At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we believe in the power of giving back. Our dedication to justice extends beyond the courtroom and into our community. By supporting several non-profit organizations and charitable initiatives, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across Long Island and New York.
We are proud to support the Ascent School for Individuals with Autism, an institution dedicated to providing specialized education and resources for children with autism. The school plays a crucial role in helping students develop the skills they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our firm has partnered with Ascent to sponsor numerous programs and events, including their highly impactful golf fundraising events. These initiatives not only help raise essential funds but also bring together community members who share a commitment to supporting children with autism and their families.
Joe Bavaro, Senior Partner at SSKB, has taken a hands-on role in advancing the mission of the Ascent School. As past President of the Ascent Funding Organization, Joe works tirelessly with a parent-led team to secure the funding needed to sustain and expand the school’s vital programs. His dedication underscores our firm’s deep connection to the autism community and commitment to making a difference.
Joe’s involvement goes beyond administrative duties—he regularly participates in fundraising efforts, community outreach, and school events. The Ascent Funding Organization has been able to provide critical financial support that ensures the school can continue delivering life-changing education and services.
Supporting organizations like the Ascent School reflects our firm’s core belief in creating opportunities for all individuals to reach their full potential. By working together with Ascent, we aim to build a more inclusive future where every child has access to the resources and support they need to succeed.
To learn more about the Ascent School for Individuals with Autism and their mission, visit
www.ascentschool.org.
We invite you to support the incredible work of the Ascent School. Whether by attending an event, volunteering, or contributing, your involvement can help create life-changing opportunities for children with autism.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we are honored to be part of this journey and look forward to continuing our partnership with the Ascent School for years to come.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, our commitment to supporting individuals with autism and their families runs deep. One of our partners, Edward J. Nitkewicz, has been a tireless advocate for autism awareness, research, and support since his son’s autism diagnosis in 1999. His personal journey has shaped not only his dedication to the autism community but also the firm’s collective efforts to foster inclusion and understanding.
Through these roles, Ed has helped raise over $1 million to support autism research, treatment advancements, and community programs.
In addition to fundraising and advocacy, Ed has shared his expertise by lecturing on special education topics for organizations such as the Diocese of Rockville Centre, the Long Island Autism Fair,
the Cody Center for Autism, local school districts, and the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association (AHA).
Inspired by Ed’s leadership, our firm proudly participates in Autism Speaks’ annual Walk for Autism, an event that unites families, advocates, and supporters in raising funds and awareness. Each year, we walk alongside individuals whose resilience and courage inspire us to continue advocating for a more inclusive society.
Through our partnership with Autism Speaks and other autism-focused organizations, we strive to support families, advance research, and promote acceptance and understanding for individuals with autism.
Learn more about Autism Speaks and their incredible mission here.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America creates life-changing mentorship opportunities for children, fostering relationships that empower them to reach their full potential. At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we proudly support this organization through sponsorships and donations that help sustain their vital programs.
By contributing financially, we assist in funding mentor training, outreach efforts, and ongoing support for matches between “Bigs” and “Littles.”
One mentee shared how their “Big” inspired them to pursue a college education, breaking a cycle of hardship in their family and paving the way for a brighter future. Stories like these highlight the profound impact this organization has on individual lives and the broader community.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we are deeply committed to giving back to the communities that have entrusted us with their legal needs. Supporting organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is our way of ensuring the next generation has access to guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for success.
Each of the organizations we support represents hope, resilience, and transformation—values that inspire our work every day. Through our donations, sponsorships, and volunteer efforts, we aim to strengthen the community.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we are honored to support the Crime Victims Center (CVC), an organization dedicated to advocating for survivors of violent crimes. By offering counseling, advocacy, and education, the CVC provides essential resources that help survivors rebuild their lives and find justice.
Our firm helps ensure that survivors have access to the support and services they need. Beyond financial contributions, we also leverage our legal expertise to further the CVC’s mission.
One of our proudest collaborations was sponsoring the Suffolk County Bar Association’s CLE program: “Civil Remedies for Victims of Sexual Assault Under the Child Victims Act (CVA) and Adult Survivors Act (ASA)”
The program was led by two of our dedicated attorneys:
The CVC’s work is transformative—not just helping survivors heal, but inspiring them to become advocates themselves. We were especially moved by one young woman who, with CVC’s support, became a public voice for survivors and sparked hope for others to come forward.
The Child Victims Act (CVA) and Adult Survivors Act (ASA) provide critical pathways to justice. Our attorneys are committed to using these legal tools to hold abusers and institutions accountable.
Whether through financial support, volunteering, or legal representation, we stand with the Crime Victims Center in fighting for a future where survivors are supported and empowered.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.parentsformeganslaw.org. Together, we can ensure every survivor has access to justice, advocacy, and hope.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we are proud to support Island Harvest, a leading hunger-relief organization serving Long Island communities. Their mission to fight hunger goes far beyond food distribution. They also offer nutrition education, food rescue and redistribution systems, and workforce development programs aimed at helping families achieve lasting stability.
Through donations, food drives, and volunteer initiatives, our firm has witnessed the incredible impact Island Harvest has on the community. Their work not only provides immediate relief to families facing hunger but also empowers individuals with tools for a more sustainable future.
This past Thanksgiving, our entire team came together to make a difference. SSKB staff volunteered their time at food distribution centers across Long Island, assisting with packing, organizing, and distributing meals to families in need. Seeing the gratitude of those we served was both humbling and inspiring.
We also organized a firm-wide Thanksgiving food drive, collecting over 10 large bags of groceries and essential items. These donations helped ensure more families could celebrate the holidays with dignity and nourishment.
We understand that food insecurity affects not only individuals but entire families and communities. That’s why our commitment to supporting Island Harvest is year-round—from participating in food drives to volunteering at seasonal events.
We encourage you to get involved. Whether through donations, volunteering, or organizing your own food drive, every effort counts. To learn more, visit www.islandharvest.org.
Together, we can ensure that no family on Long Island goes hungry and that everyone has access to the comfort and security of a shared meal.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we believe that access to justice is a fundamental right. This belief is central to our support of Legal Services of Long Island (LSLI), a nonprofit providing free civil legal assistance to individuals and families who cannot afford an attorney.
Our firm proudly supports LSLI through volunteer work, financial contributions, and participation in fundraising initiatives. Their work is vital to protecting the rights of the underserved in matters ranging from housing and domestic violence to healthcare and family law.
Jeff Kimmel, Managing Partner at SSKB, has served as Chair of the LSLI Advisory Committee for several years. His guidance and advocacy have helped the organization expand its reach and strengthen its sustainability.
Jeff’s involvement is not limited to leadership. He volunteers his time, engages in outreach, and fundraises to ensure LSLI continues delivering essential legal services to those most in need.
The work of LSLI changes lives. In one standout case, a single mother facing eviction was not only able to keep her home but also received support services that helped stabilize her life. Cases like this exemplify how legal advocacy can protect vulnerable families.
Navigating legal issues without representation can be overwhelming. By supporting LSLI, we help bridge that gap and ensure every individual—regardless of income—has a fair opportunity to pursue justice.
Legal Services of Long Island is changing lives every day. To learn more or support their mission, visit www.legalservicesny.org.
Together, we can uphold the promise of justice for all. At SSKB, we’re proud to stand with LSLI in that mission.
The Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center provides essential support and resources for families navigating the emotional and physical challenges of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
We are proud to sponsor their caregiver support programs, which offer respite and resources to those who dedicate themselves to caring for loved ones. These programs provide not only emotional support but also guidance, education, and connection to community resources.
One caregiver shared that, thanks to the center’s support, they were able to attend their child’s graduation—something they never thought possible due to the demands of full-time care.
Together with the Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center, we strive to empower caregivers, restore hope, and ensure no family faces these challenges alone.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we deeply value the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans. That’s why we proudly support the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), an organization committed to supporting veterans injured in the line of duty through rehabilitation, resources, and empowerment.
WWP plays a vital role in helping veterans rebuild their lives by addressing physical recovery, mental health challenges, and career reintegration. Our firm has supported these initiatives through sponsorships, awareness, and community involvement.
SSKB Partner John Zervopoulos has brought a personal commitment to our firm’s support of veterans and those living with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
John represented Yianni Hatzikontos, a young man who suffered a traumatic brain injury following a devastating car accident. Yianni’s resilience inspired everyone at our firm—and his mother’s advocacy led her to become deeply involved with the Wounded Warrior Project.
Through her volunteer work, Yianni’s mother connected with veterans who had also suffered TBIs, offering support, encouragement, and empathy. Her efforts became a lifeline for others and a source of strength for her own healing journey.
Her impact—and Yianni’s story—deeply influenced John’s ongoing commitment to TBI awareness, and to amplifying the voices of those often unseen. John’s work with WWP reinforces the importance of community support and trauma-informed legal advocacy.
We invite you to support the life-changing work of the Wounded Warrior Project. Whether through volunteering, fundraising, or donations, your contribution helps veterans and their families thrive.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Together, we can honor the bravery and sacrifices of our veterans by ensuring they receive the care and opportunities they deserve.
Whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer, or learn more about the incredible organizations we support, we invite you to explore their websites or reach out to us directly. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate New York.
Together, we can continue to make a difference and build a brighter future for all.