LIAC Attends Legislative Breakfast
By Karin Falcone

Advocates from the Long Island Advocacy Center recently participated in The Coalition of Nassau County Youth Service Agencies 2008 Legislative Breakfast.

The annual event brings together over 35 non-profit organizations which provide essential services to youth and families during ever more financially trying times.

Keynote Speaker Pearl Kamer, Chief Economist of the Long Island Association presented  a talk entitled, “Not-for-Profits, The Economic Engine of Long Island” which detailed the degree to which these organizations contribute to the economy here. “Not for-profits on Long Island employ 117,000 people and pay 5 billion dollars in payroll, contributing 15% of the Long Island economy,” Kamer said.
“The not-for-profit sector fills the void created by the private sector. So many not-for-profits must now do more with less.” Kamer cited a recent study of not-for profits by the Long Island Association and United Way . The study identified problems such as fundraising, computer services, legal, accounting and personnel. “Not-for-profits must establish clear service priorities and convey these to government officials. They must address significant personnel recruitment problems… due to salaries which average in the mid-twenties.”

This year’s honoree was Pat Boyle, executive director of Gateway Youth Outreach, Inc. Boyle’s lifelong service to youth has made him a well known figure to the legislature. He attends nearly every session, and this year, with funds allocated for youth services tied up in political wrangling, he questioned, “Where is the money?” Assembly members Fran Becker and John Ciotti offered responses and were among the dozens of legislators and their representatives who attended.

Testimonials from clients who have benefited from these youth service agencies were a high point of the morning, which was held at the Nassau County Bar Association Offices in Mineola .
Pictured left to right at the breakfast are Long Island Advocacy Center ’s grant writer Barbara Morel, executive director Linda Milch,  educational advocates Valerie DeClara and Mindy Turansky, chief financial officer Sue Liu, intake coordinator Karin Falcone and client assistance program coordinator Ona Krebs.