What Are the Best Nonprofit Groups on Long Island?
BEST ANIMAL RESCUE
Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center
When your brood is ready for a furry friend, look no further than Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center in Huntington. Here, adorable dogs and cats with nowhere to turn to receive magical care from a dedicated staff. Adopters are carefully screened before being entrusted with their own beautiful ball of fur. Little Shelter is committed to caring for animals no matter how long they stay. And programs like the Animal Soup Kitchen provide free food, vaccinations, spaying, and neutering to pets whose parents are sick or disabled. Fluffy pals from all over the island are grateful to Little Shelter for providing the warmth and love they need to thrive. 33 Warner Rd., Huntington, 631-368-8770, littleshelter.org
BEST ANIMAL SHELTER
Babylon Animal Shelter
If you’re contemplating adopting a furry friend to keep you company, Babylon Animal Shelter in Amityville should be your first stop. The animal shelter is equipped with caring staff who look after the thousands of animals it takes in each year and helps them find the perfect permanent home. Previous adopters say the animal shelter hardly feels like one thanks to how clean, organized, and beautifully maintained the space is. Other adopters say the Babylon Animal Shelter staff takes its time to vet who adopts the sweet pets to ensure they will be in the best hands — which explains the shelter’s more than 80 percent adoption rate. 80 New Hwy., Amityville, 631-643-9270, petfinder.com
BEST NOT FOR PROFIT
IGHL (Independent Group Home Living Program, Inc.)
IGHL provides quality programs, services, support, and related auxiliary services for those in need of their expertise in caring for the intellectually disabled. IGHL will, in concert with government, community leaders and the families of those it serves, continue to develop and implement innovative programs, services and support for people with intellectual disabilities, so they can realize their full potential and become contributing members of their community. IGHL is dedicated to seeking progressive legislation and sufficient funding in order to provide the highest quality of care, and to ensure that its constituents and their families have access to the resources they need. 221 N. Sunrise Service Rd., Manorville, 631-878-8900, ighl.org
BEST PHILANTHROPIST
Craig Pinto
Craig Pinto has had a lifelong passion for giving back. While at New York University, he was awarded the Bart Lawson Award for Public Service for his work and dedication to the community. He is a four-time Guinness World Record holder, all achieved while raising money for different nonprofit organizations. He currently serves as the vice president for Strategic Advancement and chief development officer of Family & Children’s Association in Garden City, and recently created the Rise Up campaign, partnering with the cast of Hamilton in a campaign to raise money for FCA’s runaway and homeless youth programs. 516-376-0999, fcali.org
BEST RECREATION CENTER
Mid-Island Y JCC – Plainview
The Mid-Island Y JCC gets high praise online from Long Island reviewers for the many vital services that its instructors, trainers, and other helpful staff provide. The recreation center fosters Jewish identity, personal growth, family strength, and community. But the center is open to everyone in the community, Jewish or not, and serves individuals of all ages, abilities, and challenges. In addition to multiple programs offered by its Adult Center, Mid-Island Y JCC provides aquatics, early childhood, and fitness classes, as well as special needs programs and a food pantry. For more info on how to become a member and sign up for any of the programs, visit its website or give them a call. 45 Manetto Hill Rd., Plainview, 516-822-3535, miyjcc.org
