Family Services
Family Services Information
Background
Long Island represents the quintessential American suburb but has become unaffordable for large swaths of the middle class. Many struggle to keep up with rising living costs, with 19% of Nassau County and 26% of Suffolk County households unable to afford the most basic essentials. Socioeconomic and demographic variations between neighborhoods are stark, and disparities manifest differently amongst groups throughout the Island. In Suffolk County's East Northport, nearly half of Black residents live in poverty while only making up 2.5% of the total population. Similar conditions exist for Black residents of Riverhead as well. Schooling policies play a well-documented role in exacerbating inequalities as well. Compared to neighboring areas, Hempstead's school-age youth are particularly underserved, with only 31% of students performing at grade levels in English and Math. The Salvation Army is poised to tackle challenges across the Island with robust methods and focused support.
Youth Programming
Our youth services are vital to helping and empowering young people. These include music and creative arts instruction, after-school enrichment programs, summer day and sleepaway camps, and, in some cases, daycare. We provide a nurturing learning environment while giving parents peace of mind, knowing their children are safe. These programs offer educational support, leadership development, character building, and nutritious meals and snacks to promote healthy growth and learning. Additionally, they provide mentorship and life skills training to help youth with social-emotional learning. We are dedicated to preparing our youth for a productive future through these initiatives.
Holiday Assistance
Our centers host festive Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for our struggling neighbors during the holiday season. Families receive turkeys and all the traditional trimmings to enjoy, relieving the financial strain of expensive grocery bills. We also distribute winter coats, cold weather accessories, and toys to ensure children have a magical Christmas morning. Making the holidays brighter for New Yorkers is a steadfast tradition for The Salvation Army.
Emergency Services
The Salvation Army is a leading international disaster response organization, deploying resources in local and national emergencies. In New York, we partnered with responders in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks, Superstorm Sandy, and the COVID-19 pandemic, among other catastrophic events. Our team is trained in recovery, mitigation, and preparedness. We also consider poverty a slow-moving disaster and respond through our street outreach for unhoused New Yorkers. The Salvation Army supports affected individuals and families during natural disasters or unforeseen crises.
Program Schedule
Timezone: -05:00 USA Eastern Time (DST)
Location:
Your donation provides safe housing, essential supplies, and a path to a brighter future.
You’ll help shelter men, women, and children in crisis, support survivors of human trafficking with hygiene kits and emergency aid, and empower families in our Pathway of Hope program to break the cycle of poverty through strong case management and long-term support.
Other Services