The latest episode “Making Ends Meet“ aired on Monday, December 10, 2018 at 1:30 pm.

In this episode, we addressed the basic needs of the working poor.  Over 8.6 million Americans who struggle each day to survive. Our guests will discuss the different ways food pantries can help provide resources for people in need.

We met Amanda Gill a client of the Food Pantry at St. Raphael the Archangel in East Meadow, New York who found herself in need of their services. Also joining her, Sr. Judy Fay who runs the pantry. Sr. Fay discussed the resources she is able to provide at the food pantry for the community. She offers a special message to all individuals who are good people  – hard working people – that they do not need to feel like they are receiving a handout but we are here to help. There is no need to go without food.

In the second half, we met with Tony Ogata from Nassau Community College and their food pantry the NEST (Nassau: Empowerment and Support for Tomorrow). The food pantry opened in the fall of 2015 at the largest single-campus community college in the state and is being used as a model in the SUNY system. Tony is an Executive Board Member of NEST. This service is offered free to all faculty, staff, students and their families. Not only do they offer foods but baby and school supplies as well.

In the latest Newsday article: Food pantries at LI colleges target ‘hidden problem’ – NEST, and other campus pantries, are a vital resource for students who are struggling. With the cost of higher education, students increasingly need help to make ends meet. Most Long Island colleges and universities now have pantries or give students guidance on applying for public assistance.

Many families who are working at minimum wage depend on their local food pantry as part of their day-to-day survival strategy.

As always, we met with Fr. Anthony Stanganelli who shared his thoughts as a spiritual advisor in this time of need.

Russo Law Group, P.C. is participating in a food drive to benefit Long Island Cares: The Harry Chapin Food Bank. We have donation boxes located at our front door. Please stop by and make your donation today. It would be great if we can fill both boxes before they are picked up for the Holiday Season!!

Be sure to watch next week’s episode of Family Comes First™ on December 17^th where we will meet Craig Marcott the author of a book titled: The Art of Advocacy.

Vincent J. Russo and Victoria Roberts Drogin are proud to announce the Eleventh Season of their three-time Telly AAward-winning show, Family Comes First.

Family Comes First™ episodes will also run on Tuesdays at 9:30 am and 10:30 pm and Wednesdays at 1:30 pm.

Family Comes First™ airs exclusively on Catholic Faith Network (formally, Telecare TV) – Cablevision Channels 29 and 137, Time Warner channels 106 (Manhattan), 471 (Queens) or Verizon FiOS TV Channel 296.

Family Comes First is dedicated to highlighting the challenges that families face in their daily lives and provide them, and you, with hope and suggested resources to help you through these difficult obstacles.  Each season, we showcase inspirational and informative shows featuring real families, facing real issues with grace, hope and determination! For more information and resources on Family Comes First™, please follow us on Facebook or visit our Family Comes First website at www.vjrussolaw.com/familycomesfirst.