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…
Stories
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…
Jennifer achieved her dreams 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…