LIA Press Release: The Long Island Association hosts Forum to Discuss Sustainability for the Region’s Not-for-Profit Sector

The Long Island Association hosts Forum to Discuss Sustainability for the Region’s Not-for-Profit Sector
 
Melville, NY – The Long Island Association (LIA)’s Health, Education, and Not-for-Profit Committee recently held an event to discuss the economic impact of regional not-for-profits and strategies they are implementing to sustain their organizations with limited resources. The panel included leaders of diverse organizations that support residents in need and enrich the lives of Long Islanders. 
 
The discussion included how not-for-profits respond to external factors and emerging needs while continuing to run sound operations; prioritizing programs that have a demonstrated community impact; and how they grow and diversify their donor base.
 
Matt Cohen, LIA President & CEO said, “Not-for-profit organizations are active in communities throughout Long Island to support our neighbors in need and are also a major regional employer. Their sustainability is critical to a vibrant economy.  As a not-for-profit, the Long Island Association understands the pressures our colleagues sometimes face to operate while continuing to deliver impactful programming.”
 
The featured speakers were:
•              Neela Mukherjee Lockel, President & CEO, EAC Network
•              David Okorn, Executive Director, NY Community Trust - Long Island
•              Theresa Regnante, President & CEO, United Way Long Island
•              Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, President & CEO, Family & Children’s Association
•              Lauren Wagner, Executive Director, Long Island Arts Alliance
 
Dr. Kimberly Cline, President of Long Island University and Committee Co-Chair, said, “The not-for-profit sector embodies the spirit of service and resilience, providing essential programs that uplift Long Island’s residents. At Long Island University, we are committed to partnering with these organizations to address emerging challenges and drive positive change."
 
Neela Mukherjee Lockel, President & CEO, EAC Network and LIA Board Member, said, “Thank you to the Long Island Association for hosting regional not-for-profit leaders, and for highlighting the impact of Long Island’s not-for-profit organizations.  The needs of our communities continue to grow and become more complex; this discussion further bolsters the critical role of services provided by these agencies. As these issues evolve, our work is more important than ever, and ensuring our viability is a top priority. If not for non-profits, who would be able to care for the well-being of our neighbors and communities?”
 
David M. Okorn, Executive Director of the New York Community Trust- Long Island Office, said, ““Long Island’s nonprofits are vital to the quality of life for all residents. From the arts to providing access to quality health and mental health care, to protecting the environment, and much more they are the unsung heroes who often do not get any credit but strive to bring equity for people in need. As year-end nears, I hope the community recognizes their benefits and provides much-needed financial support.”
 
Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, President/CEO of Family & Children’s Association and LIA Board Member, said, “Long Island’s nonprofits work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all of us. While businesses and our elected officials come and go, nonprofits are a steady force, providing vital jobs, protecting our most vulnerable and making Long Island even better.  At FCA, we’ve been at it for 140 years and while our ultimate goal is to put ourselves out of business, we’ll be here as long as there is work yet to be done. “
 
Lauren Wagner, Executive Director of the Long Island Arts Alliance, said, “"It was an honor to contribute to this important discussion alongside leaders in the nonprofit sector. The arts are often undervalued and overlooked, yet they play a critical role in sustaining and enriching our region. I look forward to continuing the conversation about how we can collaborate across the broader nonprofit community to ensure that arts education and programming are recognized as essential to Long Island's economic vitality and quality of life. In a sector defined by limited resources, collaboration makes us all stronger.”
 
The LIA’s Health, Education, and Not-for-Profit Committee examines issues relating to these critical sectors and major regional employers, including K-12 institutions and higher education, issues impacting the health of Long Islanders and its relation to the economy, and ways to foster the work of not-for-profit organizations.
 
The Committee Co-Chairs are Dr. Kimberly Cline, President of Long Island University and Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, President & CEO of Catholic Health, and the Co-Vice Chairs are Paule Pachter, President & CEO of Long Island Cares, and Ellen Labita, Partner and Professional Practice Leader at Baker Tilly.
About the Long Island Association (LIA): The LIA is the region’s leading non-profit and non-partisan business organization since 1926 and amplifies the voice of the business community. The LIA works to ensure the region’s economic vitality.
 
Long Island’s future is our business. www.longislandassociation.org