at large. One of the biggest benefits of the sessions being held virtual is that they are recorded, allowing the girls to watch the sessions over again for continued practice.
In the spirit of collaboration and partnership, we introduced this Ukrainian family with the incredible local organization, Splashes of Hope. Splashes is a local nonprofit dedicated to creating art to transform spaces, enrich environments and facilitate healing. A remarkable group of skilled artists, who graciously dedicate their time as volunteers came together to craft a unique and personalized piece of artwork for the young girls, with the objective to evoke memories of the girls’ Ukrainian homeland, filling their hearts with remembrance of happiness while embracing their new home in New York. As a bonus, the girls were extended an invitation to Splashes of Hope’s art studio, where they were generously offered a complimentary painting session.
Through our collaboration with local nonprofits on Long Island, CMM Cares goes above and beyond our Support Plans, presenting valuable resources and opportunities. These endeavors are dedicated to bringing smiles to those who are navigating difficult times. If you’re involved with a local nonprofit that shares our vision of supporting families in need, we encourage you to reach out. Together, we can make an even greater impact!
If you’re interested in helping us support this family with in-kind donations, and financial support for our plans, or if you know local businesses that may be interested in participating, please contact Victoria at vtringone@cmmcares.org.
On June 6th, 2022, CMM Cares hosted our annual Charity Golf Outing at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Setauket. Over 100 attendees and over 15 sponsors showed their support for our Adopted Family initiative, allowing us to increase the help we can provide for our families of this year. Sponsors and guests of the business community joined together to start the day with a BBQ, a massage, and a cigar before heading to the course for an 18-hole shamble. Later, guests enjoyed cocktails, a raw bar and delicious hor d’oeuvres outdoors while the venue buzzed with music by Rubber Soul. We ended the night with a delectable dinner and award ceremony to commemorate our 2022 Community Leader, Sal Ferro.
It was a fabulous day and evening and we are looking forward to the next one! Thank you to all of our incredibly generous sponsors, guests, and donors. Your contribution will go towards changing the lives of our neighbors.
This time of the year is about gratitude and giving back to community members, friends in need, and local nonprofits. While we savor time spent with our family and friends, it’s hard not to think about those who are not fortunate enough to do so. Most of us wish we could absolve the burdens of all who are suffering from the snap of a finger. Since we can’t do that, we’ve got to do our best to try and make a difference in our communities and in the world.
If you’re struggling to narrow down your search for places or people to give to, read below to learn about some incredible local nonprofit organizations on Long Island that can always use a helping hand.
Support Local Artists
In times of uncertainty like these, we seek relief in creativity and entertainment. The arts, including film, music, and theater, are how we make emotional connections and come together as a community. We are lucky enough to enjoy the presence of several local nonprofits that support artists in our community. Consider giving to these incredible Long Island nonprofit organizations:
A staple of Stony Brook University, the Staller Center for the Arts is where many talented artists get their foot in the door of the theater and music industries. Consider purchasing tickets to view award-winning films at the months-long Stony Brook Film Festival, or attending a world-class theater performance!
East End Arts is known for the incredible opportunities that it provides to children and community members. From chemistry and math classes for children to songwriting workshops and college-prep help for teens, East End Arts is on a mission to “stimulate community enrichment, economic development, and cultural tourism” on Long Island.
Donate to local nonprofit East End Arts to help them continue to enhance the creative minds of our community members!
Lend a Hand to Furry Friends
Give a voice to those who can’t speak! Donating to or volunteering time with a nonprofit organization that helps animals is a wonderful way to advocate for our furry friends who simply can’t advocate for themselves! Here are some local ideas:
A well-known Long Island nonprofit, The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. For decades, they have acted as a support system for the blind community, providing those who are visually impaired with trained seeing-eye dogs. Seeing-eye dogs allow those with visual impairments to achieve a greater quality of life, with more independence, safety, and comfort. Consider volunteering at fundraising events for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind!
Since 2003, this organization has been providing relief to veterans who suffer from physical limitations or disabilities. America’s VetDogs trains service dogs and pairs them with veterans in need, allowing them to have access to more independent mobility and companionship. In 2021, we partnered with America’s VetDogs in order to help give back to one of their service dogs and his human counterpart, Mr. Charles Berry.
Consider becoming a puppy raiser, or volunteering to give back to this wonderful nonprofit organization!
Feed a Hungry Family
As we begin to plan our holiday feasts, we are reminded of our close neighbors who do not have the chance to do so. Contribute to a local nonprofit organization and be the reason that a family or a child gets fed this giving season.
For nearly 100 years, Long Island nonprofit Family Service League has worked tirelessly to help families and individuals in need with a variety of programs and locations. Their efforts have helped homeless individuals and families seeking shelter, those who suffer from mental illnesses and addiction, senior citizens in need of companionship, and more. The Family Service League hosts numerous events throughout the year and is always looking for volunteers and donors.
Thanks to a nomination from the Family Service League, CMM Cares was able to change the lives of the Neikens family in 2021. We encourage you to show your support to this inspirational local nonprofit organization!
Island Harvest, a food bank for Long Island, works to minimize food waste and eradicate hunger on Long Island. Their programs benefit children, seniors, families, and veterans. Volunteers from this local nonprofit hand-deliver millions of pounds of food to homeless shelters, homes, food pantries, and other local nonprofits each year. They even helped supply one of our Adopted Families with meals!
Consider donating your canned goods, volunteering at fundraising events, or contributing as a sponsor to this Long Island nonprofit organization.
This giving season, we are gearing up to make 2022 our biggest year yet. We hope to impact the lives of numerous families on Long Island through our Adopted Family initiative, and it is the support of donors, generous organizations, and local nonprofits like the ones mentioned above that allow us to fulfill this mission.
Visit our Adopted Families page to learn more about who and how we have helped in the past, and consider donating, nominating a family, or becoming an ambassador to do your part! Every little bit helps.
