By The Rev. E. Clare Nesmith

In recognition of its financial support for a program of job development for the newly unemployed, and its fulsome support of the Long Island Council of Churches, the council presented its “Denomination of the Year” award to Episcopal Charities of Long Island (ECLI) and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island in a special ceremony at its annual meeting May 7.

The job development program, funded by a church-based grant from Episcopal Charities of Long Island, provides career counseling services to “white-collar” and other workers who have lost their jobs due to the current economic crisis. Through individual counseling sessions provided by Federated Employment & Guidance Services at the site of their host, Grace Episcopal Church in Riverhead, New York, prospective employees are taught to inventory and evaluate their job skills and adapt them to today’s employment environment. Job placement services are also provided as part of the program.

The award was accepted by the Rev. E. Clare Nesmith, Executive Director of ECLI, Archdeacon Mary Garde, rector of Grace Church, and Deacon Lorraine Cusick, parish administrator and coordinator of the program. It was Mother Garde’s insight and initiative that made the grant and resulting program happen.

The job development program, however, is funded only through June 30 of this year, so ECLI is currently seeking at least $10,000 to continue this successful outreach program of counseling and support through the end of 2009, for eastern Long Island residents in need of these services. For further information please contact the Rev. Clare Nesmith at 516 248-4800, ext. 21 or email cnesmith@dioceseli.org

We are looking for a Funding Angel!

The jobs development program in Riverhead was funded by Episcopal Charities as a pilot program for six months. This program is a collaboration among F.E.G.S. (the Federated Employment and Guidance Services), L.I.C.C. (the Long Island Council of Churches), and Episcopal Charities.

The group would like to continue this ministry for at least another six months, as there continues to be massive job loss in workplaces across the island. Can you be a Funding Angel and help support this initiative? We need $10,000 to continue the program at its current one-day-a-week level. $100,000 would fund the program full time for the next 12 months. Please designate gifts for this program serving Suffolk to the Riverhead Jobs Development Program.

Archdeaconry and Church Based Grants

The deadline for applications to be received in the Episcopal Charities office is June 15, 2009, to be considered for the fall grants. See our website for information regarding guidelines for these grants and contact our office to discuss the project for which you would like to apply for funding (see paragraph above for contact information).

Please give generously to Episcopal Charities of Long Island, 36 Cathedral Avenue, P.O. Box 510, Garden City, NY 11530. To use a credit card, please go to our website www. episcopalcharitiesli.org or call 516 248-4800, ext. 19 and speak with Mrs. Nancy Kennelly, Administrative Assistant. When you make a donation in memory of or in honor of someone, their name will be recorded in the Book of Remembrance and an acknowledgement sent to them.

How can you serve your neighbor?

This spring Episcopal Charities of Long Island has awarded grants to three parish outreach projects. To read more>

A Gathering of Angels

In the spring of 2008, Episcopal Charities of Long Island began its "Angel's initiative" on the day our liturgical calendar celebrates the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin, Elizabeth. Like Mary and Elizabeth's visit, our gathering was one of affirmation, of promise, of hope and joy despite seemingly insurmountable odds. To read more>

A Fund for Children and Youth!

Did you know that Episcopal Charities of Long Island (ECLI) has a fund which is dedicated to children and youth?
The Board of ECLI is announcing a way for children and youth to serve children and youth —and you can help!   To read more>

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