(BRENTWOOD, NY) – Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez asked the Central Islip Civic Council Board of Directors and Officers to raise their right hands and swear an oath to faithfully discharge their duty as stewards of an organization that provides unique affordable housing opportunities and many vital community services and programs.

The Central Islip Civic Council is a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved housing counseling agency located on 68 Wheeler Road, Central Islip, NY. The organization was established in 1966 and incorporated as a not for profit agency in 1980. From its founding, the organization has implemented innovative programs and services to fulfill its mission “To improve the quality of life for all residents of Central Islip.” The Central Islip Civic Council has purchased, rehabbed, and sold more than 19 homes and built 10 new affordable homes for first time lower-income buyers. In addition to homeownership programs such as foreclosure intervention, financial literacy counseling, and energy conservation, the Council established school programs, youth programs, and a food pantry that serves over 4,000 needy people annually.

“I was humbled and honored to administer the Oath of Office to the Central Islip Civic Council Board members. The Board includes Annette Bernard – Vice President, Dr. Teresa Bryant – Member, Carol Meyers – Treasurer, Josephine Walsh – Member, Nancy Vargas Johnson – President, Renee Johnson – Secretary, Beverly Rivera-Drummond – Member, William Dungee – Advisory Board Member, and Joan Crescitelli – Executive Director. I wish them much success as they lead an organization that has become an indispensable community resource for tenants, homeowners, students, and families for more than 50 years,” said Legislator Gonzalez.