As thousands of spectators lined the streets for one of Long Island’s largest parades this spring, a Franklin Square–based nonprofit used the moment not just to celebrate, but to raise awareness for a mission focused on serving families and individuals with disabilities through home renovations.
Rescuing Families was chosen this year as the local charity to be honored in the parade. Co-founder Gina Centauro said the selection process was not easy, as they had to apply fo a number of years until they were finally selected this year.
“We've been applying to them probably, for about seven years,” she said. “We were able to present in 2024 but we weren't chosen for the parade. Then this year, last year, 2025 they called us back.”
The annual St. Patrick’s parade selects three charities each year — one local, one national and one from Ireland.
Some of the organization’s projects involve extensive construction, including reconfiguring bathrooms and widening spaces for wheelchair access.
The nonprofit has operated for about a decade and relies heavily on volunteers, donations and community fundraising efforts. Among its most consistent initiatives are weekend resale events, where donated clothing and household goods are sorted and sold to fund construction projects.
Kristin Young, a volunteer who has supported the organization for years, said the parade offered a wonderful opportunity for public recognition.
“It was really rewarding and wonderful to see,” Young said. “Gina and Vinny just give everything of themselves.”
While the public appearance helped bring attention to the group’s work, much of Rescuing Families’ impact happens behind the scenes. Volunteers assist with everything from fundraising to hands-on construction, with some skilled consutuction workers donating their time to complete renovations.
The cost of materials and labor remains a challenge, particularly in recent years, Young said, noting that rising construction prices since COVID, but she added that she is hopeful that increased publicity will bring more volunteers and resources.
Still, the nonprofit continues to expand its reach. Earlier this year, it launched a television series, “Family to the Rescue,” which follows renovation projects and the families they benefit.
Centauro said the television series was created to explain the organization’s work and highlight the experiences of the families it serves. She and her husband, Vinny, produced the show, which was 10 years in the making, to give those families a voice and help viewers better understand both the challenges and triumphs associated with disabilities.
The program is carried by PBS, which leases the series but does not pay the organization, she said, adding that the exposure allows it to reach a wide audience. It was released in January with six episodes, and the organization is currently working on a second season expected to air in 2027.
