Juan Castro, president of IAC opened the May meeting by thanking The Reverend Betsy Simpson of the First Presbyterian Church for hosting the monthly event. The Rev. Simpson opened her informative talk by explaining to the membership that a recent phone call she received gave her quite a shock. The caller asked, “Are you open to the public?” While the humor of it was understood, the question was a serious one. The Rev. Simpson gave an overview of the Presbyterian movement, its international interests and in particular its missionaries around the globe. As a religious movement, they are advocates for social action and justice and they maintain an office at the United Nations. On a local level, they are involved in a number of ecumenical services in the community, a food bank and one of the community’s outstanding humanitarian programs, the Sheltering Program. The Church opens it doors to homeless day workers during the winter month from Thanksgiving through April. Hot meals are donated and served in the evening, sleeping bags/cots are provided as well as morning coffee. The membership gave a round of applause, recognizing the Church’s exceptional generosity in providing this shelter.

Juan introduced the morning speaker, Nassau County Deputy Controller, John Macari, who was instrumental in filing IAC’s 501 c 3 application and securing it. Non-profit organizations, such as IAC, cannot legal seek funding from the public or be eligible to receive grants without the 501 c 3 certification. Mr. Macari efforts and his success in securing this certification was greatly appreciated by the membership. He took the opportunity to provide the membership with some background on how he acquired the complex knowledge associated with the non-profit certification required by both the federal and state governments. All non-profits are required to become knowledgeable with the rules and regulations that apply to fundraising, what can and cannot be done within the parameters of the law. There is also accountability reporting required. His talk was followed by a lively question and answer period. Juan thanked Mr. Macari for taking the time to provide this important information.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at 9 a.m. at The Cole House Restaurant for breakfast. Mayor Mary Ann Holzkamp will be the featured guest. Member agencies are encouraged to have a representative attend the monthly meetings.