Our History
Long Island has changed dramatically since HWCLI was established in 1947. Over nearly eight decades, the region has evolved in density, demographics, and the needs of its at-risk communities, which have grown and diversified over time. HWCLI has adapted alongside these changes, providing direct support to vulnerable residents while advocating for policies that strengthen local systems. Our history reflects a steadfast commitment to collaboration, and innovation, ensuring that every Long Islander has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Over the years, HWCLI has tackled the evolving challenges facing Long Island’s at-risk communities, taking action through programs, partnerships, and advocacy that reflect the needs of each era:
Dr. John Galbraith, Lawson A. Odde and George Davis write to Mrs. R.B. Mennke, Secretary of the Nassau County Public Health Nursing Council, calling for a meeting to create a Countywide Health Council to “bring together for purpose of interchange of opinion, discussion and planning, the public and private agencies operating Countywide health service programs”
Council bylaws are adopted in the auditorium of Nassau Hospital
Merger with the newly formed Council of Social Agencies
HWC’s Mental Health Committee seeks to resolve the appointment of a Mental Health Board in Nassau County
Change in name to Health & Welfare Council of Nassau County, Inc. (HWC)
HWC proposes a County Youth Board
HWC helps the Federation of Visiting Nurse Services develop a plan to provide voluntary visiting nurse services for all of Nassau
EOC of Nassau County, a project of HWC, obtains separate incorporation
HWC receives funding to establish the Day Care Council of Nassau
HWC forms Long Island Human Services Legislative Network
HWC launches Nutrition Outreach and Education Project (NOEP) in Nassau County
HWC forms Welfare Reform Coalition, The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless and The 50/50 Coalition (collaboration of the Councils Housing and Legislative Committees)
HWC establishes Island-wide Anti-Hunger Task Force
HWC launches Social Security Outreach Project to assist with education and applications to Social Security Income benefits program
HWC, in partnership with Congressman Downey, initiate a National Task Force to develop legislation on child support and low-income women
HWC forms a Long Island Child Health Coalition to advocate for the passage of child health legislation
HWC board votes to serve its bi-county members and to reflect the actual nature of its mission and activities by changing its name to Health & Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI). This was a transformative move towards regionalization.
HWCLI forms the L.I. Child Health PLUS Consortium to ensure Long Island children a healthy start.
HWCLI becomes lead agency on Long Island in NYS children’s health, family health plus, and Medicaid insurance Facilitated Enrollment Program
HWCLI forms the Fight For Families Coalition to ensure the restoration of and preservation of services in response to the Nassau County budget crisis eliminating nearly $12 million in funding for services
HWCLI administers the 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable on Long Island, distributing $1 million dollars to Long Islanders.
HWCLI forms the Long Island Voluntary Organizations in Disaster (LIVOAD) to coordinate the response of Long Island agencies to 9/11
Bethpage Federal Credit Union, the IRS and HWCLI partner to expand the Long Island Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition, focused on putting millions of unclaimed dollars back into the pockets of low-income working Long Island individuals and families
HWCLI launches Community Computer connections program, placing nearly 1000 computers in the homes of low-income families and seniors
HWCLI, with numerous community partners, establishes Suffolk’s Smart Government Strong Families Coalition, to assist the non-profit sector with the ongoing contracting issues in Suffolk Country
HWCLI forms Access Health Care LI Coalition comprised of community-based organizations, heath plans, and government partners to address health access and equity on Long Island
In response to the 2008 financial crash, HWCLI’s LIVOAD, trained over 200 case managers on Long Island and, and held an Unmet Needs Roundtable that provided $100,000 in economic relief to Long Island families
HWCLI launches “Count Me In: Ten for ‘10 Project”, a collaborative initiative that supported a coordinated, Island‐wide campaign to increase participation in the 2010 census in communities at significant risk of being undercounted
HWCLI launched the Long Island Anti-Hunger Initiative to expand food stamp education and enrollment across Long Island
Following Hurricane Sandy, HWCLI coordinated Long Island’s largest recovery effort through LIVOAD and the Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG). Partnering with 150 agencies, corporations, foundations, and universities, HWCLI facilitated communication, streamlined resources, and ensured vulnerable residents received critical support. In partnership with United Way of Long Island, HWCLI established a Hurricane Sandy Unmet Needs Roundtable, which distributed more than $10 million in grants to support Long Island residents impacted by the storm.
New York State’s Health Insurance Marketplace was launched, a landmark moment in expanding health coverage for at-risk and vulnerable Long Islanders. HWCLI partnered with its network of organizations to provide workshops and guidance to hundreds of residents and agency staff, helping individuals and families understand their options and gain access to affordable health insurance for the first time.
HWCLI recognized by Bank of America as a recipient of the Neighborhood Builders Award, an annual award that two Long Island agencies receive for their role in the overall Long Island community
HWCLI honored by NYN Media Cause Awards for our work in assisting thousands of immigrant children on LI through the Long Island Immigrant Children Defense Project
HWCLI established the Health Equity Alliance of Long Island (HEALI), a coalition of community-based organizations focused on addressing disparities in health outcomes
HWCLI opened its new Huntington Station office at 110 Walt Whitman Rd. With easy bus access, ample parking, and bright, welcoming spaces, the new home allows us to better serve clients, meet with partners, and continue building a stronger, more inclusive Long Island.
HWCLI led Long Island’s Census efforts by recruiting and training Census ambassadors, convening more than 125 partners, holding multiple “Census 101” sessions, and publishing ambassador toolkits and a Census FAQ Report to equip communities with the knowledge and resources needed for a complete count
HWCLI made history as the first and only nonprofit community-based organization in the Long Island region to become an IRS-designated VITA site. Through a unique partnership with Bethpage Federal Credit Union in the recruitment and training of volunteers, HWCLI was able to launch our very own Valet VITA Program
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, HWCLI launched the Community Response Collaborative to connect Long Islanders with critical health, social, and economic resources. The program strengthened coordination among community partners and ensured residents in under-resourced areas receive the support they need.
With support from Bank of America, Governor Cuomo’s Office, NYS VOAD, and All Hands and All Hearts, HWCLI distributed over 100,000 cloth and paper masks to hundreds of partner organizations across Long Island, helping keep clients and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic
HWCLI was selected to become a CodeForAmerica GetYourRefund partner, allowing us to offer a completely remote Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program
In response to a rise in mass shootings, HWCLI partnered with Nassau and Suffolk County police departments to provide active shooter training to over 600 employees from 100 agencies, enhancing safety and preparedness across the region.
HWCLI Establishes a Community Violence Coalition
HWCLI led Long Island’s 2030 Census Preparation efforts. HWCLI developed 13 toolkits tailored to sectors such as education, healthcare, and local government. HWCLI’s efforts set the stage for counties across the state to educate, inform, and prepare New York for a successful 2030 Census count.
Community Service Society awarded HWCLI the Facilitated Enrollment for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (FE-ABD) grant to serve the Aged, Blind and Disabled population on Long Island. This program provides free insurance assistance to the Aged (65+), Blind and Disabled population.
HWCLI’s program, HEALI was named the Social Care Network (SCN) for the Long Island region as part of the New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) 1115 Waiver Demonstration Amendment. As the region’s SCN, HEALI is responsible for building a robust network of Community Based Organization and providers to offer eligible Medicaid Members navigation, care management, nutrition, housing, and transportation services.
HWCLI convened nonprofits to successfully defeat Suffolk County Legislature Resolution No. 1687-2024, protecting essential services for Long Island communities and demonstrating the power of collaboration
HWCLI launched Doula Notes, a first-of-its-kind digital client management platform, aimed to alleviate the administrative burdens faced by doulas, especially concerning Medicaid reimbursement.
Across every decade and challenge, HWCLI’s enduring strength has been its ability to recognize emerging vulnerable populations, unite advocates, and coordinate comprehensive, collaborative responses that make a lasting impact.
Join us in creating a future for Long Island in which everyone has an equal opportunity to prosper and thrive.
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Established in 1947, the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI) is a regional, nonprofit umbrella organization for health and human service providers dedicated to improving the lives of Long Island’s most vulnerable residents by responding to their needs through the promotion and development of public policies and direct services.
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110 Walt Whitman Road, Suite 101, Huntington Station, NY 11746
Phone: 516-483-1110
Fax: 516-483-4794
E-mail: [email protected]
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