Huntington, NY (May 13, 2020) – With the momentous circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 virus people are concerned with the toll on public health and economic impact.  This is most apparent in communities with populations that were already facing extreme poverty.  In response to this health crisis, Bank of America recently awarded a $50,000 grant to Family Service League’s (FSL) Community Advocacy, Informational, and Referral (CAIR) program to offer support in the most vulnerable communities.  FSL, the premier Long Island based non-profit human service organization, has been providing tangible support through its 60 programs at 20 locations across Long Island.  The grant is providing a financial safety net for those with nowhere to turn and is giving the recipients the gift of hope by reducing feelings of isolation and stress, so they look toward the future.

“In support of our Long Island neighbors, Bank of America remains focused on working to ensure the people in our communities have access to basic services during this challenging time,” said Bob Isaksen, Long Island Market President for Bank of America. “By partnering with critical nonprofits like Family Service League, we are helping them immediately provide supplies and home essentials to individuals and families in need. As a Long Islander myself, I am thankful for the work FSL is doing to help those who are the most vulnerable.”

During this period of unprecedented turmoil, thousands of Long Island residents who were struggling financially have now fallen into extreme distress.  Some families are now forced to make impossible choices – between purchasing needed food and medicine, or paying utility bills, or buying gas and making car repairs in order to continue their employment.  FSL’s CAIR program provides free supportive counseling, community advocacy, and linkages to resources for those experiencing a wide variety of needs, such as temporary emergencies involving insufficient food, utility shutoffs, potential loss of housing or other essential resources.

These are a few of the ways FSL’s CAIR program and donors like Bank of America are making a positive impact on the lives of Long Islanders:

• Mildred, a 73-year-old widow working as a home health aide, had lost employment because of the COVID-19 risk to her own health. She relied on this income each month to pay for food and necessities. She had little money left for rent and became overwhelmed when calling the Department of Labor for Unemployment Insurance since she didn’t own a computer.  Over the phone, the FSL CAIR coordinator established an Unemployment Insurance account, set up an appointment for the food pantry, and has scheduled supportive counseling sessions to assist with her feelings of depression and anxiety.
• Kevin, the father of two children, called FSL’s Manor Field Family Center seeking assistance with food, clothing, and diapers. He has been working part-time and caring for his young children.  Sadly, the children’s mother suffers from substance abuse issues.  She had taken their merger savings and is no longer involved in their lives.  Kevin expressed his concerns about the living conditions at his apartment and shared that his family was on the verge of becoming homeless.  He was questioning if a shelter would be a safer environment and give him a chance to figure out what to do.  FSL’s staff was able to assist Kevin with his immediate needs of food, clothing, and diapers. The CAIR worker helped him follow up on his application for public assistance with the Department of Social Services.  Within weeks, his case was activated, and he received emergency assistance benefits and other services.  This family is now living safety in a shelter, and Kevin is focused on obtaining permanent housing and better employment.

These are just a few of the of individuals who desperately needed assistance with basic necessities.  “FSL is proud to work with corporate supporters, like Bank of America, who share its vision of restoring hope and rebuilding lives”, stated Karen Boorshtein, FSL President & CEO. “With the help of generous donors, these vital services will continue to be offered to tens of thousands of families and adults every year.”

For information or ways to help contact Family Service League at 631-470-6770, restorehope@fsl-li.org or visit www.fsl-li.org

Family Service League (FSL), established in 1926, is a Long Island non-profit human service organization providing a safety net for people in need.  FSL touches the lives of 50,000 people annually, addressing some of the most prevalent and pressing human needs facing Long Island communities. FSL delivers tangible help and crisis intervention across a spectrum of service areas including mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, homelessness, job training, trauma counseling, early education, and family & senior support services.  In all, FSL offers over 60 programs at 20 locations throughout Long Island.  To learn more about FSL visit www.fsl-li.org and like us on Facebook!

FSL Press Contact:

Tricia O’Hare, FSL Director of Development & Communications

tohare@fsl-li.org or 631-205-8944 or 631-807-1845

www.fsl-li.org

About Bank of America

At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).

Bank of America has delivered more than $2 billion in philanthropic investments since 2009, with approximately $250 million in 2019 alone. In April 2019, the company announced a $5 billion Bank of America Community Homeownership Commitment™ to benefit low- and moderate-income homebuyers and communities across the U.S. over the next five years. Also in 2019, Bank of America Community Development Banking provided a record $4.88 billion in loans, tax credit equity investments and other real estate development solutions. Between 2005 and 2019, Bank of America financed 202,800 affordable housing units. To meet the unique needs of its 12 million small business owners, the company provides advice, solutions and dedicated support. Bank of America maintained its position as the nation’s top small business lender at the end of 2019, with $38.9 billion in total outstanding small business loan balances (defined as business loans in original amounts of $1 million and under), up 7% year over year.

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