Bethpage Federal Credit Union, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York , has helped to facilitate grants in the amount of $10,000 each to three local not-for-profits under the 2023 Small Business Recovery Grant Program. Bethpage has delivered the grants to Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, and Ladles of Hope.
The FHLBNY created the SBRG program as a way for its members to assist the nonprofits they work with. The grants are intended to support the financial security and health of organizations that have faced economic challenges due to the rate environment, inflation, supply-chain constraints, and/or rising energy costs. Bethpage selected the not-for-profit organizations and applied for the grant on their behalf.
“We are so thankful for the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s (FHLBNY) Small Business Recovery Grant (SBRG) Program that has allowed us to provide these grants to our community not-for-profit organizations,” said Brian Bugge, Senior Vice President of Accounting and Finance, Bethpage Federal Credit Union. “Pal-O-Mine, the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, and Ladles of Hope are all shining stars within Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s existing nonprofit partner network, and all worthy of being recognized as organizations whose great work has an enormous impact on the communities we serve. When this program was presented to us, we jumped at the opportunity to offer additional support to these organizations, and we will continue to partner with them through volunteerism and board stewardship throughout the year.”
“The FHLBNY is honored to work with members to help the communities we all serve. We are appreciative of our members for their continued use of these programs, which enhance our ability to help make a positive impact,” said Adam Goldstein, Chief Business Officer, FHLBNY. “Small businesses and non-profits are the cornerstones of communities across our region, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support the vital work they continue to do every day. Recognizing this vital role local organizations play in the community is the first step to supporting continued opportunities and economic growth within our district.”
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian began in 1995 as a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations, using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing. The Islandia-based not-for-profit supports children and adults with disabilities, those who have been abused or neglected, the military and the impoverished. Pal-O-Mine Equestrian plans to use their grant to increase and support staff hiring and retention.
“Operating a 13-acre, 20-stall horse farm is no easy task. Beyond the staff needed to maintain the facility and the health and safety of our animals, we also have teams of mental health professionals, riding instructors, teachers, vocational job coaches, speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, and nurses to help support the people we serve,” said Lisa Gatti, Founder and CEO, Pal-O-Mine. “We are so grateful to Bethpage for their generosity and ongoing support in selecting us for this grant.”
Since its inception in 1982, the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society’s directive has been to preserve, through education and capital improvements, the nautical heritage of Fire Island and Long Island and to ensure that the Fire Island Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters/ Visitor Center remain an integral part of Long Island maritime history. The SBRG grant will be used to create and/or support community programs such as educational programs, workshops and tours related to the historical nature of the Fire Island Lighthouse.
“When the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society took over the maintenance and operation of the Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters/Visitor Center in 1996, our mission has been to increase visitor services and programs for schools and other interested groups. Today, thousands of guests visit throughout the year to experience the 182-step tour to our gorgeous panoramic view and learn more about the life of a lighthouse keeper and the rigorous demands of preserving the Lighthouse,” said Tony Femminella, Executive Director, Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society. “Bethpage has been an amazing supporter and partner for us, helping to ensure the Fire Island Lighthouse remains an integral part of the nautical heritage of Fire Island and Long Island for years to come.”
Ladles of Hope is a Seaford-based not-for-profit that operates soup kitchens and pantries offering to-go lunches and clothing for those in need in Nassau County, NY. The organization is 100% volunteer-based and plans to use the grant to start offering a much-needed food pantry in Freeport and Roosevelt to provide clothing, toiletries, and meals to those in need.
“We are so thankful and proud of the work our volunteers do every week to prepare the to-go meals and groceries for our soup kitchens. It means a lot to us to be a fully volunteer based organization, including our board of directors, with many working with us for more than 20 years,” said Fran Hanly, Secretary, Ladles of Hope. “This grant will allow us to open two new food pantries to help feed our neighbors in need and provide supplies to help them get back on their feet. We thank Bethpage for selecting us to receive this grant and appreciate all they do to support us on a regular basis.”
The FHLBNY has awarded $5 million in grants to over 100 members to help small businesses and non-profits throughout New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands to benefit organizations facing economic challenges due to the rate environment, inflation, supply-chain constraints, and/or rising energy costs. For more information about the SBRG program, click here.
About Bethpage
Bethpage Federal Credit Union is a premier community financial institution committed to enriching the lives of its members, employees, and the communities it serves for the past 80 years. Bethpage is the largest credit union in the Northeast Region, and the 15th largest in the nation.
As a not-for-profit credit union, Bethpage is committed to its members and the communities it serves. In addition to giving back to its members in the form of great rates and low fees, the Bethpage Cares program invests heavily in local, high-impact community programs that serve with an eye towards creating better communities through diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Voted the Glass Door Top Place to Work for Small & Midsize companies, Bethpage is a federally chartered credit union, available to people nationwide who open a $5 dollar membership account. Bethpage offers a robust digital platform that allows members to bank from anywhere. Bethpage is a part of the national CO-OP network that gives members access to their accounts at over 30,000 free ATMs and 5,000+ shared branches across the U.S. As a financial cooperative, Bethpage offers the best-in market rates, lowest fees and world-class service, plus a full menu of personal and commercial financial services. For more information on Bethpage’s robust portfolio of banking, borrowing, and investment services, visit www.lovebethpage.com or call 1-800- 628-7070.
