Groundbreakers Journal 2021

30th Anniversary

GroundBreakerS
CelebratioN

Honoring
Máiréad M. Barrett, OSU

Recognizing

Our Past Board Presidents

Emmet Agoglia Ed McDougal
Thomas Cleary Steve Ryerson
Jean Friedman Joanne Saunders

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Virtual Groundbreakers Gala



NewGround

Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness

A Message from

New Ground Executive Director

Shannon Boyle, LCSW

It all started 30 years ago...

And we've been growing ever
since!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Program Details... 7
Gala Leadership... 8
Mission Statement...9
A Word from Our Gala Co-Chairs...10

2021 Honoree & Recognized Parties

Mairead M. Barrett, OSU... 14
Past New Ground Presidents...15

New Ground Team

New Ground Board of Directors... 16
Advisory Board...17

Young Professionals Board & New Ground Staff... 19



New Ground Achievements...20

Programs and Services

Veterans Program...21
JumpStart Program... 22
Long Term Housing Program... 23



Financial Literacy Program...24
Reading All-Stars Program...26
Career Development Program...28





Our Supporters & Sponsors...41

EVENING PROGRAM

6:00pm - 7:00pm

ZOOM Virtual Cocktail Hour

7:00pm-7:45pm
Live virtual program with a special 30th Anniversary

program featuring stories from our Veterans and
families. We will travel through the years, from
where it all began to where we are today. There are

so many accomplishments to celebrate!

CO-HOSTS

Shannon Boyle
Jeff Goldberg

ENTERTAINMENT

United States Marine Corps Color Guard
2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment

GALA LEADERSHIP

Gala Co-Chairs

Megan Fay & Melissa Mohan

Committee Members

Mairead M. Barrett, OSU Thomas Lamberti, Esq.
Anne Marie Bernhart Edward F. McDougal, Jr.
Shannon Boyle
Jackie Gaughran Steve Pecorini
Katy Grzinic Diane Serenita
Chris Harrison Evol Sweeney
Joanne Meyer Jendras
Lois Kuster Ed Thomas
Eileen Lamberti Ann Thompson

Carol Whalen
Dorothy Zizzo

OUR MISSION

We maintain that the key to breaking the cycle of
homelessness is not only to provide short-term
assistance to homeless families and Veterans, but also
to work at eliminating its root causes so these
individuals can become, and remain, self-supporting.
We identify, and then respond to, those at risk with
programs that provide educational, technical, and
emotional support.



This empowers our families and Veterans, enabling
them to function independently. Working in
collaboration with the public and private sector, NEW
GROUND works with existing agencies to better
respond to the growing needs and challenges of Long
Island’s homeless population.

A WORD FROM OUR 2021
GALA CO-CHAIRS

Dear Friends,

2021 continued to be an incredibly challenging year for so
many. We especially saw this for New Ground’s Veterans,
parents and children struggling with homelessness and
poverty. As a community, we know how important it is to
sustain New Ground’s mission, helping as many homeless in
need as possible. Thank you for being with us virtually this
evening and for all of your support.
In this special year, we are excited to celebrate New
Ground’s 30th Anniversary and our Founder, Sister Máiréad
Barrett, OSU. Her vision for New Ground is even more
relevant 30 years later. We are grateful to our past Board
Presidents for their inspiration and leadership over the last
3 decades.

Emmet Agoglia Thomas Cleary
Jean Friedman Ed McDougal
Steve Ryerson
Joanne Saunders

A WORD FROM OUR 2021
GALA CO-CHAIRS

This Groundbreakers Gala is also a celebration of all of you. Thank
you to everyone who donated this year with sponsorships, journal
ads, auction items, and donations, and to all those participating in
our live stream program. We salute all members of the Gala
Committee, Gift Committee, Sponsorship & Journal Committee,
Advisory Board and Board of Directors who gave a great deal of
time and energy to ensure the success of this event. Now and
throughout the year, we are very grateful to our hard working
volunteers and New Ground staff members including Shannon
Boyle, Diane Serenita, Salina Barnao, Evol Sweeney, Anne Marie
Bernhart and Nataly Valencia.

In the program tonight we welcome back the 2nd Battalion 25th
Marines to present the National Colors. Thank you to all our active
military and Veterans who sacrifice so much for our freedom.



A special thank you to Jeff Goldberg who without hesitation
dedicated his time and talent to be our Co-Host this evening.
Thank you to all who helped make this night a wonderful success.

Simply put, we could not do it without you!

We hope you enjoy our 30th Anniversary Virtual Groundbreakers
Gala. And we look forward to seeing everyone in-person for 2022.




- Megan Fay - Melissa D. Mohan
JP Morgan & Chase & Co. Melmo Realty LLC

ENTERTAINMENT
PROVIDED BY...

Marine Corps Color Guard
2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment

Marine Corp Color Guard MISSION



The United States Marine Corps Color Guard Platoon
presents the National Flag and the Marine Corps Battle

Color at ceremonies throughout National Capitol
Region and across the United States in order to render
appropriate military honors and to display the Marine

Corps’ illustrious warfighting history.

"Compañeros, take heart -

Though your roots be
torn, they will grow again

in New Ground..."

HONORING

Máiréad M. Barrett, OSU

For her vision and inspiration over the last
3 decades, shaping New Ground into what

it has become today.

"I believe the concept of living your life free, is like a
breath of fresh air. Martin Luther King used the
words, Oasis of Freedom. That is our charge. I

believe New Ground is an Oasis, a place to come, a
place to grow, a place to re-found yourself, re-birth
yourself, and one of the greatest accomplishments of
New Ground is giving the people the confidence - you

can have a really good life." - Sr. Máiréad

Recognizing

Our Past Board
Presidents:

Emmet Agoglia
Thomas Cleary
Jean Friedman
Ed McDougal
Steve Ryerson
Joanne Saunders

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Retired, JP Morgan Chase
Retired, Wells Fargo
Steven Pecorini Dime Bank
Vice President
Ed Thomas Retired, Bethpage Federal Credit Union
Vice President

Diane Caputi
Treasurer
Gary Jendras

Recording Secretary Farrell Fritz, P.C.
Kevin Mulry, Esq.

board members

Christopher Albanese Albanese Organization, Inc.

Terence F. Baydala Pembrook Capital Management

Joseph Burns Valley Bank

Megan Fay JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Deborah Farrell Deb’s Balanced Nutrition, LLC.

Rod Ganis Expense Reduction Analysts

Chris Harrison, Esq Macquarie Group

Catherine (Kate) Littlefield, Esq. Macquarie Group

*Edward F. McDougal, Jr. McDougal & Associates

Joanne Meyer-Jendras Retired Educator, Garden City Public Schools

Melissa D. Mohan, Esq. Melmo Realty LLC

Fran Nuchims Capital One NA

Dennis O’Rourke, Esq. Moritt Hock & Hamroff

Christopher T. Sia Retired, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

NEW GROUND ADVISORY
BOARD

Rod Ganis, Chairperson Expense Reduction Analysts




Debbie Bailey Friend

John Bermingham, Esq Law Firm of John Bermingham

John P. Clarke, Esq. Law Firm of John P. Clarke

James A. Cowan **New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

Keara Cowan Ridgewood Savings Bank

Kevin Cowan Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

Anthony D’Amato eDelta Consulting

Marguerita DeLuca Friend

Matthew DeLuca, Jr. MID-SHIP Group, LLC

Michelle Di Benedetto Long Island Housing Partnership

Steve DiDominica Dee’s Nursery & Florist, Inc.

Steven J. DiMare Unified Window Systems Inc.

Michael DiSpirito, ChFC Woodbury Financial

Byron A. Divins, Jr., Esq. Capetola & Divins, P.C.

Hugh Finnegan, Esq. Norris McLaughlin, P.A.

Robert Fusaro The Alpert Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

Henry Greve, CPA Cohen Greve & Company, CPA P.C.

Rino Grzinic St. John’s University

Elise Henry, MS, MPH, OTR/L CUNY, York College

Mary T. Hoeltzel Cigna

David Hutchinson Claims Service Bureau of New York

Eileen Lamberti **Educator, Garden City Public Schools

Thomas M. Lamberti, Esq. Putney, Twombly, Hall & Hirson, LLP

James H. Lawrence, Jr. **Nassau County Police Commissioner

Joseph Macchiarola, Esq. Friend

Kathleen McKiernan **Educator

Steve Melore, Esq. Farrell Fritz







* Past President

** Retired

NEW GROUND ADVISORY
BOARD

Frank Morizio, Jr, CLTC, LUTCF The Hotaling Group

Joanne O’Brien, Ed.D. Molloy College

James Rose, Esq. Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman LLP

*Stephen Ryerson Friend

Jeffrey Schwartzberg Premier Commerical Real Estate

Eric Schweizer Friend

Jeffrey Siler, Esq. Siler & Ingber, LLP

John Stype **Neefus-Stype Agency

Robert Tonne Friend

Michael L. Webb, Esq. Nixon Peabody LLP

Carol Whalen Retired Educator

Kathleen Wisnewski National Grid

Dorothy Zizzo Insperity







* Past President

** Retired

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
BOARD

Melissa Mohan, Esq. Chairperson Melmo Realty LLC

Asher Allweiss Cobra Commercial Capital
Joshua Bailey Price Waterhouse Coopers
Dana Barash
Ryan Caldwell Spacial Serenity, Inc.
Rick Cooper Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Cara Cunha
Jacqueline Farrigan Chase
Casey Grzinic PNC Mortgage
Christine Heaney Little Flower Children & Family Services of NY
Traci Hobbs William Floyd School District
Gareth Hoernel
Andrew Korman Valley Bank
William Louie Vericast
Tim McGrath
Diane Serenita Langdon Title
Maria Zena Prudential Advisors
New York Life Insurance Company
Marian Farese Insurance Agency

New Ground
Critical Financing Inc.

NEW GROUND STAFF

Shannon Boyle, LCSW Executive Director
Evol Sweeney, MA Associate Program Director
Diane Serenita Director of Development and Events
Salina Barnao, LMSW
Nataly Valencia, LMSW Social Work Director
Anne Marie Bernhart Social Worker

Development Manager

New Ground Achievements

New Ground’s intensive social work services focus on:

Immediate housing needs and crisis management
Nutrition and Medical Issues
Childcare and Parenting Skills
Academic Success and higher education for all family
members
Employment readiness
Career advancement
Financial Literacy: Budgeting and Debt management

With the support of New Ground, adults and youth
have received or become:

Associate & Bachelor Degrees Master Degrees
GED’s & High School Diplomas Certified Nurses Aid
Certificates
Licensed Practical Nurses Plumbers
Dental Hygienists Phlebotomists
Pharmaceutical technicians Commercial Truck Drivers
Paralegals Medical Assistants
Medical Billing & Coding
Specialists Auto Mechanics

In addition to all students in our programs, New
Ground provides educational advocacy for any
homeless child or youth needing assistance in specific
Nassau County school districts. The Associate Program
Director also conducts trainings in these districts to
train school personnel on the laws affecting the
educational rights of all homeless students.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

New Ground Veterans Program

The Veterans Program offers New Ground’s
service programs to struggling Veterans in
Nassau and Suffolk Counties. New Ground

works directly with the Northport VA’s
Supportive Housing Program and local Veteran

homeless shelters to provide our intensive
services through regular social work meetings to

Veterans and their family members.
Veteran households participate in New Ground’s

service programs to reach their self-defined
goals to ensure their overall success in breaking

the cycle of homelessness.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

JumpStart Program

The Veterans Program offers New Ground’s
service programs to struggling Veterans in
Nassau and Suffolk Counties. New Ground

works directly with the Northport VA’s
Supportive Housing Program and local Veteran

homeless shelters to provide our intensive
services through regular social work meetings to

Veterans and their family members.
Veteran households participate in New Ground’s

service programs to reach their self-defined
goals to ensure their overall success in breaking

the cycle of homelessness.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Long Term Housing Program

The Long Term Housing Program provides
affordable, stable housing units with reduced
rent. Family members participate in all of the
intensive social work and education service
programs offered by New Ground on average
for three to five years. All families are assigned a
social worker and create an Individual Service
Plan outlining the goals they want to achieve
and the steps to make them happen. They meet
weekly to address the challenges and areas of
concern that are preventing them from living

successful, independent lives.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

The Troy & Ann Baydala Financial
Literacy Service Program

Homeless Veterans and families struggle to
maintain a budget or pay bills on time, suffer from
bad credit and large debts, and need to get their

finances on track.



The Baydala family are long time supporters of
New Ground and they chose to memorialize their
parents, Troy and Ann, with a major gift to New

Ground.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

The Troy & Ann Baydala Financial
Literacy Service Program

New Ground Social Workers help clients with:
Financial Goal Setting: setting personal financial long- and
short- term goals, creating action plans to meet these and
tracking progress.
Budgeting & Savings: developing and maintaining a budget
within household income levels, creating and initiating a
savings plan.
Debt Management: crafting a realistic plan to pay down
debt while managing other bills, assessing critical needs
from wants, and tracking and evaluating spending to
improve overall financial health.
Credit Reporting & Repair: learning how to access, review
and understand a credit report, what impacts a credit score
and how to dispute incorrect credit information as well as
build credit and increase scores.
Banking: evaluating best options, establishing and
maintaining bank accounts.
Identity Theft: protecting credit, preventing identity theft
and taking necessary steps when already a target.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

THE BERMINGHAM FAMILY READING
ALL-STARS SERVICE PROGRAM

Children who have experienced
homelessness have a significantly greater
incidence of reading below grade level, and

this negatively impacts their overall
academic performance and feelings about
school. This New Ground service program

specifically addresses these gaps for
students in kindergarten through 12th

grade.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

THE BERMINGHAM FAMILY READING
ALL-STARS SERVICE PROGRAM

Students in the Bermingham Family Reading All-Stars Program:
Work on a computerized reading program tailored specifically
to their grade and reading level to enhance silent reading skills
and improve overall reading comprehension.
Are supervised by a New Ground tutor to complete the online
program each session, and have their progress tracked as they
improve reading skills week to week.
Receive individualized assistance from tutors in target areas
where they have difficulties.
Earn recognition and certificates as s/he completes the work
and is promoted from one reading level to the next, ultimately
working to reach and surpass the current reading grade.
Are given goals to demonstrate increased reading abilities as
well as performance improvement in all school subjects.

The Bermingham family members are long-time supporters of
New Ground. When the opportunity arose for them to make a
meaningful major gift to New Ground, they chose this program
because one family member had served as a volunteer New

Ground tutor during her high school and college years.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

THE JAMES & MARY JO COWAN
CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICE

PROGRAM

Homeless Veterans and families often experience
interruptions in their education and employment
history, impacting overall employment opportunities

and earnings. This Service Program helps the
unemployed, underemployed, and those looking to

change career paths or advance their career and
professional development with the long-term goal of

increasing overall household income.



Jim and Mary Jo Cowan have been supporters of New
Ground since the early 1990’s. In recognition of their
dedication to our Veterans and families, their children

made a major gift to New Ground and chose this
program to honor them.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

THE JAMES & MARY JO COWAN
CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICE

PROGRAM

New Ground Social Workers provide individualized assistance
in all aspects of employment and career readiness including:



Creation of state of the art resumes incorporating all

current standards and expectations.
Practicing and developing strong interviewing skills and

communication strategies throughout the job search
process.

Learning the latest websites and techniques to launch a
comprehensive employment search.

Referrals to local Career Service Agencies, job fairs and
other career events with the most current job leads in

various employment sectors.
Exploring individual employment values and personal

styles to determine best career options, including
completion of interests and abilities assessments.
Generating an individualized Career Development Plan
with key steps and action plans to achieve overall goals.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Education Assistance Service
Program

New Ground believes education is essential to
overcoming homelessness and poverty.

Education resources and tools are offered to
Veterans and parents returning to school to
secure a higher education for a future career

and increased overall earnings.
Children and youth receive critical supplies and

opportunities not provided by their schools
that are otherwise unaffordable for the
families.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Education Assistance Service
Program

New Ground Social Workers help with:
Critical Needs for students K - 12: basic and specialized school

supplies, uniforms, school trip fees, afterschool activity and
team sport fees, musical instrument rentals, specialized study

guides, eye glasses, SAT and other study courses, school
graduation and college application fees, and more.

Critical Needs for adult students: supplies not covered by
financial aid such as application and entrance exam fees, study
guides, transcript costs, school fees, text books, uniforms, basic

and specialized school supplies, transportation expenses,
daycare assistance while parent attends classes, and more.
Tools and assessments: for adults and teens to assist with
determining an academic track and overall career goals based

on interests, experiences, timelines and abilities.
College/ Vocational Preparation: evaluating education
programs to meet career goals, exploring various school
options, education financial planning, time management skills,
and outlining the necessary steps to successfully complete an

education program.
FAFSA Application: completion of all documents necessary to

secure financial aid, assessing aid awards and feasibility of
school options based on funding, and planning for future

repayments.
Education Assessments: academic testing to determine and
document potential cognitive and learning difficulties that may

impact overall academic success.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Education Advocacy Service
Program

New Ground provides professional education advocacy services
for students of all ages to ensure they have the resources and

tools necessary for their overall academic success.



Adult students as well as children and young adults access these
services which include:

Provide guidance and advocacy to all families in accordance
with the McKinney-Vento federal law.

Guidance and advocacy during various school meetings:
Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings, Annual

Review Meetings, School hearings and more.
Formal requests for and the facilitation of testing or
assessments, and screening for special education needs.
Review of documentation, determination of and advocacy for
placements in the correct educational settings with all key

resources in place.
Facilitate testing, special accommodations and other resources

through the schools and by outside professionals when
needed for students of all ages.

Tracking correspondence and timelines to ensure all legal
requirements are being met by the schools.

Empowerment and encouragement for parents to identify and
assume this work for the future.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Tutoring Service Program

New Ground provides tutoring assistance for
students of all ages to ensure overall academic

success. Services include:



Subject and grade specific tutoring on an
individual basis.

Homework and special project assistance.
Assistance with test preparation including help
for the common core NYS Regents exams for
high school students, and entrance exams for
colleges and other higher education programs.

Support to develop strong study habits and
critical organization skills to master all
coursework.

Accommodations for students with special
education needs.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

The Special Memories Program

With the generosity of donors and volunteers, New Ground helps
families and Veterans celebrate special holidays and other
occasions:
For the December holidays, gift cards, new toys and clothing
are distributed to parents and Veterans.
A Thanksgiving turkey with all the trimmings is given to every
household.
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are celebrated with cards, gifts
and special gatherings.
Halloween costumes are provided when needed for all
children.
To mark their special day all program participants receive a
birthday card in the mail.
Moving logistics including the help of a moving company.
Furniture, household items, linens and all the necessities to
outfit a new home.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Homeward bound at new Ground
service program

As Veterans and families complete their goals in the
program, they often need help to fully realize their

graduation into permanent, stable housing. This
program assists with:

Obtaining the funds needed to cover first month’s
rent, security deposits, broker’s fees, down

payments, closing costs, or other costs related to
securing a new home.

Moving logistics including the help of a moving
company.

Furniture, household items, linens and all the
necessities to outfit a new home.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

The Workshops Services Program
at New Ground

New Ground coordinates workshops on critical topics to help
struggling homeless Veterans, families, youth and individuals.
Workshops take place at multiple locations, including the Northport
VA, the Department of Social Services, the New Ground office, and
various Veteran, family, and youth shelters. New Ground provides
transportation, daycare and refreshments to eliminate any potential

barriers to attendance.



Presentations are made by New Ground program staff as well as
experts in specific fields.
Topics include:

All areas of financial literacy.
Professional skills including resume writing, conducting a
successful job search, ways to prepare for the first days on the
job, how to handle conflicts at work, and more.
Parenting skills for children of all ages.
Reviewing housing options, securing an apartment, preparing for
a move, and assessing other housing needs.

OUR YEAR IN PHOTOS

OUR YEAR IN PHOTOS

OUR YEAR IN PHOTOS

OUR YEAR IN PHOTOS

THANK YOU TO OUR
GENEROUS SPONSORS!

Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness

Tom & Eileen Lamberti
Ed & Sheila McDougal

Attain Economic Independence Sponsors

Chris & Sheryl Albanese
Charles & Leslie Nicolais Family Foundation

A Brighter Future Sponsors

Alpert Family Foundation / Bob & Laraine Fusaro
Farrell Fritz , P.C.

Oxford Millin Insurance Agency LTD

Achieve Literacy Sponsors

AvalonBay Communities Fran & Peter Nuchims
John P. Clarke, Esq. Mid-Ship Group LLC
Thomas & Debbie Farrell Valley Bank
Insperity

New Beginnings Sponsors

Steve & Mary Pecorini
Ann Thompson
Waldorf Risk Solutions

Congratulations to Sister Máiréad Barrett
For her foresight and wisdom in founding New

Ground

Congratulations also to all those who have
contributed to New Ground’s success over its

30 years.



Finally congratulations to the current staff for
their professionalism and dedication

continuing the good work of New Ground
during these most difficult times.





Ed and Sheila McDougal



Breaking the cycle of homelessness

Congratulations to




Sister Máiréad Barrett
and

New Ground's Past Board Presidents




for their commitment to help
homeless families and Veterans




Tom and Eileen Lamberti

Breaking the cycle of homelessness

We congratulate this year’s honoree



Sister Máiréad Barrett and
recognize New Ground's

Past Board Presidents

Emmet Agoglia Ed McDougal
Thomas Cleary Steve Ryerson
Jean Friedman Joanne Saunders

We are pleased to support
New Ground’s 30th Anniversary

Groundbreakers Celebration

Sheryl & Christopher Albanese

Attain Economic Independence Sponsor

Congratulations to the 2021 Honorees



Sister Máiréad Barrett
and

New Ground Past Board Presidents



with deep appreciation for their
loyal support, effort and initiatives.





Thank you to the New Ground Staff for
their achievements in breaking the cycle
of homelessness






Charles and Leslie Nicolais

Attain Economic Independence Sponsor



Congratulations to this year’s
honorees and many thanks to all of
New Ground’s staff and volunteers.



Keep up the good work!






Ann Thompson

A Brighter Future Sponsor

Congratulations Sister Máiréad
and New Ground's Past Board

Presidents



Thank you for all you do!





Robert Alpert
&

Robert & Laraine Fusaro

A Brighter Future Sponsor

Congratulations to the entire New
Ground Team for all the terrific
work done to support all our
homeless families and Veterans
over these past 30 years.



Your EXTRAORDINARY work has
had an ENORMOUS impact on so

many families in need



HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!






Mary and Ed Thomas