Thursday, October 1, 2026
In Dec. 2025, the Nassau County Bar Association awarded a $5,000 grant to Long Island Reach, the multi-service agency offering counseling, treatment and educational services to families across Nassau County.
The organization offers a range of resources to support the community, and the grant funding will be reinvested into basic operating expenses to continue delivering its programs. The WE CARE fund is the charitable arm of the Nassau County Bar Association. In its 34-year history, they have distributed over $5 million to more than 100 community-serving charities and organizations through the WE CARE fund. Applying for grants, seeking private donations and pooling limited funds from various Nassau County agencies, are only some of the effective ways Long Island Reach makes ends meet.
“We also get money through fundraising efforts that we do each year,” said Joe Smith, director of Long Island Reach. “That helps to help us meet our expenses. This year, and for the last several cycles, we’ve used it to support the Harriet Eisman Community School.”
The Harriet Eisman Community School in Long Beach is an alternative high school operated by Long Island Reach since 1973. The school is intentionally designed in every aspect — from conference room-style settings rather than classic schoolroom desks to a less formal first-name basis with faculty — delivering an effective high school learning experience for students who may not find the traditional education system compatible to their needs. “The message is that we’re really here to participate, not to be an audience, but to be active participants,” Smith explained. “It fosters a kind of interaction — a kind of engagement that is the heart of what the school is about.”
The Harriet Eisman Community School recently redesigned their website to provide a better digital experience for students, families and the community. The next major fundraiser planned for Long Island Reach will be their fifth annual golf outing, taking place at the Lido Beach Golf Club on May 27. Participants will be able to play 18 holes and enjoy a dinner buffet at nearby Roc and Olive restaurant. More information about Long Island Reach, the Harriet Eisman Community School and the full range of programs can be found at longislandreach.org.
