Community Chest South Shore is inspiring others to help in the Five Towns

For roughly 90 years, Community Chest South Shore has looked to assist those in need. The organization is looking to continue that tradition with the launch of a new initiative  called Vision 2020.

It is designed as a community impact initiative in which Community Chest will look to support new community programs as well as local 501(c) nonprofits and other charitable organizations. Nonprofits will be able to apply for financial assistance to create programs and services that would benefit the Five Towns. A meeting to unveil the program initially scheduled for March 23 was postponed until further notice because of the coronavirus pandemic.   

Steven Liebman, Community Chest treasurer, highlighted what the organization aims to accomplish with Vision 2020. “CCSS is looking to partner and jumpstart with non-profit groups who have a vision and direction for new endeavors,” Liebman said in an email. “Be it on an individual or group basis, paying it forward not only helps the community but really yourself.”

Community Chest’s mission is to help other organizations and institutions. They serve as an umbrella charity that raises money for the Five Towns Community Center, the Five Towns Early Learning Center, and the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC.

Cal Nathan, the president of Community Chest, conceived of the initial idea for Vision 2020. “We’re thrilled to introduce this initiative that will hopefully take us into the next decade of making a meaningful difference in the community and in our neighbor’s lives,” Nathan said. “We hope that entrepreneur-minded individuals will energize the community with their ideas.”   

The organization also helps individuals and families who face a variety of hardships through its Neighbors Helping Neighbors program. It raises money through donations and two big events: the 5K Run and Family Walk on the Atlantic Beach Boardwalk that this year is scheduled for Sept. 6 and the November fundraising dinner. 

Founded in 1931 as the Community Chest of Hewlett, Woodmere, Cedarhurst, Lawrence and Inwood, the group was also known as Five Towns Community Chest before rebranding as Community Chest South Shore in 2016 to expand into surrounding South Shore communities and enlarge its Neighbors Helping Neighbors program.   

Amy Epstein is the board’s vice president. She noted how the initiative would assist fellow organizations. “In working with Cal and the board in shaping this program, we have kept our values front and center,” Epstein said. “That is working to elevate people by investing in our community and leading with charity and kindness.” 

Nathan hopes the initiative serves as an inspiration to community members. “We hope that this campaign will help inspire entrepreneurs looking for the right vehicle to showcase their charitable idea,” he said. “We want to inspire others in this community.” 

More information on Community Chest South Shore can be found by calling (516) 374-5800 or emailing office@communitychestss.org.