FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 5, 2021 

L.I. Against Domestic Violence| Wendy Linsalata, Executive Director                

631.666.7181 | w.linsalata@liadv.org 

 L.I. Against Domestic Violence named winner in the 9th Annual Long Island Imagine Awards  

Central Islip, NY LI. Against Domestic Violence (LIADV) is proud and humbled to have been named the winning organization in the Innovation Category for the 9th Annual Long Island Imagine Awards. The 9th Annual Long Island Imagine Awards was held as a hybrid live/virtual event on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 in lieu of postponing the annual gala that attracts over 500 attendees.  

LIADV was named as the winner in the Innovation Category for their Paws for a Cause program, which houses pets of domestic violence victims directly in their shelter facility and, is the only pet accessible domestic violence shelter on Long Island. Over 60% of survivors report they stayed in a violent situation because they would not leave their pet. LIADV has addressed this concern for many years by providing foster care through local rescue groups for the family pets of clients who entered their shelter. While this did prove to be a viable option for some, many survivors opted not to come into shelter due to not wanting to be separated from their pet. In 2019, LIADV expanded their shelter to include facilities for the family pet. They now operate the only pet accessible domestic violence shelter on Long Island, and is among the 10% of Domestic Violence shelters in the country who can also accommodate the family pet. This expansion eliminates the barrier of survivors having to choose between their safety and the safety of their pets when leaving an abusive relationship.  

 The 2021 Long Island Imagine Awards Winners are: Cerini & Associates Social Impact Award• Long Island Housing Partnership The Certilman Balin Leadership Excellence Award • The Viscardi Center The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation Arts & Culture Award • Children’s Museum of the East End Flushing Bank Innovation Award • L. I. Against Domestic Violence Vanguard Insurance Agency Rising Star Award • Allied Foundation Nerds That Care Fan Favorite Award & Audience Vote Winner • The Book Fairies The 2021 Hall of Fame Award recipient was CP Nassau. 

The Long Island Imagine Awards was created by Chair Ken Cerini, Managing Partner of the accounting firm Cerini & Associates, LLP. "The nonprofit sector is vital to the very fabric of Long Island; with many nonprofits pivoting during the pandemic to continue find creative ways to provide essential services to so many Long Islanders in need. I’m excited that the Imagine Awards was also able to pivot to a hybrid event, so we were able to effectively recognize and showcase the impactful and innovative work that nonprofits are doing every day. In fact, the virtual format actually enhanced the Imagine Awards’ ability to showcase the region’s top nonprofits to a global audience." said Cerini. 

 LIADV Executive Director, Wendy Linsalata states " We are thrilled to receive recognition from the LI Imagine Awards for this important program and extend our congratulations to all award winners and finalists. Each and every organization deserves recognition for all performing such important work for the people of Long Island. 

 Keeping the family together greatly improves a client’s overall emotional wellbeing and furthers our mission of providing comprehensive safety and supportive services as we are now able to keep the family unit intact when shelter is needed.”  

 About the Organizations 

L.I. Against Domestic Violence (LIADV) provides a range of services that help over 12,000 Long Island adults and children each year to escape from abusive relationships and build new lives. Founded in 1976, LIADV is a regional pioneer and leader in empowering victims and survivors, providing them with shelter and support, and working with law enforcement and the community to prevent abuse. To learn more about L.I. Against Domestic Violence, visit www.liadv.org. 

About The Imagine Awards
The Imagine Awards was created in 2012 by Managing Partner, Ken Cerini of Cerini & Associates, LLP.  Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Imagine Awards recognize outstanding performances in the Long Island Community.  To learn more about the Imagine Awards, visit www.imagineawardsli.com. 

Details about Long Island Imagine Awards, list of Finalists in all categories are available at https://imagineawardsli.com/the-awards/  Replay of the live online event can be viewed here: 9th Annual Long Island Imagine Awards - YouTube 

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