While at the Southold Winterfest this past weekend, I stopped into CAST (Center for Advocacy, Support & Transformation). I met with some of the staff and was so humbled to hear of the incredible services they offer to the Southold Town community and have for 59 years. They offer services to low-income folks and their families here on the North Fork. CAST helps those who are struggling to meet their basic personal needs, like food, clothes, a job and an education. Their goal is to move those in need from being vulnerable to "becoming self-sufficient by way of outreach and education". Some of the programs and services they offer include: a food pantry, a sharing room with clothing and household items, ESL and computer classes, an early childhood literacy program, assistance with benefit applications, advocacy and referrals, and the list goes on.
"CAST’s safety net has a wide reach. They serve seniors, children, single mothers, veterans, the working poor, people living with disabilities, the homeless, and those needing emergency assistance because of an unexpected crisis." I was told that they also rely on the many volunteers so they may better serve the community which extends from Laurel all the way to Orient Point and Fisher’s Island.
Mural by Karabella & CAST
Great Breaking News!!
I was so pleased to read today in The Suffolk Times, that "through a recent email blast, the 59-year-old nonprofit, which serves low-income individuals and families throughout Southold Town, asked resident for assistance in raising matching funds to secure a pre-approved New York State Department of Environmental Conservation grant to purchase a pickup truck and commercial-grade freezer. Bottom line: If CAST could collect $13,000 in donations, the DEC would award the organization three times that amount: $39,000. CAST Executive Director Cathy Demeroto said the community donated the funds in a couple of days. This feat is amazing and highly necessary as Cast's needs have increased substantially since COVID, as they are now assisting greater than 1,300 family households and more than 3,500 individuals." What an incredible accomplishment.
To the Southold community....You are amazing!
To learn more, click on the link below for the full article in The Suffolk Times article written by Nicholas Grasso. https://suffolktimes.timesreview.com/2024/02/cast-scores-grant-funds-to-meet-swelling-needs/
To contribute to the cause, click below!
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=AN7DMDNWDUQLW&ssrt=1708508126603
