As of the fall of 2004, approximately 1,000 National Guard and military reservists on Long Island were called to active duty and are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan for more than a 12 month deployment. Many of these soldiers have left behind families with small children who are struggling to find a way to assimilate into a community that has no military infrastructure in place. Ironically, New York has had the most consecutive National Guard activations in our country since the tragedy of Sept. 11. As a result, we have many families fragmented by war who are rapidly becoming the new "unmet needs" population. They cannot afford to maintain Long Island's high cost of living on a military salary.

Where to Turn for Help
Are you a family member of an active military reservist and in need of help? Contact Elizabeth Eberhardt, assistant vice president of community impact, at eeberhardt@unitedwayli.org or 631.940.3712. View additional resources and links.

Challenges Faced by Reservists' and their Families

• Twelve or more month deployments overseas
• Left with little or no income on which to support their families
• Job loss because of activation
• Spouses suffering with feelings of isolation and pressure of being a single parent
• Families experiencing fear of loved ones safety
• Child care issues
• Limited base support on Long Island
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder issues for reservists and family members

• Providing grants to families who need assistance with child care, food, mortgage, utility bills and mental health counseling and much more.
• Providing funding to nonprofit organizations that address PTSD, deployed soldiers' needs and emotional issues dealing with children.

• $2 helps families keep in touch with their loved ones overseas by providing for mailing materials.
• $5 provides one-to-two months of extra-curricular activities for children of military families.
• $7 pays for one utility bill, helping to make mortgage payment less difficult.
• $10 provides two months of groceries.
  
  See Military Family Fund Real-Life Stories