Stories
Jennefer achieved her dream of pursuing a career in science. She was the first high school graduate in her family and the first to be accepted into university. Jennefer had no one in her family to turn to about the college experience and no plan to pay for it.
With the help of United Way of Long Island, Jennefer earned her bachelor’s in mathematics and computer science and master’s in applied…
Femi never dreamed he would have a meaningful career in a labor union, but quality in-classroom and hands-on training through United Way’s YouthBuild Long Island program led to a five-year IBEW Local 25 Apprenticeship where he powered to the top of his class.
Femi, was raised by a hardworking single mother. Despite facing challenges, at age 18, he discovered YouthBuild, a life-changing program…
Frank
Returning home from the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook was no simple task for Frank, a U.S. Army veteran. Frank suffered many years of health issues and after 22 surgeries, his right leg was amputated to save his life. Doctors expect Frank to be a permanent wheelchair user, and his home was not accessible. After getting construction quotes up to $20,000, Frank’s wife Claire…
The TCS New York City Marathon represents the best of New York—when all New Yorkers come together to support each other and cheer on their neighbors. For the sixth year, United Way of Long Island was selected as a charity partner for the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon, which took place on Sunday, November 6, 2022. United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United runners finished the 26.2- mile…
Carolyn King has 19 screws in her knee and ankle as a result of a car accident. Her husband, Lorenza, has battled lymphoma and her son has special needs. But if you ask Carolyn, she will tell you that she is blessed.
The King family of Shirley, NY, were experiencing difficult times and were faced with the possibility of having to leave their home of nearly 30 years. Illnesses did not allow the…
After nearly nine years U.S. veteran John W. of Mastic Beach is finally home. It wasn't until this year that he was able to move into his newly built home in after it suffered irreparable damage due to Superstorm Sandy. United Way of Long Island reached out to help John by providing him a mobile trailer to live in to give him a place to call home while he waited for his permanent house to be…
Jason
Jason Safuto, no stranger to service, is a former member of the U.S. Navy now in his 20th year as a NYPD police officer. If he discovered service many years ago, Safuto didn’t discover running until later in life. He has since run numerous races and is now gearing up for his first marathon as part of Team Mission United, United Way of Long Island’s entry in that race.
“I never liked…
Nelson
Nelson Reyes is a U.S. Army veteran as well as a member of Team Mission United, United Way of Long Island’s team of runners entered in the New York City Marathon to raise money for veterans. He understands what it means to serve in the military as well as the importance of supporting veterans.
“I believe that the veteran demographic is a tricky one to serve, especially in regard to combat…
David
Running the New York City Marathon as part of the United Way’s Team Mission United will be David Smith’s first full marathon, but he’s no stranger to track and field. Running this race, to raise funds for veterans, is both a return and something new for him. He has participated in the Syracuse and the Great South Bay half marathons.
“I enjoy running,” Smith, a 41-year-old East Meadow…
Alyssa
Alyssa Barbosa since 2016 has served as a member of the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton. She also works as a nursing assistant at Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson. The 24-year-old Lindenhurst resident now brings the same focus and motivation to the New York City Marathon as a member of Team Mission United,…