Philanthropy in Phocus

The Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation provides heart screenings for children, teens, and young adults for the early detection of risk factors and conditions that may lead to sudden cardiac arrest, training in CPR-AED, and life saving AED equipment to prevent sudden cardiac arrest and death in the young. DomHeart21 provides heart screenings for early detection, training, and lifesaving equipment in all communities, so no child is at risk for sudden cardiac arrest or death, no matter where they live, learn and play.

Melinda Murray-Nyack is the Founder and President of the Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation, a 501c3 established in 2010. Melinda is on the Board of Queens Chamber of Commerce, National Board of Parent HeartWatch, American Heart Association volunteer, Member of the Bayside Business Association, Member of the Health and Business Alliance and is a certified HeartSaver CPR-AED Instructor.

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The interview began with a question about what drew Melinda to the non-profit sector. She shares a story about her only child, Dominic, who passed away after experiencing sudden cardiac arrest during a basketball match. After his passing, it was discovered that Dominic had a congenital heart defect that had gone unrevealed during his life. She shares that 23,000 young people die of cardiac arrest each year and 7,000 of these deaths are young people under the age of 18. She says the majority of these deaths are completely preventable and she stresses the importance of educating parents and school staff about how to spot the symptoms of cardiac arrest.

Melinda highlights that her organization provides training and donates medical equipment for non-profit and other organizations that can’t afford equipment. She emphasizes the desire of her organization to hear from members of the community who would love to get involved with her organization. Melinda also shares that she was a part of the lobbying effort in New York to make it compulsory to have CPR taught in schools and she emphasizes the importance of having this information.

During the third segment of the interview, Melinda distinguishes between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest. She emphasizes the importance of knowing one’s family history and for parents and student athletes to take the time to accurately complete medical history forms. She also discusses the screening grants her organization provides. This screening is offered free of charge to students who may be at risk; to date the program has screened about 6,000 youth.

Melinda emphasizes the need for public and non-public schools to educate students on the signs of sudden cardiac arrest. She also highlights the importance of school coaches to be well informed about the signs of sudden cardiac arrest. She states that this knowledge should also be incorporated into their training along with the mandated concussion training. Finally, she announces that her organization is hosting a virtual fundraiser which will help raise funds for training and AED equipment. The details for this event can be found on her organization’s website under the “21 under 21” tab.

Extraordinary Lives Foundation - We provide Piggie Bear tool kits to help increase children's social emotional learning. The HUGS for Life Healing Center bridges the gap between medical professionals and approved holistic healers. Their mission is to improve children's mental health & wellness and support families by providing educational tools, resources and awareness events.

Originally from New York, Mara James relocated to California with her husband and her three children in 2007. They established Dr. James’s OBGYN practice, and for seven years, Mara managed the busyoce.

Then, in 2014, Mara unexpectedly experienced a manic episode and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Through her battle with mental health, many wellness professionals helped Mara heal and transform her life. Mara’s experience—in addition to the experience of some of her close family members—has kindled in her a passion for forwarding the cause of children’s mental health. She established the Extraordinary Lives Foundation and created Piggie Bear to promote mental health awareness and provide both children and their parents with the resources they need to pursue holistic wellness in any and all avenues available. Mara lives with her family in Orange County, California.

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The segment begins with Mara discussing her story about what led her to create this foundation. After she experienced a manic episode, she was treated with medication and worked with therapists and psychiatrists to become better. She then experienced a moment of spiritual awakening and began to work with holistic healers to help her heal her inner wounded child. This inspired her towards holistic approaches toward healing.

She then discusses the origins of piggy bear: she felt compelled to purchase a stuffed piggy bear while shopping one day. The piggie bear, in addition to an insight received during meditation, led her to realize that she should publish a children’s book.

Mara discusses how her organization raises funds for Piggy bear kits which contain tools to help children cope and manage emotional health challenges. She describes children as empaths who often take on the feelings and states of minds of their parents. Mara remarks that children aren’t often given the tools to manage ‘big emotions’ and that the Piggie bear book helps children to master their emotions. Mara and Tommy then discuss the importance of holistic approaches to healing which need to be incorporated into everyday life.

Mara discusses the Hugs for Life Healing Center. She describes it as a space to bridge the gap between medical professionals and holistic healers. 

She tells a story about her son who was diagnosed with a few different conditions. She discusses his journey with different types of healing and how he has managed to maintain his wellness. She finally tells a story about an energetic chiropractor who is able to uncover and heal deeper spiritual issues that affect his clients.

Mara discusses her podcast called ‘Let’s talk Wellness’ which hosts conversations with different wellness practitioners. Her vision for Piggie bear is to have Piggy bear sold to Build-A-Bear and to have it be a part of Disney theme parks. She hopes to rent or to be donated a space for Hugs for Life Healing Center. She hopes to create a healing space through the center for children and celebrities who experience emotional pain. Her organization does monthly donations with organizations, homeless shelters and military families. The segment ends with a discussion about the interconnectedness between humans and the Universe.

Camp Good Mourning! is Long Island's ONLY nonprofit organization that provides FREE, overnight, weekend bereavement camp programs for children, ages 7-17, who are coping with the loss of a parent/guardian, and/or sibling.

Paul Rubin, Founder and Executive Director of Camp Good Mourning!

• Empathic bereavement support group leader with significant experience serving youth, adults and seniors coping with the death of a loved one
• Award-winning educator and engaging classroom facilitator recognized by Suffolk County officials for Community Education and unwavering commitment to children, adolescents, and teens
• Trusted source for information on bully and cyber bully prevention and intervention, internet safety, sexting, and sexual harassment
• Engaging public speaker with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills

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Segment 1

The first segment begins with a question about what drew Paul to the kind of work he does. Paul shares that he has always felt drawn towards service work with children. He describes different volunteering opportunities he’s been involved with over time. He then shares a story about a volunteer experience at a children’s bereavement camp in New Jersey. While volunteering there, he shared a special connection with a little boy whose family survived 911. The impact of this experience later inspired him to start an overnight bereavement camp in Long Island.

Segment 2 

The second segment begins as a continuation of the conversation in segment 1. Paul discusses his observation for a need for an overnight bereavement camp in Long Island; although Long Island did offer bereavement camps, at the time,  none of them provided overnight services. Paul found that overnight camps allowed for opportunities for more bonding and connections to form between children and camp staff. Paul discusses the unique services offered by his non-profit organization which also includes services for grieving parents such as support groups. 

Segment 3 

This segment begins with a discussion about volunteer work within the organization. Paul describes the stringent volunteer recruitment process which ensures the camp children are in the best possible hands. He then discusses the one-on-one buddy system in which volunteers work one-on-one with camp children.

Next, Paul discusses how he has created and sustained his nonprofit organization. Pro-Bono services have helped him to get the organization started and his organization is supported by grants, donations, and sponsorships. Finally, Paul discusses how camp services and processes are adapted to boost the wellbeing of the children involved.

Segment 4

In the final segment, Paul highlights his organization’s goal to fill in the gaps in bereaved services offered in Long Island. Paul also discusses the organization’s need for male volunteers and support group leaders. His team offers education and training for dealing with grief so that volunteers are prepared to serve in their designated role. Paul shares that the camp and volunteer applications can be found on the organization’s website and he shares the organization’s contact information. Finally Paul shares his organization is interested in growing their board and working with organizations with similar goals.

The Center for Great Expectations (CGE), a non-profit located in Somerset, NJ, provides transformational mental health and substance use disorder treatment to women, children, men, and families impacted by trauma, abuse, and neglect. CGE is comprised of approximately 115 staff who deliver comprehensive, collaborative, and compassionate services to over 1,000 individuals/year across 7 different counties.

In his role as Chief Operating Officer, Tim Cummings has the privilege of providing administrative oversight to CGE’s six unique programs, in addition to managing the Finance, Human Resources, Development, Compliance, and Facilities Departments. His leadership has contributed to the implementation of an agency-wide Performance Management system that promotes staff development, the launch of a 403(b) retirement plan, upgraded software and technology tools, and a robust agency-wide communication platform. Prior to joining CGE, Tim spent 13-years with an affordable and supportive housing provider in New York City. Tim has also had the unique privilege of providing care for, and living in community with, marginalized individuals in inner city Philadelphia, as well as homeless youth in Haiti and Peru.

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Segment 1

The first segment of the show begins with a question about how Tim became involved in the non-profit sector. Tim discusses how, from a young age, he was exposed to opportunities to get involved in social justice, equity, and inclusion work. By spending time in communities that were different from his own, he began to discover his power and the amount of impact he was able to make. 

Segment 2 

In the second segment of the show, Tim discusses a program he participated in during the gap year he took after graduating from college. The program took place in an inner city Philadelphia community and its purpose was to serve the residents of that community. He lived within this community for about two years and he discovered the level of privilege he had been afforded in life. He then decided to dedicate himself to giving back to the community through social work and by engaging in everyday acts of kindness and compassion. 

Segment 3 

In the third segment of the show, Tim discusses his professional non-profit work within CGE. He has worked with CGE for about 4 years and is incredibly passionate about the impact that has been and will be created by them. 

CGE primarily serves women and children who struggle with mental health issues and substance abuse disorders. They offer various programs and centers which support mothers and children as they try to break cycles of abuse and trauma. They also offer outpatient services which men are able to access. 

Segment 4

The final segment focuses on the programs offered by CGE. They offer a supportive housing program which offers housing and counseling services to women in need. They also offer an outpatient program for both women and men. Finally, they offer a start program which offers medical and mental health care and support services within the homes of the families they serve.This enables the non-profit staff to gain a greater understanding of the living situations of the families they support. This also enables non-profit organizations to provide better services to the communities they serve.

Human Options ignites social change by educating Orange County to recognize relationship violence as an issue that threatens everyone, advocating for those affected by abuse, extending a safe place for victims, and empowering survivors on their journey of healing.

As Chief Executive Officer, Maricela Rios-Faust provides vital leadership, support and vision to the continued growth and success of Human Options. Since 2006, she has capitalized on her 30 year experience working with vulnerable populations and been a key driver in Human Options becoming the most comprehensive domestic violence service providers in Orange County. Her commitment comes from a desire to raise her daughter in a world where relationship violence is not tolerated.

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Segment 1

The segment begins with a question about what drew Maricela into the non-profit world. Maricela remarks on the community involvement of her parents which inspired her to participate in civic engagement. During her college experience, she had different opportunities to get involved in community efforts such as the prevention of gang activity and relationship violence prevention efforts. 

Segment 2 

The second second segment begins by exploring Maricela’s journey into the non-profit world. She began by working with a gang prevention program in Huntington Beach. There, she formed meaningful connections with the women whom she worked with; one of these women shared with her a story about the domestic violence her family members experienced at the hands of her father. The woman was ultimately unable to leave her situation as her mother and brothers would be left vulnerable and unprotected. This situation inspired Maricela to get involved and to help children who were stuck in these situations. Maricela then discusses her work with different organizations who impacted families and children around issues of relationship violence.

Segment 3 

The third segment begins with a discussion of what unrestricted support means in the context of non-profit work. This allows non-profit organizations to become more flexible in the delivery of their services. This also enables nonprofits to develop programs and services that meet the specific needs of a community. The segment then moves into a discussion which outlines the services provided by Human Options. The organization started by offering a 24-hour hotline and an emergency safe haven. However, over time, the services provided by her non-profit began to expand and evolve according to the needs of domestic violence survivors. Maricela then discusses the importance of changing the narrative around domestic abuse and relationship violence.

Segment 4

The segment begins with a discussion about how Human Options handles domestic survivors who have animals and pets: Human Options partners with animal shelters to accommodate pets. Human Options cannot accommodate animals in emergency safe havens, however, pets may be accommodated in the “in-between” safe houses which relationship violence survivors may be placed in.

Maricela then discusses how her organization partners with police forces to enhance support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. 

The episode concludes with Maricela sharing options for getting involved with her organization and upcoming events.

The ALD Alliance helps families across the United States that are newly diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) by giving them the resources they need to fight this rare and devastating disease. This fight begins by making sure every baby born in the United States is tested at birth for ALD. The ALD Alliance was established to address the need for information and newborn screening with respect to Adrenoleukodystrophy.

After losing her son, Aidan to ALD in 2012 at the age of 7, Elisa Seeger started this foundation in his honor with the primary goal of having ALD Newborn Screening passed in every state. New York became the first state to start screening for ALD with the addition of “Aidan’s Law” in 2013.

Since then, Elisa has worked to help other states add ALD by traveling across the country to speak at newborn screening committee meetings. Elisa had federal bills introduced in 2016 which would mandate newborn screening for ALD nationally. This is still a work in progress and as of 2020 has changed this directive to include all diseases added to the federal recommended uniform screening panel.

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Segment 1

The interview begins with Elsa telling the story of the ALD alliance: she tells the story of her son, Aidan, who was diagnosed with ALD and ultimately succumbed to the disease. Throughout her story, Elisa describes the symptoms and treatment of the disease. She learned that when ALD is screened for at birth, it is much more treatable and the chances of a child’s survival are higher. She also discovered newborn ALD screening options were available in hospital labs, but rarely used in many states. At this point, Elsa realized it was her mission to raise awareness about early diagnosis and screening for ALD.

Segment 2 

This segment describes Elisa’s journey with having Aidan’s law which includes ALD in newborn screening. She highlights that each state has its own newborn screening panel, but there is a disparity across states for what testing each panel includes. In the latter part of 2012, Elisa moved to have a bill passed into law which would include ALD screening as a part of the newborn screening panel in New York State. On March 29 of 2013, exactly 11 months after Aidan’s passing, Aidan’s law was passed in New York State which ensured that each newborn was screened for ALD. 

Segment 3 

After Aidan’s law was signed into effect, Elisa realized her work wasn’t done. In many other states of the U.S., ALD screening was not a part of the newborn screening panel. She highlights that many states were reluctant to engage her at first, because she was not a constituent of that state. However, she managed to find other families in different states who were willing to share their story about how their children were impacted by ALD. At the moment, 23 states include ALD as a part of their newborn screening panel.

Elisa then begins to discuss how, at a federal level, diseases are recommended to be added to newborn screening panels: the federal government reviews conditions and adds them to a panel of recommended diseases to be screened for. As of 2016, ALD has been on this list of recommended diseases to screen for, but it is up to each state’s discretion to screen for each recommended disease.

Segment 4

Elisa discusses her efforts to have ALD screening mandated at a federal level, however, it has not been an easy journey. She is working towards having the federal government allocate funding towards testing for newborn screening; this is because many individual states do not have funding to ensure that this screening happens. She also highlights that this is not specific or exclusive to ALD, but that this also occurs with other diseases which the federal government has  recommended for newborn screening and testing. 

Finally, Elisa shares some details about Aidan’s ride which is a fundraising effort that will take place in West Virginia on October 9th. More details can be found on aldalliance.org.

CPA, CFP, FABFAManaging Partner, Cerini & Associates, LLP Ken Cerini is the founder and managing partner of Cerini & Associates, LLP. Like many of the nonprofits he serves, Ken is passionate about making a difference, believing that it is important to be deeply invested in every client relationship and providing real value to each of his clients. He is one of the top accountants/consultants in the State of New York working with special education providers, is well-versed in nonprofit issues, and also is heavily involved in the healthcare industry.

This gala event was created to offer formal acknowledgment to some of Long Island's and the City's Most effective and innovative non-profit organizations.

The Imagine Award is an Award Program That was Designed for 3 reasons:

1) To shine a spotlight on those nonprofits that are truly unique those with strong leadership

2)To foster relationships having the ability for nonprofit leadership to come together and communicate

3)To provide education it’s a little bit of a cliché, but we don’t know what we don’t know.

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Segment 1

On this week’s episode of Philanthropy in Phocus, Tommy D interviews Ken Cerini, the managing director of Cerini & Associates, LLP to discuss the Imagine Awards. These awards seek to recognize the efforts of unique non-profit organizations, to provide networking opportunities for those in the non-profit sector, and to educate those in the community about the efforts being made by non-profit organizations. Tommy D begins the interview by asking Ken Cerini how he made the decision to become involved in the non-profit sector. Ken responds by speaking about his desire to make a social impact within his community. Ken also highlights the need for alignment in partnerships between corporate businesses and non-profit organization; this ensures the sustainability of mutually beneficial partnerships. 

Segment 2 

The second segment of the interview discusses how to find the right business or non-profit organization to form a partnership with. Ken highlights how important it is for non-profit organizations to understand what it is they have to offer within a business alliance; this requires thoughtful consideration of what qualities would enable fruitful alliances. Some factors to take into consideration also include: the reputation of the businesses which a non-profit organization seeks to create partnerships with and the alignment of the visions of the business and non-profit organizations. Ken also discusses trends he has observed which affect the stability of such alliances such as changing government regulations and the need to retain quality staff and board members in non-profit organizations (which usually necessitates the need to increase wages). Finally, Ken remarks on the need for strong leadership within non-profit organizations; this enables the fulfilment of the vision and mission of these organizations. 

Segment 3 

In the third segment of today’s episode of Philanthropy in Phocus, Tommy and Ken continue their discussion on the sustainability of corporate and non-profit organization alliances. Ken emphasizes the importance of balancing the need to benefit the community with the need fulfil the mission of the non-profit organization. Ken and Tommy then discuss the Imagine Awards which have been going on for 10 years and which took about 10 years to actualize. Ken discusses his realization of a need for a space to recognize the impact created by the non-profit sector. He describes the Imagine Awards as a place to bring non-profit leaders together to create a stronger sector. The awards consist of 5 distinct award categories: Leadership, Arts and Culture, Innovation, Social Impact, and the Rising Award. The last two categories assess the micro and macro impact of the non-profit organization on the community. 

Segment 4

In the final segment of the interview, Tommy asks Ken what he imagines the award series to become several years from now. Ken describes his hope that this award series will enhance the visibility of the non-profit sector. Ken also highlights the Fan Favorite Award and he announces that voting for this award goes live on Monday September 9th. Any 501c org providing services in and around long-island can be considered for this award. He also mentions that organizations need not have a brick and mortar establishment to be 

considered for this award. Ken also mentions the Let’s Imagine Awards. He encourages organizations to attend as there will be a large presence of several non-profit leaders and this will provide a rare networking opportunity for those in the non-profit world. Finally, Tommy and Ken wrap up the show by re-emphasizing the importance of recognizing the work done within the non-profit sector.

The Ray Pfeifer Foundation is a 501c3 charitable organization dedicated to assisting September 11th first responders, firefighters and police, with medical needs not covered by insurance. The foundation was established in memory of Ray Pfeifer, a NYC firefighter who died on May 28, 2017 from 9/11 cancer. Ray never stopped putting the needs of others before his own. He was a leading force in lobbying to extend the Zadroga Act through 2090, ensuring health care coverage for 75,000 people who need, or will need, treatment for health conditions developed as a direct result of 9/11 exposure.

“Do the right thing, even when no one is looking,” words you’d often hear from Ray Pfeifer. A member of the FDNY since 1987, Ray was going with other FDNY firefighters the morning of September 11, 2001.When he learned of the attacks, Ray went to his rehouse at Engine 40/Ladder 35, grabbed his gear, and spent the next eight months searching and digging at Ground Zero.

Rob Serra sits on the board of directors of The Ray Pfeifer Foundation.

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Segment 1

Tommy introduces his guest Rob Serra a member of the board of directors of the Ray Pfeifer Foundation. Rob shares his story on how he got involved with the Ray Pfeifer Foundation. Rob also shares his passions and how they’ve played into his life. Tommy and Rob focus on the topic growing up with hockey and that large part of Robs life. Tommy makes the connection that his team work mindset may have influenced how he works together with other firefighters. 

Segment 2

Tommy mentions how he makes connections with the nonprofit organizations that he meets so they have better opportunities to reach more. Tommy asks the hard question of if we truly do forget how much September the 11th effects people. Rob talks about the aftermath and health issues that many of the firefighters had contracted. He continues to explain how not only was it firefighters getting sick but anyone who was near the site. 

Segment 3

Rob talks about Ray and how the foundation started. Tommy shares the knowledge he has on the Ray Pfeifer Foundation and Rob further explains to create a immaculate idea of who Ray Pfeifer was. Rob tells how Ray was more than a mentor. 

Segment 4

Tommy asks Rob to share how he and the audience can pitch in. Rob tells the many different volunteer positions and how anyone could help out. Rob talks about different events that are happening and which Ray truly enjoyed. 

Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk is an affordable home ownership program for families earning between 40% and 60% of average median income. We are the only home ownership program that services this income range. We build in partnership with the local government which donates land, local businesses which fund our operations, volunteers who help build and our families that must complete 300 hours of sweat equity building their home or others that we have under construction.

Lee Silberman consistently generates revenue for organizations by using scientific methodologies to attack business problems. After earning his BS in Organic Chemistry from MIT in 3 years, he graduated with an MS from UCLA. Immediately after, he joined a 40-person, privately held textile company, and went on to learn all aspects of organizational leadership from the ground up. Silberman led the firm before, during, and after a merger, when it became one of the world’s largest decorative fabric wholesalers with a workforce of 550 employees.

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Tommy brings listeners up to date with what has been happening on the show and gives insight for what the show will look like in the future. After Tommys recap he introduces his guest Lee Silberman Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk County. Lee tells his experience and how he got to the position he holds today.

Lee shares the moments that make his work worth all the labor and love. He shares how he feels after he passes the keys onto the new owners seeing their excitement and joy. Lee talks about the give and take of working in non-profit organizations. He shares how the corporate companies and other vendors are two sided as it is a relationship that is giving donations for the recognition. Tommy and Lee share that this give and take is not a bad thing as it is how companies work and function as it keeps the relationships strong.

Lees talks about the three myths of Habitat for Humanity. He explains the process to what really goes on from raising money to build a home all the way to how Habitat houses are sold. He also tells how they receive income and support as well as where that funding goes. Tommy asks Lee what the biggest struggles are and Lee shares what hurdles the company goes through and how they get over them.

Lee shares with the listeners some opportunities to get involved with Habitat for Humanity. He shares some of Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk County's events and volunteer opportunities that are coming up. Tommy offers Lee to use this platform to engage with listeners to get involved and join the work that is being done. Lee encourages business to get involved because it not only helps the cause but it gives good publicity and shows the public eye the community that will help serve them.

Homes for the Brave has provided housing, vocational training, and life skills coaching to help individuals leave homelessness behind. To date, we have worked with nearly 1,200 men and women, most of whom are Veterans.

Robert Kozlowsky is a 21 year veteran with the Shelton, CT Police Department currently assigned to administration duties. Outside of work, he has been a volunteer basketball coach, involved with the Shelton Exchange Club, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a money counter for his church. However, his real passion has been veteran related organizations.

Robert has been a board member of Homes for the Brave (HFTB) since 2015 and has served as chairman of the board at HFTB since 2019. He recently joined the board of directors for General Needs as well. He has a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and computer science from Southern CT State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice management from the University of New Haven.

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Tommy is joined by two guests this week as he talks about Homes for the Brave. Tommy introduces Bob Kozlowsky, 21 year veteran with the Shelton, CT Police Department and board member of Homes for the Brave. Lonnie Sherman is Tommy's second guest on Philanthropy in Phocus and is the president of General Needs Ltd. Bob is also a board member of General Needs Ltd. and that is how he and Lonnie work together to make a difference for Veterans that struggle with homelessness and any other needs.

Lonnie shares the struggles he and Bob have seen throughout the years of their work, they explain what they do to directly help veterans and other individuals. The two share that they go directly to the source and will find ways to provide any needs that people may need. Lonnie tells a story of how a woman in need had lost her confidence and through the simple aid of helping her find appropriate apparel helped her feel better.

Tommy defines what Philanthropy is and tells what service is to him and what his goal is by participating in nonprofit service work. Bob tells Tommy about their Step Out For the Brave campaign and fundraiser that helps provide aid to the veterans who need homes and materials. Lonnie talks about their volunteers that are the heart of the organizations and how they couldn’t do it without them. Tommy asks the pair what they need for their organizations. Lonnie and Bob share that they need all the help they can get, whether that be volunteers, supporters, donations, or partners.

Tommy asks about the details behind getting the supplies for the veterans and how he could lend a hand to the cause. Lonnie and Bob share how donations help support the veterans physically and help keep their organizations flowing so no veteran will have to wait to receive aid. All the financial donations go straight to supporting the veterans and getting them what they need.