The mission of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI) is to serve the poor and vulnerable people on Long Island by convening, representing, and supporting the organizations that serve them; and through illuminating the issues that critically impact them; organizing community and regional responses to their needs; advocacy; research; policy analysis and providing services, information and education. Since 1947, HWCLI has served as the umbrella for health and human service agencies serving Long Island’s families. As a regional human service provider, convener and leader with a 200 organization network, HWCLI responds to Long Island’s needs through direct services and advocacy.
On Long Island, the nature of poverty and the needs of our communities are growing and changing, driven by the region’s evolving economy and demographics. Addressing the social challenges faced by Long Island’s most vulnerable is only possible through innovative strategies and the forging of strong partnerships across all sectors: government, business, and nonprofits. Collaboration with its network of 200 agencies and partners has been the highest priority for HWCLI as it worked on sector-wide coordination, client services, and advocacy to effect change in its areas of focus: disaster recovery; economic stability; health care access; and nutritional security. HWCLI serves those most at risk of experiencing poverty: seniors, recent immigrants, people of color, veterans, people with disabilities and female-headed households with small children. In addition to advocacy and sector-wide coordination, HWCLI provides direct services to nearly 50,000 at-risk and vulnerable Long Islanders.