Senior Dreams Come True Receives its Largest Donation of Over $7,000 from “100 Women Who Care About Long Island”

November 2014

Cona Elder Law’s Charitable Organization Now Revved Up to Grant More Wishes

Senior Dreams Come True, a nonprofit organization founded by the Melville, LI- based leading elder law firm Cona Elder Law, has received its biggest donation of over $7,000 from “100 Women Who Care About Long Island.” This additional funding, along with nearly $1,500 raised at an art auction sponsored by The Bristal Assisted Living in September, will allow Senior Dreams to grant more wishes to LI seniors in need.

Many seniors on Long Island with limited incomes are finding that life continues to be a greater challenge when trying to meet a basic need or fulfill a lifelong dream.  Since Senior Dreams started four years ago, six people have been granted their wishes for such needs as:

• medical expenses including extensive dental care
• funding transportation for a mother to visit her child in an upstate group home who she hasn’t seen in five years
• home modification and ramp for a 90 year old woman with Alzheimer’s
• a new mattress for a man with severe back problems and neuropathy
• restoration of an extremely overgrown and long neglected yard for a 91 year old woman

A recent winner, Anna Castoro of Riverhead, commented that through Senior Dreams, her dental work dream came true. Now, she can speak more clearly and isn’t afraid to smile.

As an advocate for seniors, Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., partner at Cona Elder Law, helped to launch Senior Dreams Come True through its subsidiary Cona Elder Law Charitable Events, a nonprofit organization. 

Melissa is a charter member of “100 Women Who Care About Long Island”. “This group has opened my eyes to so many amazing local charities, and I am happy to do my part in helping these worthy organizations,” says Ms. Negrin-Wiener, Esq.  “It is also an honor that the members of “100 Women Who Care About Long Island” recognize the value and services of Senior Dreams Come True.  Since I work with members of the senior community every day, this charity is dear to my heart. With this generous donation, we can now help more local seniors in need.” 

The charity was one of the three considered at the July meeting of 100 Women Who Care About Long Island. According to Tracy Lobdell, founder of 100 Women, “Based on Melissa’s presentation to our members, I believe that the charity's mission resonated with the group. Senior Dreams Come True is the only charity that has been nominated for consideration that specifically addresses the needs of the elderly on Long Island.”

Applicants for Senior Dreams must be 65 or over with an income limit of no more than $1,500 per month for single individuals and $2,000 per month for a married couple. A letter or statement under 750 words describing the senior’s need must be submitted along with a Wish Request form.  The application should also document how the senior has given to others and contributed to society in some way. 

To obtain an application and “Wish Request” form, go to the Cona Elder Law website: www.conaelderlaw.com or call 631-390-5000.

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