Mentoring USA and Founder Matilda Cuomo Ring NASDAQ Opening Bell in Honor of National Mentoring Month

In honor of National Mentoring Month, Matilda Raffa Cuomo, founder of HELP USA’s Mentoring USA, rang the Opening Bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square on January 25th.

The former First Lady of the State of New York was joined by over 30 mentors and mentees from long-time Mentoring USA partners Bloomingdale’s, St. Ann’s School in East Harlem, City Polytechnic High School, RAND Architecture and Engineering, and the New York Junior League. The annual tradition is part of the long relationship Mentoring USA shares with NASDAQ.

Click here to read more about the opening bell ringing, or visit the Mentoring USA Facebook page to view images from the ceremony or check out Matilda Cuomo’s “Behind the Bell” interview with NASDAQ.

HELP USA Continues to Keep Families and Veterans Safe at Home with Homelessness Prevention Programs

If we can prevent families from becoming homeless in the first place, their outcomes are better across a range of indicators, both economic and social. In fact, studies have shown that this type of intervention has a more than 90% success rate at keeping people in safe homes and out of the shelter system.

To this end, HELP USA continues to focus on our highly successful prevention programs, including Homebase and Supportive Services for Veteran Families. Last year alone, HELP USA provided prevention services to nearly 5,000 families in New York and Las Vegas, and HELP USA is piloting a new prevention program with The Robin Hood Foundation to keep young families in their homes.

To learn more about the importance of homelessness prevention and our efforts in this arena, read HELP USA President and CEO Thomas Hameline’s letter to the editor in Crain’s New York Business.

Construction Continues on Schedule for HELP Philadelphia V

As construction continues on HELP Philadelphia V, the Philadelphia Boys Choir generously donated proceeds from their Holiday Concert Series to benefit formerly homeless veterans who will be living at our fifth Philadelphia residence.

After breaking ground on HELP USA’s fifth Philadelphia residence in September, construction is underway to convert the former Spring Garden School into 37 homes for formerly homeless veterans and low-income families.

Thanks to a generous donation of proceeds from the Philadelphia Boys Choir Holiday Concert Series, HELP has new plans to build a “Tribute Wall” in the tenant lobby that tells the history of the neighborhood and the former Spring Garden School. After the historic school sat vacant for four decades, the building is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2017.

To read more about the Philadelphia Boys Choir donation and progress on HELP Philadelphia V construction, click here.

Mount Vernon Daily Voice: "Mount Vernon Resident Segues From Fashion To Heading A Homeless Shelter"

Tony Laud outside the Mount Vernon building that caught his eye so many years ago.

After walking by HELP USA’s Mount Vernon residence on his way to work each day, Anthony Laud was inspired to quit his fashion industry career and join HELP USA. 28 years later, he has risen through the ranks to become the Executive Director of HELP Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon resident Tony Laud believes in giving back.

Read about Tony’s incredible commitment to serving HELP USA’s residents and the local community in the Mount Vernon Daily Voice.

Vice President Joseph Biden to Address HELP USA Scholarship Awardees on March 16th

On Thursday, March 16th, Vice President Joseph Biden will address 30 women and men who will receive scholarship grants to further their educational and professional goals after overcoming homelessness and domestic violence.

We will also be honoring four outstanding civic leaders as HELP HEROES for their dedicated service to the community at our annual HELP USA Scholarship Awards Luncheon, including Northwell Health President and CEO Michael J. Dowling.

Michael Dowling, head of the Northwell Health on Long Island, will be the grand marshal for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17. A native of Limerick, Ireland, he is the first health care professional to lead the parade. Craig Ruttle

Mr. Dowling, who will lead New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade the following day as Grand Marshal, was featured recently in Newsday. Read about his rise from “humble roots” to head of New York’s largest private employer and largest integrated healthcare system.

Visit the online registration page to reserve your seats at the Plaza Hotel and hear the Vice President’s remarks.