Thursday’s Child provides gifts to over 300
kids a year
In addition to Beech House operating from 1992 to the present day, Thursday’s Child received Ryan White Title 1 grants to provide emergency housing assistance, utility assistance, and food voucher support beginning in 1995. Due to changes in federal legislation, Ryan White Title 1 funds no longer exist since 2007. Over the course of 12 years, Thursday’s Child had great success in monitoring the effective use of these funds, and served over 1,000 people annually.
Long Island remains one of the most expensive places to live in our nation. The cost of housing, heating fuel, electricity, and food continue to rise at an alarming rate while individuals and families are not seeing any increase in their income. Unfortunately, the need for services is often still greater than the services that are available. However, we remain committed to the mission and purpose of the agency through our current services.
In 1995, Didi opened the doors to the Thursday’s Child office in Patchogue. Since that day, thousands of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS have come through the door of the office located on Terry Street. With the warm carpeting under your feet, the beautiful artwork on the walls, there was much that made it feel like home: in fact, the office itself was a reflection of Didi’s warmth and commitment to care for the community. We enter the fourth decade of the AIDS epidemic with renewed hope for the future! In July 2012, after 17 years on Terry Street, Gregory Noone’s success in obtaining and Early Intervention Service grant allowed the agency to move to a new location on Main Street—still in the Village of Patchogue, and still feeling like “home!”
The continuity of Didi’s principles remains in our hearts. Two original founding members are still involved with the day-to-day operations of the agency—Board President, Evan Cohen, and Program Manager Gregory L. Noone. Since July of 2010, a new National HIV/AIDS Strategy brings hope of an AIDS-free generation in which we hope to have zero discrimination, zero new infections, and zero AIDS-related deaths. Until that day comes, the crisis is far from over. Thousands still become HIV positive each year. Although modern medicines have indeed been miraculous and save lives, many become sick, disabled, and are unable to work due to the effects of AIDS on their health. Your help is sought to keep our doors open for as long as services are needed. With your continued support, we will serve our neighbors in need with dignity and respect. Thank you to our donors who make this work possible.