April 12, 2021 (Deer Park, NY) - United Way of Long Island was awarded a $225,000 grant from The Banyan Tree Roots Foundation, based in Smithtown. This generous contribution will support the organization’s education programs, as well as pandemic recovery efforts.
“This is our largest expression of generosity by a private foundation that United Way of Long Island has received in the past year. This funding will help us respond to the needs of our community members from the youngest to the most senior. As a new foundation to our region, it is remarkable that The Banyan Tree Roots Foundation has responded and committed to making such an impact,” said Theresa Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island.
A significant portion of the funding supports: the growth and success of young people by providing school supplies to children whose families do not have the resources; ensuring students have the means to fulfill their dream by receiving a scholarship to further their education; and creating career paths through workforce development for young adults through United Way’s YouthBuild program.
“I am grateful for the education and career direction that YouthBuild has provided to me. Because of this support I am looking forward to having a successful future,” said YouthBuild student Ronald of Hempstead.
Grant funds also help seniors who are struggling due to COVID-19 through United Way’s Safe at Home. Seniors are connected with a Bilingual Community Navigator who acts as a helping hand in managing everyday tasks, including scheduling COVID-19 vaccination appointments and making sure seniors’ homes have proper safety measures such as grab rails and working smoke detectors.
“I have some health concerns, so I was relieved to receive help from United Way. They provided me with nutritious food, an air filtration system and they even helped me get an appointment for a vaccination. I feel much safer and this also gives me peace of mind for my family and neighbors,” says Safe at Home for Seniors recipient Vicente of Bay Shore.
For more information about United Way programs that impact Long Islanders visit www.unitedwayli.org/ourwork.
About United Way of Long Island
United Way of Long Island advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, financial stability and health. We recruit people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. United Way of Long Island is part of a worldwide network spanning across 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit UnitedWayLI.org, or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
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