DECEMBER 2021 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 19
COVID TRAUMA
ENDING THE CRISIS
BY DANIEL B. KAPLAN, PH.D.,
Director of Adelphi University’s
Center for Nonprofi t Leadership
Despite the continuing threat of the
coronavirus, government assistance
has funded measures to prevent the
collapse of essential sectors of our
economy. Many families continue
to grieve while others acknowledge
the good fortune of their health. The
work done by our healthcare heroes,
community advocates, policymakers,
school administrators, and vaccine
scientists should be celebrated.
Yet while people rebuild the damaged
parts of their lives, the diffi cult work
being done in our communities falls, in
large part, to nonprofi t organizations.
And it is now time to turn more attention
to supporting their vital eff orts.
I have regular contact with leaders of
nonprofi ts who have addressed health,
housing, eldercare, social services,
education, employment, social justice,
and other instrumental areas of community
wellness. These organizations
faced the daunting task of fulfi lling
their missions throughout the pandemic,
confronting the hardships that have
defi ned the past 18 months for us all.
Unfortunately, with new challenges
that may not be easily overcome, I fear
that many charitable organizations
will not survive. The organizations
report that this is a time of both unprecedented
demand for the services
of nonprofits and fewer resources
available to support that work. Sparse
gift s are being made by donors. Philanthropic
foundations are justifi ably
investing most or all of their funding
in immediate relief for those hardest
hit by the pandemic. In-person fundraising
galas and other events are still
not always safe to host. Employees are
seeking less intense work schedules
and fewer responsibilities in order
to manage new complexities of life at
home, while resources are lacking for
new hires. Fiscal reserves are seriously
depleted and operating budgets are
emaciated.
Consumerism made it possible for
many to feel comfortable and reassured
during a time of collective
trauma. Now is the time to feel good
about helping your neighbors and the
people in your community who are
suffering and struggling in the spaces
you cannot see.
If you can give any amount, there are
people in your town who really need
help. The nonprofi t sector will convert
your dollars into life-saving and sustaining
services. This is one of those
moments for acts of heroism, to fi gure
out how much you can give right now or
on a monthly basis, and which charities
you wish to support. Help to hold us
steady so that we can be the safety net
for those in greatest need and put an
end to this crisis.
POINT OF VIEW
“This is one of
those moments
for acts of
heroism.”
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
