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In this time of crisis, our hearts go out to all those suffering from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy. As Dowling prepares to reopen its doors on Wednesday, we are working to not only ensure a smooth return to campus and academic life but are reaching out to provide assistance to any members of the Dowling family who are in need. With gas still difficult to come by and so many still struggling to recover from the storm, we will, of course, work with any students who have ongoing issues regarding transportation, power, shelter, or finances.

For assistance with personal or academic matters, please contact Dr. Clyde Payne, our Dean of Students, at 631-244-3404 (paynec@dowling.edu), or the Office of the President at 631-244-3420.

I would like to reassure you that, despite our precarious location, the Oakdale campus has weathered the storm without any damage to the physical plant. Like so many of you, we too lost power and, as you no doubt noticed, our web site was down for a number of days; those problems have now been corrected thanks to the hard work of so many of our staff. In the days, ahead, we will all be working together to rebuild and restore. To that end, registration for spring classes will proceed as planned with the Registration Common Hour scheduled for 3:30, Wed. Nov. 7 in the Ballroom.

Volunteers continue to be needed for the relief effort. Anyone wishing to volunteer to assist those in need, please contact Theresa Gabriel our Director of Student Activities at gabrielt@dowling.edu

Please find below a link to numerous services and support available for anyone in need of food, shelter, and/or disaster relief. I wish health and hope to you and your families.

Dr. Elana Zolfo
Interim President Dowling College

Dowling PAC (Personal Assistance and Counseling):
(631) 244-3455 or 1-800-624-2593

Suffolk County Office Government:
For warming centers, overnight shelters, and up to date relief information, go to: http://scoem.suffolkcountyny.gov/

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
1-800-621-3362 or http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ Disaster Recovery Site Open in Suffolk County at the H. Lee Dennison Building 100 Veterans Memorial Hwy Hauppauge. Hours 11 AM – 7 PM

The American Red Cross:
1-877-REDCROSS
http://www.redcross.org/find-help
http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=long_island
http://www.redcross.org/find-help/disaster-recovery

The American Red Cross has opened six feeding sites in areas of Long Island that were especially hard-hit by Hurricane Sandy. Three sites are open in Nassau County and three in Suffolk County. Red Cross workers are distributing water, snacks and personal hygiene comfort kits at each location. A total of 3,300 meals (sandwiches) will be available at lunch and dinner at each site. The hours of operation for each feeding site will be 11 am to 1 pm for lunch and from 4 pm to 6 pm for dinner. These sites are expected to be operational at least through the weekend.

Here is the name and location of each feeding site:

Suffolk County

Riverhead City Center
210 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY

H.L. Dennison
100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY

Mastic Fire House
1080 Mastic Road, Mastic, NY

Nassau County

Nickerson Beach Park
880 Lido Boulevard, Lido Beach, NY

Cedar Crest Park
3340 Merrick Road, Seaford, NY

Christopher Marley Park
500 Searingtown Road, Roslyn, NY

Shelters

1) Search for open shelters by texting: SHELTER and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA). Ex: Shelter 01234 (std rates apply)

2) Search for shelters through the Red Cross. Go to: http://www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter

Disaster Distress Helpline

1-800-985-5990 or Text TalkWithUs to 66746

Response Crisis Hotline:

(631) 751-7500

Family Service League Centers:

http://www.fsl-li.org

Olsten Family Center
790 Park Avenue Huntington
631-427-3700

Manor Field Family Center
90 East Fifth Street Huntington Station
631-425-9694

Iovino South Shore Family Center
1444 Fifth Avenue Bay Shore
631-647-3100

Brookhaven Family Center
1490 William Floyd Parkway East Yaphank
631-924-3741

Kanas Family Center
141 Colin Drive East Yaphank
631-205-5820

Riverhead Family Center
208 Roanoke Avenue Riverhead
631-369-0104