ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA

need for our services on Long Island,” said Joshua Hanson, incoming Executive Director, The Safe Center. “While The Safe Center has risen to the challenge, there is always more work to be done. The support we receive as a Neighborhood Builder will help us continue to assist and empower survivors while we work with other institutions to break cycles of violence and prevent abuse before it starts.”

Wyandanch Homes and Property Development Corporation provides affordable rental housing in its 27 houses for homeless, low-income families in Suffolk County, as well as supportive services to help program participants establish economic self-sufficiency. They will use their grant funding to establish a pilot program that addresses barriers to employment for low-income Long Islanders, such as career training, transportation, and access to childcare.

“Providing stable, affordable housing can be life-changing for our homeless neighbors, especially when combined with supportive services that help people along the path to self-sufficiency,” said Ayesha Alleyne, Executive Director, Wyandanch Homes and

Property Development Corporation. “As a Neighborhood Builder, we look forward to equipping more Long Islanders with tools for a lifetime of security.”

On Long Island, 36 nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders to date, with the bank investing over $7 million into these local organizations through the program since 2005. The invitation-only program is highly competitive, and organizations are selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past Neighborhood Builders.

Through 2021 and across the U.S., Bank of America has invested over $280 million in 50 communities through Neighborhood Builders, partnering with more than 1,400 nonprofits and helping more than 2,800 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills. Neighborhood Builders is just one example of how Bank of America deploys capital in communities, builds cross-sector partnerships, and promotes socioeconomic progress as part of its approach to responsible growth.

—Submitted by Bank of America

Jack Mellert

1937 - 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Robert “Jack” Mellert of Port Washington, NY. The only son of the late John Mellert and Maria Elena “Helen” Wass, Jack was born in Queens, NY on May 17, 1937. He was immersed in the Catholic community that would be his lifelong support from an early age. He graduated from his beloved Xavier High School in New York City in 1955 and the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1959. He worked in the Operations division of New York Telephone / AT&T for 35 years in New York City where he was known for his hard work and dedication.

Jack married his teenage sweetheart, Alberta Marie Kargl on April 28, 1962, at St. Joan of Arc Church in Jackson Heights, NY. They celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2021.

Jack helped raise his three sons with a sense of curiosity and instilled in them a passion for knowledge, fine food, and travel.

Jack was a great husband, father, friend, practical joker, and a very long storyteller. His ideal day would include cooking, gardening, woodworking, the New York Times crossword puzzle, and Sudoku, followed by downtime at Westhampton Beach with friends and family. In his spare time, he volunteered time at St. Peter’s of Alcantara Church (President of the School Board), as President for the local Community Chest, at Habitats for Humanity, and other organizations.

Jack is survived by his wife, Alberta, his sons John, Douglas and Stephen, their spouses and five adoring grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who know him. He died peacefully, at home in his favorite recliner from pancreatic cancer.

A memorial service to honor Jack’s life will be held in Port Washington, to be scheduled for April 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Xavier High School in New York City. https://www.xavierhs.org/giving

May He Rest In Peace.