Stories
JoJo, a 63-year-old U.S. Navy disabled veteran, served in the Pacific Fleet. She rented an affordable apartment for 20 years until her lease ended. JoJo had nowhere to go.
For many Americans, the dream of home ownership is a significant aspiration, especially for those who served in the military. JoJo was determined to have a home that she could call her own. Together with the Town of…
Christina graduated high school with one clear goal in mind, to work in the renewable energy industry. She didn’t know how to pursue her career passion or the steps to get there while maintaining two full-time jobs.
Christina discovered United Way of Long Island’s PowerUp! Wind, Solar & Renewables program and quickly became one of the top performing participants. By the end of PowerUp!…
David, a 28-year-old and a father of two children, was looking for a career change. He was intrigued by a PowerUp! Wind, Solar & Renewables program flyer that he saw at Hempstead Works Career Center and contacted United Way of Long Island.
PowerUp! provides free clean energy training where participants earn industry-recognized credentials (BPI, OSHA, NWRC). The training is complemented by…
Peter, an 86-year-old Navy veteran, worked for Local 25 for 50 years. As the years went by, Peter’s home had its fair share of potential safety concerns. After being introduced to United Way of Long Island’s Older Adult Home Modification Program and due to the generosity of The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Peter received a new front porch railing, smoke alarms, bathroom and tub grab…
Maria, a single mother of three, was drowning in student loan debt. Upon her divorce, Maria was left with limited options to take care of the family. With only one source of income, paying off student loans dropped lower and lower on the priority list. Keeping a roof over their heads and food on the table was of utmost importance.
When visiting St Brigid’s Church, Maria came across a flyer…
Pavani, a 2019 High School graduate and D.R.E.A.M.S for Youth Scholarship recipient, attended Stony Brook University majoring in Biochemistry and Sociology. The D.R.E.A.M.S. for Youth scholarship eased Pavani’s financial burden, enabling her to financially support herself in paying for tuition, fees, and textbooks.
Pavani accepted a cancer research internship with plans to pursue medical school…
United Way of Long Island’s newest U.S. Department of Energy Award-Winning home was sold to income eligible homebuyer, Ulysess, age 30.
Ulysess had been part of the United Way of Long Island family for nine years, where he first participated in YouthBuild, earning essential vocational skills in the building trades. Immediately following graduation, United Way connected Ulysses to Opportunities…
Nancy, a single mom, unemployed, and high school dropout found United Way of Long Island’s YouthBuild program at a critical point in her life. Before YouthBuild, Nancy felt discouraged with limited English proficiency and educational trajectory. That’s when a friend referred her to YouthBuild.
She dreamed about a career path in cosmetology, allowing Nancy to express her creativity while making…
Matt, a 38-year-old U.S. Airforce Veteran, served four and a half years in the rank of Airman First Class and worked as an Airfield Operations Technician. He found it very difficult to find a post-military career similar to the one he had in uniform. After four years of odd jobs to keep afloat, Matt found a position in the hospitality industry.
Matt realized after seven years in the role it didn'…
When Superstorm Sandy struck in 2012, it upended thousands of lives, including Lily’s. She was a dedicated 20-year veteran of the New York City Police Department and a first responder on 9/11. Lily worked hard to pave the way for her children’s future.
The massive storm’s fierce winds and immense flooding destroyed their house. To further complicate Lily’s situation, she dealt with contractor…