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.
Below, we share our involvement with remarkable organizations that are changing lives every day.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we believe that access to justice is a fundamental right, not a privilege. This conviction is at the heart of our partnership with Legal Services of Long Island (LSLI), a nonprofit organization that provides free civil legal assistance to individuals and families who cannot afford an attorney. LSLI works tirelessly to empower vulnerable populations, helping them achieve stability and justice in the face of adversity.
Our firm proudly supports the mission of Legal Services of Long Island by volunteering time, providing financial resources, and participating in fundraising initiatives. The organization plays a critical role in protecting the rights of the underserved, assisting clients with matters such as housing, domestic violence, healthcare, and family law.
Jeff Kimmel, Managing Partner at SSKB, has been a longstanding advocate for Legal Services of Long Island. Serving as Chair of the Advisory Committee for several years, Jeff has played a vital role in guiding the organization’s efforts and ensuring its sustainability. His leadership has helped LSLI expand its reach, providing crucial legal services to thousands of New Yorkers in need.
Jeff’s commitment goes beyond boardroom discussions. As an active volunteer and fundraiser, he has worked directly with LSLI to support its programs and initiatives. His hands-on involvement reflects his unwavering dedication to breaking down barriers to justice and supporting individuals during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
The work of Legal Services of Long Island creates ripples of hope and change across the community. One particularly memorable case involved a single mother facing eviction. With LSLI’s help, she not only kept her home but also received additional support that allowed her to rebuild her life. Witnessing the relief and gratitude of clients like her underscores why this work is so essential.
These stories inspire us to continue our involvement and advocate for greater access to legal services for those who need them most.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we understand that navigating legal challenges can be overwhelming, especially for those with limited resources. By supporting Legal Services of Long Island, we aim to bridge the gap for individuals and families who might otherwise be left without representation or recourse.
Our partnership with LSLI is a reflection of our broader commitment to empowering communities and ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to pursue justice.
Legal Services of Long Island is changing lives every day, and you can be a part of their mission. To learn more about their work or to contribute, visit their website at www.legalservicesny.org.
Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we are honored to support this vital organization and will continue to champion their cause for years to come.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, 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 their website at 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.
Ed’s involvement with autism advocacy is extensive. He has served as:
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), Inc. His work has empowered countless families to navigate the challenges associated with autism and access vital resources.
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.
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 extends beyond food distribution. Their comprehensive approach includes innovative programs like food rescue and distribution systems, nutrition education, and workforce development initiatives. By tailoring services to meet the unique needs of specific populations—such as veterans, seniors, and families—they provide not just meals, but pathways to long-term 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 members volunteered their time at food distribution centers across Long Island, assisting with packing, organizing, and distributing meals to families in need. It was a humbling and rewarding experience to work directly with Island Harvest, seeing the gratitude on the faces of those who benefited from these efforts.
In addition to volunteering, our firm organized a Thanksgiving food drive that resulted in the collection of over 10 large bags of food and essential toiletries. These donations were distributed to families who might not have otherwise had the means to celebrate the holiday.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we understand that hunger affects not just individuals but entire families and communities. That’s why we are committed to supporting Island Harvest’s mission throughout the year. From participating in food drives to volunteering at events, our team is dedicated to making a difference in the fight against hunger.
We encourage you to join us in supporting this incredible organization. Whether through donations, volunteering, or organizing your own food drive, every effort helps make a meaningful impact. To learn more about Island Harvest or to get involved, visit their website at www.islandharvest.org.
Together, we can ensure that no family on Long Island goes hungry and that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the comfort and security of a shared meal. At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we are proud to stand with Island Harvest in building a stronger, more compassionate community.
The Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center provides vital support and resources for families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia. We are honored to sponsor their caregiver programs, which offer much-needed respite to those providing round-the-clock care. A caregiver once shared that, thanks to these resources, they were able to attend their child’s graduation—an experience they thought impossible before receiving support.
Together, we strive to empower caregivers, provide hope, and ensure that no family faces these challenges alone.
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 Crime Victims Center 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 with the Crime Victims Center was sponsoring the Suffolk County Bar Association’s Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program titled “Civil Remedies for Victims of Sexual Assault Under the Child Victims Act (CVA) and Adult Survivors Act (ASA).” This program was designed to educate attorneys on how to effectively represent survivors of sexual assault in civil court, empowering more victims to seek justice.
The program was led by two of our dedicated attorneys:
The work of the Crime Victims Center is transformative, not only in helping survivors heal but also in inspiring them to become advocates themselves. We were especially moved by one young woman who, with the support of the CVC, transitioned from being a survivor to a powerful advocate for change. Her courage and determination to share her story have inspired others to come forward, creating a ripple effect of hope and empowerment.
The Child Victims Act (CVA) and Adult Survivors Act (ASA) have been instrumental in providing survivors with expanded opportunities to seek justice against perpetrators and the institutions that enabled their abuse. Our attorneys are deeply committed to using these legal tools to help survivors find closure and accountability. By educating other legal professionals through programs like the CLE, we aim to amplify the impact of these laws and ensure that more survivors have access to effective representation.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, our partnership with the Crime Victims Center is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to justice and advocacy for survivors of violent crimes. Whether through financial support, volunteering, or legal representation, we are dedicated to helping survivors reclaim their lives and create a future defined by resilience and strength.
We invite you to join us in supporting the vital work of the Crime Victims Center. To learn more about their mission or to get involved, visit their website at www.parentsformeganslaw.org.
Together, we can ensure that every survivor has access to the resources, support, and justice they deserve. At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we remain steadfast in our commitment to being part of this crucial effort.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we deeply value the sacrifices made by veterans and service members in defending our nation. That’s why we are proud supporters of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), an organization dedicated to providing resources, rehabilitation, and empowerment opportunities to veterans injured in the line of duty.
The Wounded Warrior Project plays a vital role in helping veterans rebuild their lives, offering programs that address physical recovery, mental health, and career reintegration. Our firm has supported WWP’s mission through sponsorships and donations.
SSKB Partner John Zervopoulos has brought a deeply personal commitment to our firm’s support for veterans and individuals living with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). His dedication stems from his experience representing Yianni Hatzikontos, a young man who suffered a TBI following a devastating auto accident. Yianni’s resilience and determination left an enduring impression on everyone at our firm, inspiring John’s continued advocacy.
Yianni’s story also highlights the remarkable role his mother played in turning personal tragedy into meaningful advocacy. In the aftermath of Yianni’s injury, his mother became deeply involved with the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). Her work extended beyond her own family’s challenges as she engaged with veterans who, like her son, were grappling with the life-altering impacts of TBIs. She provided support, understanding, and connection to those who often felt isolated in their struggles. Her unwavering commitment not only gave her strength but also created a network of hope for others in similar circumstances.
Seeing the profound impact of Yianni’s mother’s involvement with WWP further inspired John Zervopoulos to champion the cause of those affected by TBIs. Her advocacy underscored the critical need for community, resources, and awareness for both veterans and civilians living with brain injuries. Yianni’s journey as a survivor, paired with his mother’s tireless work, motivated John to deepen his own efforts to support service members and others who have suffered such injuries.
John’s commitment to those with TBIs extends far beyond the courtroom. His dedication to justice and advocacy aligns with our firm’s broader mission to support the Wounded Warrior Project. By sharing Yianni’s story and amplifying the voices of those living with brain injuries, John helps shine a light on the importance of honoring the sacrifices of veterans and providing them with meaningful support. This partnership between the firm, John’s work, and advocates like Yianni’s mother exemplifies how personal connections can drive powerful change for individuals and their communities.
We encourage you to join us in supporting the incredible work of the Wounded Warrior Project. Whether through donations, volunteering, or attending events, your contribution can make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans. To learn more about their mission or to get involved, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Together, we can honor the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes and provide them with the support they deserve to thrive.
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 commu